Value of LAMBPLAN's Muscle EBVs

Summary

Using well-muscled rams to produce progeny with higher meat yields will become increasingly important, especially if WA processors implement VIAscan and payment grids are based on lean meat yield. Under marketing systems, which are based on carcase weight, a high growth index was more profitable for the producer. The high muscle index was more profitable for the processor, as the weight and fat payment system did not identify and reward producers for high yielding carcases. The group clearly showed that EMD improved with rams selected for high EMD EBVs, but was disappointed not to see rewards in the market place as there was no yield-based trading.