Breed trends in beef calf lots marketed through video auctions from 1995 through 2018

Abstract

Objective: Our overall objective was to characterize potential changes in breed composition of lots of beef calves marketed through video auctions. Specific objectives of the study were to (1) assess trends in percentage of lots marketed with Brahman influence nationally and regionally within the United States and (2) characterize trends in percentage of beef calf lots sired by a single breed. Materials and Methods: Data were available on 93,081 lots marketed through 189 summer video auctions from 1995 to 2018. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to determine presence of an increasing or decreasing trend, with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results and Discussion: Nationally, the percentage of Brahman-influenced lots decreased (P < 0.0001). The percentage of lots with Brahman influence decreased (P < 0.0001) in the West Coast, Rocky Mountain/North Central, South Central, and Texas regions. No change occurred in percentage of lots with Brahman influence in Coastal or Subcoastal regions. There was a decrease over time (P < 0.0001) in percentage of lots sired by Angus bulls; an increase (P < 0.01) in Brangus-, Charolais-, Red Angus-, and SimAngus-sired lots; and no change in Hereford-sired lots. Implications and Applications: Nationally, percentage of Brahman-influenced lots decreased, but it remained static in regions with a relatively hot and humid climate. Market signals from packers may influence decisions, and commercial beef producers should appropriately consider environment, buyer demands, and available resources when making breed composition and trait selection decisions.