PS11-28. There Is No Best Bull: Teaching Tradeoffs in Beef Cattle Genetic Selection.

Abstract Genetic selection decisions in beef cattle production require producers to balance multiple traits encompassing economic priorities and long-term herd goals. Undergraduate students often learn the theoretical foundations of these decisions but have fewer opportunities to practice applying industry genetic evaluation tools in realistic production scenarios. To provide an applied learning experience, a genetic selection laboratory activity was incorporated into a 400-level Beef Production course. The objective of this exercise was to have students interpret expected progeny differences (EPDs) and use them to develop sire selection strategies aligned with specific herd objectives. The lab was designed to focus on social learning and incorporated reading scenarios, writing responses, and group discussion. This was done to incorporate teamwork and replicate working as a consultant on realistic genetic decisions. Students worked in groups of 4-5 (n = 4 groups; totaling n = 17 students) and were presented with simulated commercial beef operations representing different production environments and marketing goals. Each group evaluated a set of potential bulls using commonly reported genetic information such as EPDs, trait accuracies, and selection indices. Students were asked to determine which bulls best fit the production system and to justify their decisions based on economically relevant traits including calving ease, growth performance, carcass merit, and maternal characteristics. The exercise required students to consider tradeoffs among traits, evaluate the level of confidence associated with genetic predictions, and discuss how breed selection, crossbreeding strategies, and heterosis could influence long-term herd performance. Groups presented their recommendations and explained the reasoning behind their selections, allowing the class to compare how different breeding priorities influenced sire choice. Discussion emphasized how breeding objectives vary across production systems and how consistent selection decisions over time contribute to cumulative genetic progress in a herd. Several key learning outcomes emerged from the activity: (1) effective genetic selection begins with clearly defined breeding objectives; (2) economically relevant traits must be balanced rather than optimized individually; (3) genetic prediction tools such as EPDs and indices support decision-making but still involve uncertainty; (4) crossbreeding and breed complementarity can be used strategically to improve productivity; and (5) long-term herd improvement depends on consistent selection across generations. This laboratory exercise provided a practical framework for applying livestock genetics concepts while strengthening students’ ability to interpret industry genetic evaluation tools and make informed breeding decisions within realistic beef production systems.