beef cattle breeding programmes

INTRODUCTION
Beef breeding programmes have developed significantly in the last 24 years since the 1st
WCGALP. Breeding programs as defined here include the definition of breeding objectives,
recording and genetic evaluation programs to develop selection criteria and developments in
selection and mating technology to optimize genetic progress for the objective. Available
today are tools for the implementation of breeding programs, which were at one point only a
concept. The objectives of this paper are to review the current state of applied beef cattle
breeding programs and related technologies and speculate on future prospects. The emphasis
will be on specialized beef breeding programs in the developed world with reference to
specific experience in Canada, acknowledging that this is not relevant to beef production in all
areas of the world. However, for much of the developed world where specialized beef
production is common the following developments and prospects could be valid.