A newly released study by Certified Angus Beef, Black Ink Basics, conducted at Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity proves docility makes a difference. The study collected data on 68,000 cattle from Iowa feedlots and used the six-point Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) disposition scoring system. The cattle were scored three to four times during feeding periods and then were grouped into three categories: docile (DC), restless (R) and nervous to very aggressive (NVA).
Highlights from the study
- When Considering all the costs, docile calves netted more than $57 above their aggressive counterparts
- Calves that were considered docile graded Premium Choice and Prime at more than double the rate of their nervous to very aggressive contemporaries
- Aggressive calves also had lower feedlot gain and efficiency, resulting in a $34.74/head feeding loss
- Favorable disposition equals higher postweaning calf value
- Docile calves earned $13.11 more in quality grade premiums
- Docile calves had more than double the Certified Angus Beef Brand acceptance rate over aggressive cattle
- Aggressive cattle produced less desirable carcasses with 25% more dark cutter
Certified Angus Beef Focus on Cattleman page
ABS is committed to providing the highest genetic and service solutions for your operation. If you want to improve the docility of your herd, look to these top 15 ABS mainline proven and semi-proven sires.
| Name | DOC | DOC Acc |
| POWER TOOL |
39 | 0.66 |
| SAFEGUARD | 37 | 0.49 |
| C C & 7 | 35 | 0.91 |
| TEMPLATE | 32 | 0.65 |
| LIBERTY | 31 | 0.70 |
| TRUST | 29 | 0.78 |
| NEW DESIGN 458N | 27 | 0.78 |
| ABSOLUTE | 27 | 0.60 |
| PROGRESSION | 25 | 0.43 |
| 2U66 | 24 | 0.32 |
| HOOVER DAM | 22 | 0.89 |
| EFFICIENT | 22 | 0.80 |
| FORESIGHT | 20 | 0.90 |
| DESTINATION 928 | 20 | 0.82 |
| MOTIVE | 20 | 0.46 |
ABS Beef 