Introduction
The national recording scheme for beef cattle in South Africa dates back to the early sixties. Since the inception of this scheme, the majority of beef cattle breeders have been participating in animal recording. For almost three decades breeders have had a choice of preferred service providers for recording and genetic evaluations. On an international level, organizations such as the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) set the standards for recording various traits of economic importance and are continuously involved in research for its members.
Accurate measurement and recording of different traits on the farm, in combination with pedigree information and correct contemporary groups, have been the foundation for Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and the driver for genetic progress. This approach is referred to as a data-driven approach, which has provided South African beef breeders with positive results when applied in their selection programs.
