Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

Which trait in beef cattle has the highest heritability estimate?

1. Weight gain

2. Rib eye area

3. Milk production

4. Conformation

The correct answer is: Rib eye area

Rib eye area is recognized as having the highest heritability estimate among the traits listed for beef cattle. This means that genetic factors play a significant role in determining the rib eye area of cattle. High heritability suggests that improvements in this trait can be made more effectively through selective breeding, as the genetic influence is strong and the trait is more likely to be passed on from parents to offspring. In contrast, traits such as milk production and weight gain can be influenced by environmental factors, nutrition, and management practices in addition to genetics. These traits often exhibit lower heritability estimates, indicating a more complex interaction between genetic attributes and external factors. Conformation, which relates to the overall structure and shape of the animal, also tends to demonstrate variability due to environmental impacts, further contributing to a lower heritability coefficient compared to rib eye area. Thus, rib eye area stands out in this context, representing a trait where selective breeding efforts can yield more predictable results in enhancing quality in beef cattle.