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Interbeef

In the early 2000’s, studies among European countries underlined the need of an international evaluation for beef cattle that would take into account, among other things, the presence of genotype-by-environment interaction. In 2006 the ICAR Interbeef Working Group was established to provide a forum for members of ICAR to collaborate, exchange information and learn from each other on all aspects of recording and genetic evaluation of beef breeds and traits of relevance to beef production. The first Interbeef evaluation was carried out by Interbull Centre in 2015 and has further been improved and developed since then. 

Interbeef evaluations are carried out using raw performance data provided by the National Genetic Evaluation Centres (NGECs). This contrasts with the dairy evaluations which are based on national EBVs.

The raw performance data from each Interbeef member is treated as a separate trait in an international multi-trait (multi-country) genetic evaluation and analysed based on each country’s national evaluation model. The resulting breeding values are provided on each member country’s scale. 

Official Interbeef breeding values for available traits and breeds are estimated and made available for publication twice a year (March and October). Every April, unpublished test results are provided to assist participating countries to improve their models, methodologies, and processes. Additional information and documentation about the service are available on the ICAR webpage

Visit the Interbeef Working Group on the ICAR website