A deterministic simulation was used to compare six breeding schemes based on different levels of performance recording: (1) only body weights, (2) only dairy traits, (3) body weights and reproductive traits, (4) dairy and reproductive traits, (5) body weights and dairy traits and (6) body weights, reproductive and dairy traits. Other factors were also studied, as the level of usage of proven sires, variations in the economic value of slaughter weight and eliminating progeny testing in the beef herd tier of the population. Genetic gains and returns were high in all schemes. Dairy schemes were superior, mainly due to responses in lowering mature cow weight and increasing milk yield. Reproductive traits were more important in the beef schemes. Returns increased with higher usage of proven sires, although not proportionally. The contribution of beef traits to genetic profit was higher than that of dairy traits only when the economic value of slaughter weight exceeded 14 times the economic value of milk yield. The exclusion of progeny testing in the beef cows tier had little effect on the genetic or economic results.
dual-purpose cattle; breeding programs; genetic gain; return; zebu
