Tips for Collecting Structural Score
Part of the ‘If we don’t measure it, we can’t improve it’ series from Angus Australia, the video explores some important considerations when collecting structural scores.
Collecting Docility Information
Docility scores taken on calves between 60 and 400 days of age are used to calculate Docility EBVs within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE). Recording docility scores Animals can … Read more
Benchmarking within the breed
Using EBVs to Benchmark an Animal’s Genetics with the Breed TACE EBVs can also be used to benchmark an animal’s genetics relative to the genetics of other Angus or Angus … Read more
Comparing the genetics of two animals
Using EBVs to Compare the Genetics of Two Animals TACE EBVs can be used to estimate the expected difference in the genetics of two animals, with the expected difference equating … Read more
Bringing your new bull home
Bulls are a large investment, so spend a little time making sure they adjust to their new environment, are fit, free from disease and actively working. • Consult with your … Read more
Selecting a bull – Physical tributes
Herd fertility has a major impact on returns in a commercial beef herd. In economic terms, a 1% increase in herd fertility is equivalent to approximately a 10% rise in … Read more
Do EBVs work?
Trials are occasionally carried out to validate Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), to prove that what they are predicting is actually happening on commercial farms. This involves matching the expected performance … Read more
Where your breeder goes, you go
Is the breeder making real progress? The bull breeder’s breeding programme should be clear, easily explained and backed up by good records and clear facts. It is important to ask questions to establish the genetic merit of the herd and whether genetic progress is being made in the traits that are of interest to you.
Setting Breeding Objectives
Which traits contribute to production and profitability? What emphasis should you place on each trait when selecting breeding stock? Setting a breeding objective can be as simple as choosing a breed, or more sophisticated such as increasing weaning weight.
Breeding values: your tool for looking under the hood of your next sire
There’s no doubt that when you’re buying a bull, his physical and structural soundness must be factored in. But what you can’t see is just as important. Using breeding values allow you to see ‘under the hood’ of an animal. You can see his weak points and his strengths to decide if he’s the right fit for your herd. In this presentation,
Performance Recording Problems
Matt Reynolds, Breed Development Officer of Angus Australia talks about how to maximise the quality of your records
Recording Mature Cow Weights
Mature cow weight has been a topical trait in 2020 and whether your breeding program aims to increase, decrease or remain constant the genetic merit of the herd for the trait, the critical practice remains the same. We need to be recording mature cow weights, as it is only with the accurate description of the trait that we as breeders can make the selection and breeding decisions which will ultimately drive the direction of the breed.