![]() ![]() Since the domestication of animals by man, selection has occurred. produce heifer replacements from suckler cows.minimising costs associated with calving.Other articles will examine how best to use of this information to: Similar information is also available on the heifers and cows in a recorded herd. This information is available from pedigree breeders and is generally shown on cards placed above the bulls at the premier bull sales. It is an introduction to the figures, which are used to describe the performance of beef animals. This article is the first in a series examining how modern breeding technology allows beef producers to select and breed, efficient and profitable animals. ££ Increase returns by selecting good looking bulls with the right figures ££ Profit from better beef breeding Bulls with high negative values are avoided to ensure physical and financial losses at calving time are kept to a minimum. At Greenmount College the average calving value of the stock bulls is 1. Bull A carries superior genetics for both calving value and beef value when compared with bull B.īull A generates an extra £750 income as compared to bull B and with increased selection by pedigree breeders the financial rewards will increase. Positive values mean increased profits, negative values mean a reduction in profits. For example a bull with a Calving Value of +4 is expected to produce calves which save an average of £2 each in costs associated with calving, compared with a bull with a Calving Value of 0. As a bull passes on half his genes to the next generation the value must be halved. The calving value is presented as a cash value per head, representative of the bull’s genetic ability. It is calculated by combining the gestation length and calving ease EBV’s, which also takes into account the birthweight EBV. This is an overall assessment of the economic value of an animal’s effect on calving, designed to help producers select easy-calving bulls. To simplify selection decisions these values have been combined into a multi-trait selection index, known as the Calving Value Index. The greater the value the more accurate the EBV. Table 1 Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) associated with calvingĮxpected change in percentage of unassisted calvingsĮach EBV has an associated accuracy value expressed as a percentage point ranging from 0 to 100. To maximise financial gain it would be best to select bulls with the relevant correct balance of positive and negative trait values, as highlighted. The EBV’s associated with calving are shown in Table 1. Therefore, using EBV’s to aid stock selection means you are basing decisions on an animals estimated genetic ability and not only on the stockman’s ability to turnout stock. It is determined by the animal’s own performance and also the performance of it’s relatives. It is able to separate out the genetic factors influencing an animal’s performance from the environmental factors, ie. This is possible due to a powerful computer program, known as Best Linear Unbiased Prediction ‘BLUP’. ![]() ![]() AI Services collect the information from pedigree breeders in Northern Ireland and it is then processed by Signet, through the Beefbreeder service. These are given for a number of recorded traits. Base the future on Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s). It is important when purchasing any pedigree sire to base the final decision on both visual assessment and genetic information. Fortunately, modern technology and breeding tools are available and if used correctly, can help make the difference. Now, the next generation of beef producers must look at what they have inherited and select those animals capable of delivering a profitable future. ![]() Information is now available which allows you to base your bull selection on facts.ĭuring the last 30 years the industry progressed by simple breed substitution, imported continental breeds. Calves - profit at calving time Profit from better beef breeding - at calving timeĭifficult calvings, dead calves, all of which increase stress and the number of sleepless nights at calving time. ![]()
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