TEST RESULTS: Tautane Station manager Matt Smith says he is impressed with
results to date from the B+LNZ Genetics beef progeny test.
Photo supplied
RESULTS coming in now from Beef and Lamb New Zealand beef progeny testing will allow commercial farmers to bank on estimated breeding values for calf weaning weights.
The test is being run across five large commercial properties and involves 2200 cows and heifers annually. Its goal is to determine how bulls of different types perform under comparable commercial conditions. It aims to put a dollar value on the worth of superior genetics – from both the perspective of breeding cow performance and finishing stock’s carcass attributes.
The numbers are rolling in, with the second cohort of calves due on the ground in coming weeks.
B+LNZ Genetics general manager Graham Alder said there were three key results for commercial farmers to note.
“The most significant result so far is around the estimated breeding value for weaning weight.
More than 80 percent of the expected weaning weight advantage predicted by estimated breeding values is being realised on New Zealand commercial farms,” he said.
Mr Alder said farmers could be reassured by the results.
“They were achieved across the country on five large-scale farms, across different breeds and with both highly-proven bulls and bulls that could be purchased by commercial farmers at most bull sales.
“The key point is the calf weaning weight EBV will largely deliver what you expect. So, if you want heavier calves, choose bulls with heavier 200 Day Weight EBVs,” he said.
Lead scientist Doctor Jason Archer said the other two key findings related to artificial insemination (AI) results and the impact of cow condition at mating.
“AI success improved markedly between year 1 and 2 of the test – likely due to improved cow body condition scores, more feed handy to yards, quieter cattle and a tighter calving period resulting from the success of the year 1 AI programme,” he said.
Dr Archer said the other noteworthy point for commercial farmers was the importance of body condition score at mating.
“Analysis of the project’s pregnancy data against body condition score reinforces what we already know – that a better condition score is important for re-breeding. For reproductive success, a minimum score of six at mating is recommended but greater than seven is optimal,” he said.
Tautane Station was one of the five properties involved in the test. Manager Matt Smith said that, while it was early days for test results, everything to date was positive.
“There will be some really great information to come out in about 12 to 15 months. For instance, I’m looking forward to seeing how the heifers perform – particularly those from high-growth sires,” he said.
Mr Smith said it all came down to efficiency.
“I don’t want big cows. I want a cow that will work hard over winter, hold her condition, get in calf and produce a calf that grows well,” he said.
The role of body condition scoring has also made an impact on Tautane.
“We are now managing our herds around body condition scores, particularly at weaning time.
“We’ve always scored them, but by eye. Now we have a figure and we are all on the same page,” he said.
The use of artificial insemination had not passed Mr Smith by.
“We are looking at using it on a commercial basis. It opens up such a large pool of genetics – and from bulls we could never afford to buy.”