Talking Genomics

Genomic selection in seedstock animals most commonly involves the inclusion of genomic profiles in existing industry genetic evaluations, such as the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation, to calculate genomically enhanced breeding values.

Genomically enhanced breeding values enable more accurate selection decisions, earlier in an animal’s life, and for additional traits and animals, and ultimately, greater genetic improvement.

Cow Herd Efficiency

When you’re looking at efficiency in cattle there are two main aspects. There is profitability — maximum output from minimum input — and there’s environmental — every kilo of input produces methane so reducing input ultimately reduces the total methane emissions.

Neither of these concepts is anything new, however, the addition of the Net Feed Intake EBV on animals registered with Angus Australia has brought efficiency into the spotlight here in New Zealand.