The effectiveness of genomics in delivering value hinges upon the support of a well-recorded genomic reference population – particularly for hard-to-measure and lowly heritable traits. The genomic reference population refers toContinue reading “Making the most of Genomics”
Category Archives: Education
AngusPRO Education Module — 1 August
It’s that time again — we have calves on the ground! The most exciting part about this time of year is that these calves are now the latest and oftenContinue reading “AngusPRO Education Module — 1 August”
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.
AngusPRO Education Module — 12 June
Farming is bloody tough at the moment, nobody can deny that. Looking forward at how your future farming system looks allows you to make the right decisions now. Buying aContinue reading “AngusPRO Education Module — 12 June”
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.
AngusPRO Education Module — 29 May
There’s no time to muck about up here team, this module is jam packed — we’ve got an on farm at the Tongariro Prison in Taupo, a review of theContinue reading “AngusPRO Education Module — 29 May”
Using TACE percentiles in animal selection
Angus bulls sold within New Zealand are registered in two different databases — Angus Australia and Angus NZ. The TACE percentiles in sale catalogues are only relevant to the population they are compared against, meaning you can compare one AngusPRO animal against another, but these percentiles can’t be compared across different breed societies i.e. animals registered with Angus NZ.
Building Blocks of IMF
IMF gives beef its flavour, taste, tenderness and juiciness, and processors are rewarding farmers who deliver it in their cattle because the more there is, the more beef the consumer demands. The process of achieving IMF begins at conception, and there are a number of opportunities throughout the year when the farmer can get things right or wrong.
AngusPRO Education Module — 14 May
The bull walks are underway and the sales are just a fortnight away! Do you know what direction you want to take your breeding herd? If your bull breeder isContinue reading “AngusPRO Education Module — 14 May”
Genomic tools prove their worth in commercial beef operation
Finding a ‘free lunch’ is almost impossible in the farming world these days, but North Canterbury commercial beef farmer Andy Mason reckons he’s stumbled across one.