Genomics is enhancing Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) from the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) through a more precise understanding of the relationships between animals. Importantly, phenotypes (i.e. performance data) remain as a critical component in TACE and are not replaced by the incorporation of genomics.
Category Archives: Education
Mature Cow Traits for AngusPRO
Recently, during the 2024 TACE Enhancements, the mature cow height and mature body condition traits transitioned from RBVs to EBVs. These traits are only available on animals recorded with Angus Australia – AngusPRO.
Profit drivers for beef producers are commonly linked to growth and carcass traits. However, to continue to make more informed selection decisions for overall herd profitability, consideration of mature cow traits that impact the performance of the cow herd will be essential. Mature Body Condition score (MBC), Mature Cow Height (MCH), and Mature Cow Weight (MCW) should be considered for their impact on the efficiency of the cow herd and tailored to your environmental conditions and market demands.
TALKING GENOMICS: The benefits of genomic selection
Genomic selection, being the utilisation of information from an animal’s DNA to predict its breeding value for specific traits, is now routinely utilised in livestock breeding programs all around theContinue reading “TALKING GENOMICS: The benefits of genomic selection”
PODCAST – Genomics in TACE, with Christian Duff
In this episode of Behind the Beef we were joined by Angus Australia General Manager – Genetic Improvement Christian Duff, for a mini-info session on how the most recent TransTasmanContinue reading “PODCAST – Genomics in TACE, with Christian Duff”
Post calving weight loss impacts joining success
The calving season in many herds across southern Australia has been underway for several weeks. With the challenges of the season impacting the availability and quality of feed on offerContinue reading “Post calving weight loss impacts joining success”
Weekly genetics review: Factoring the cost of feed into selection decisions
Feed cost is often cited among producers during the bull selling season. However the attention on feed costs in most discussions centres around the preparation costs of bulls presented forContinue reading “Weekly genetics review: Factoring the cost of feed into selection decisions”
Making better bull selection decisions with heifer matings
There are numerous factors which need to be considered when selecting a bull to mate over heifers. In many cases, the primary aim is to produce a live calf whichContinue reading “Making better bull selection decisions with heifer matings”
Making the most of Genomics
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”
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.