Genomics Testing & EBVs

Genomics testing benefits: Increases the accuracy of EBVs for time consuming, difficult, expensive and hard to measure traits, such as IMF, EMA, net feed intake. It delivers more dependable and comprehensive EBVs and Indexes. 50K testing is invaluable when selecting bulls for use. Its challenging as the information available at this point in there lives is restricted- more so with yearling bulls. Genomics testing provides accurate information for important traits that will assist you to ensure you are purchasing the right bull for you.

EBVs- Calculated for a range of traits within Angus BREEDPLAN, covering calving ease, weight, maternal performance, fertility, feed efficiency and carcase. EBVs are expressed in units of measurements for each particular trait. They are shown as positive or negative differences between an individual animal’s genetic difference and the genetic base to which the animal is compared. For example, a bull with an EBV of +30kg for 400-day weight is estimated to have a genetic merit 30kg above the breed base of 0kg. Since the breed base is set to a historic benchmark, the average EBVs of the animals in each year drop has changed over time as a result of genetic progress within the breed. The percentages are where the bull sits in a percentage compared to the rest of the breed. Eg. the top 3% of the breed.

Selection index EBVs- are a reflection on both short term profit generated by an animal through sale of their progeny, and the longer term profit generated by their daughters in a self-replacing cow herd.

For more information, speak to one of our team at the field day or visit the Angus Australia website.

Benefits of Simmental X Angus

*The ultimate in performance*

Added growth, extra carcase of the Simmental while still maintaining the softness, marketability and calving ease of the Angus breed- it just makes sense!

This is the reason we introduced Black Simmental’s into our program. Simmental’s have allowed us to increase hybrid vigour in our calves without loosing the primary goals of our Angus program. Higher growth rates, higher yields while still being BLACK, % ANGUS AND POLLED.

Hybrid vigour- Increased weights, growth and overall productivity without changing anything BUT the bull.

10-20% more performance in the first cross claves and 20-25% where the F1 female is used as a breeder. Thats 70kgs, or almost $400 (based on 350kgs/calf) just by using a Simmental x Angus bull. Plus it gets better every time you use the cross.

The benefits of buying a yearling bull: Nature intended bulls to work at 12-14 months of age. This is when they become sexually mature. At this age they are still light and agile to serve heifers and cows alike without high risk of injuring themselves. Compared to 2 year old bulls who are often fed up to large weights to auction, this way they run higher risk of injury while serving cows. According to research by NSW Agriculture in the 1990’s, bulls used as yearlings have less incidences of breakdown or injury and a longer working life. This means more calves over a longer period and lower costs per calf. Let’s do the math...

Average yearling bull at auction $5,500, his average working life 5 years, number of calves 230 (30 in first year, 60 thereafter), price per calf = $24.

Average 2 year old at auction $7,500, his average working life 3 years, number of calves 150, price per calf = $50.

The number one question that we get asked when people buy yearling bulls, is “will he reach my cows?”

YES! But having said that, you must use a well grown yearling bull. Angus by nature are very determined and resourceful. At BoonARKM our breeding decisions and sale day preparations keep this in mind so that you can be confident that your bull won’t have any issues mating cows.

NO! Just because he is a yearling bull, it doesn’t make him a calving ease bull (a heifer bull). Any bulls effect on calving ease and alike traits are determined by his genetics. Suitable calving ease yearling bulls are ideal for heifers and less injury will occur to the heifers.

Our Recommendations:

Due to yearling bulls working and still growing, they can come out of cows looking worn down. This is a good sign that he has been working for you. Recovery for yearling bulls after coming out of mating is crucial. If he is not looked after at this stage then he will probably not make his mature weight potential until he is 3 or 4 years of age, if not at all.

We recommend you don’t run older bulls or bulls that are significantly bigger in size with yearling bulls in the first year. These bigger bulls can injure yearling bulls while he is serving. Join for no longer than 6 weeks. Make sure he is up to date with vaccinations. Selenium, vitamin B12, A, D, and E are all helpful, nutrition plays a vital role to ensure he is looked after to gain the most out of his genetics as with any bull.