Technical Conference

Czech Republic 2023

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In the evaluation system every breeding bull has to pass the testing system either on farm or at a testing station. Bulls are fed for 120 days for the testing and all data is collected by inspectors of the Czech Beef Breeders Association (ČSCHMS). Bulls are classified and selected according to the selection criteria by a committee of the Association staff and farmers. They evaluate these traits: fulfilment of the breeding standard, relative breeding value for growth in test, weight at the age of 365 days, height at hips at the end of the test, linear classification at basic selection, average daily gain from the birth to the end of performance test and special attention is paid to the conformation of feet and legs. Along with the Charolais bulls in the test station there were some Simmental, Limousin, Piedmontese and Red Angus bulls on test. The Charolais sires here were very uniform in type with great muscle expression.

Dinner tonight was traditional foods at a local Brno Brewery pub with accordion music for entertainment. Green coloured beer was on offer for those so inclined.

Day 3 was the Czech National Beef Show at the Exhibition grounds. French judge Sebastien Cluzel judged the Charolais classes in an indoor exhibition hall. Around the ring different breeds had display booths where merchandise and hospitality were available. The Czech Charolais breeders looked after the delegates with tremendous attention and the showing was available to view from this area. In the show ring the champions were both exhibited by the Redu Farm. Champion Bull and Supreme Exhibit was a French import, Pop Rock (P) sired by Eden SC P. This bull was four years old at the show and showed great depth through out and great body length. A proven sire we had inspected calves the previous day on farm. Redu also showed the Champion female, Suzy who was also imported from France by Redu. The classes on display were a great display of Charolais cattle and many entrants would suit our production systems here in Australia. It was interesting watching Sebastien judge and seeing his emphasis on different selection criteria.