Congratulations Southern Africa

Transcription

1 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :30 AM Page 1 Issue 14, April 2004 Dr Crook visits Southern Africa bl 3 Tegniese brokkies bl Are you in control of your herd? bl 5 HerdMASTER bl 12 LW/BP kompetisie wenners bl 9, 18 GeneSTAR bl 15 Congratulations Southern Africa I am delighted to learn that in just over two years the BREEDPLAN International system has captured 46% of South Africa's beef recording market with Brahman, Simmentaler, Simbra, Braford, Brangus and Limousin now serviced. The national commitment of Namibia to BREEDPLAN is also very encouraging. Congratulations to all the breed society councillors and executive offices who sought out a truly international solution to the recording needs of Southern Africa. BREEDPLAN continues to enjoy spectacular growth. In total 42 beef breeds use BREEDPLAN. These accounts are spread over 12 different countries. In fact, BREEDPLAN is the endorsed national recording system in six of those countries. For many breeds, BREEDPLAN is used in a number of countries as shown below: To date, thirteen breeds participate in the international genetic evaluation service provided by BREEDPLAN. This has some fairly obvious advantages. The wider the gene pool under evaluation, the greater the opportunity of finding elite genetic material to propagate, to accelerate genetic improvement internationally. Corporate pig and poultry producers have being doing this for years and its time for beef to catch up. BREEDPLAN is more than an advanced genetic evaluation system - it is also a genetic information system with extraordinary outreach. By around mid 2004, I am confident that the Internet Solutions component of BREEDPLAN will attract in excess of 1 million enquiries per month. That's a very good reason for beef cattle breeders worldwide to use the service - as indeed is the case for our Arthur Rickards, ABRI clients in Southern Africa. South Africa is following a classical pattern of adoption of BREEDPLAN. The "early adopters" are already committed and their experience will be monitored by the remainder of the market. We wouldn't wish to have it any other way. I also anticipate that there will be considerable interest from a number of breeds in participating in joint Australian-RSA genetic evaluations. Breed No. of countries Breed No. of countries Hereford Angus Shorthorn Charolais Salers Brahman Murray Grey Limousin Simmental South Devon BREEDPLAN use by Breed and Country for a sample of ten breeds To all or our current and potential clients in Southern Africa, best wishes and may you exceed the goals of your respective breeding programs in PA Rickards OAM Managing Director, Agricultural Business Research Institute

2 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :30 AM Page 2 Redaksie 2 Hierdie jaar se BREEDPLAN Nuus sal weereens die geweldige groei in BREEDPLAN se Internasionale aktiwiteite reflekteer. In Suid-Afrika is dit die Brangus-, Braford- en Limousin genootskappe wat aangesluit het. Meer as 46% van Suider Afrika se vleisbees- stoettelers gebruik nou die BREEDPLAN stelsel. Die BREEDPLAN stelsel is ontwikkel om genootskappe meer onafhanklik te maak en om sodoende aan kliënte 'n beter diens te kan verskaf. Goeie ondersteuningstrukture, goeie befondsing en die wêreld se beste navorsers sal altyd sorg dat die sisteem op die voorpunt van tegnologie bly. Een van die groot uitdagings vir die stoetveebedryf in Suider-Afrika is die promovering van teelwaardes (EBV's) onder veral die kommersiële bedryf. Statistieke in hierdie nuusbrief wys dat bykans % van die Australiaanse kommersiële vleisbeesboere teelwaardes gebruik wanneer hulle bulle of koeie koop. Die persentasie gebruik van teelwaardes onder Noord- Amerikaanse kommersiële boere behoort byna dieselfde te wees. Telers in hierdie lande het reeds jaar terug van indekse na teelwaardes oorgeskakel. Databasisse is dieselfde tyd aangepas om verskillende kruisras kombinasies te akkommodeer en die prestasietoets stelsels is aangepas om die akkuraatheid van teelwaardes te promoveer. In Suider- Afrika is telers traag om van indekse na teelwaardes oor te skakel ten spyte van die feit dat teelwaardes 5-9 keer meer akkuraat is. Die nuwe HerdMASTER kuddebestuursprogram word nou wyd in Suider-Afrika gebruik. Pierre Joubert is ons voltydse ondersteuningspersoon. Die terugvoering wat ons van stoet- sowel as kommersiële boere kry is geweldig positief. Baie van ons telers gebruik nie net die program om algehele kuddebestuur te behartig nie maar ook om alle registrasies en prestasie data na die genootskappe te stuur. Die voordele verbonde aan die elektroniese versending van data is talryk. Die inligting kan nie in die pos wegraak nie, die sisteem laai outomaties die inligting, tikfoute word geminimaliseer en 'n korter omkeertyd vanaf die teler na die kantoor en weer terug word verwesenlik. Die nuwe HerdMASTER "reporter" is ook beskikbaar gestel. This year we launched the Landbouweekblad/BREEDPLAN competition. What a success it has been and thanks to all those breeders who participated. We trust that your efforts were well rewarded. Many breeders spent many hours filling in the forms and the feedback we have had is that a lot has been learnt. This competition would not be possible without the sponsorship from Pick 'n Pay. Their big sponsorship is much appreciated. FNB, Beyer and Voermol are also sponsors of the competition and their contributions are also appreciated. Voermol added a lot of value to the competition by combining their competition with ours. Tilla Steenkamp did an excellent job coordinating the competition and together with Martin and Norma Seyferdt must be thanked for making Mnr.Brian Angus is Landbouweekblad/ BREEDPLAN se stoetteler van die jaar Mnr. Brian Angus is die eerste algehele wenner van die Landbouweekblad/ Breedplankompetisie vir Stoetteler van die Jaar. Die prysgeld wat gewen is sluit in 'n studiereis na Australië waar Mnr. Angus verskeie stoeterye sal besoek. Terug in Suid-Afrika sal hy sy ervarings tydens 'n boeredag in Augustus op sy plaas in Arlington met mede-telers deel. Pick n Pay is hoofborg van die kompitiesie met R1M oor 5 jaar. Die ander borge is Voermol, Beyer en FNB. Mnr Brian Angus Michael Bradfield- BREEDPLAN Co-ordinator in Southern Africa. the competition such a success. As I write this article another tenderness marker has been released. Many of our breeders use the GeneSTAR test as part of their breeding program. Astute breeders world-wide always try to be a few years ahead of market expectations and there is no doubt that meat quality is becoming more important. Together with the tenderness 1 test the new marker (called Tenderness 2) is expected to reduce the percentage unacceptable carcasses from 17% to less than 2% thus giving meat quality a huge boost. Finally, Don Nicol has written the feature article this year. Don is a well respected authority in Animal Breeding Internationally and his comments on the importance of calving seasons is much appreciated. Telers is welkom om ons te kontak indien daar enige navrae of kommentaar is. Aan alle telers, 'n voorspoedige jaar.

3 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :30 AM Page 3 Southern African systems Dr Brad Crook visits Southern Africa During October this year, I had the opportunity to visit South Africa for two weeks. This was my first visit to the country. Thanks to Michael Bradfield (BREEDPLAN South Africa) and Paul Lubout (Brahman Society of South Africa), I managed to travel quite a few kilometres, see a bit of the country and meet with breeders of Brahman, Simmentaler, Simbra, Limousin and Brangus cattle. We started in Pretoria, then on to Arlington, Potchefstroom, Zeerust, Vryburg, Bloemfontein and back. Fortunately, most of the time was spent "on farm", rather than in the office, so it gave me a worthwhile insight into the views on performance recording, EBVs and the BREEDPLAN system shared by the breeders we visited. What follows is an overview of some of the issues we discussed. Transparency of the System Regardless of the genetic evaluation system, the majority of questions arising are generally (1) Why does this animal have the EBVs that it has and (2) Why are their sometimes changes in the EBVs since the previous analysis? Most breeders consider the link between the performance records they collect and send to the breed society, and the EBVs they receive back from the Society, to be somewhat of a "black box". Their records are fed into the "black box", the handle is cranked a few times, and out churn the EBVs. But it doesn't have to be a "black box", because EBVs are simply a function of the amount of pedigree and performance information associated with any given animal, and the comparisons of performance made between various animals. The BREEDPLAN system has been designed to be as transparent as possible for both the Society and their members involved in performance recording. The following information is readily "accessible": - performance records included in the analysis, compared to previous analysis - raw data vs data adjusted to a constant age at measurement and age of dam - contemporary groups in which nominated animals are compared - performance / progeny history of parents and other animals in the pedigree For sires (and also dams): - herds in which progeny have been recorded - progeny recorded per trait - the contemporary groups in which individual progeny are compared and the other sires represented in the groups (if any) - any tendency for sires to perform "differently" in one herd compared to others (which may reflect issues of data quality, lack of management group recording, or true sire by herd interactions) - contributions arising from grand-progeny and great-grand-progeny, especially in regards to Dr Brad Crook and Mr Jan Hatting discuss some of the finer details of animal breeding. "maternal growth" (ie. milk, via growth performance of progeny of daughters) So, in reply to the original two questions, it IS possible to know "why". The transparency of the BREEDPLAN system allows the Society to provide feedback to its members on these two important questions. Breeders have a right to ask these questions, and should be encouraged to do so, as this will only serve to strengthen their understanding of the link between the performance records they collect and the EBVs they receive. The Society "runs the show" The BREEDPLAN system is designed so that the respective breed societies "run the show". As mentioned previously, the system resides in the hands of the society: this entails all aspects of performance recording, herd reports, interim analyses and diagnostic support. The societies in turn require both programming and technical support, which is provided largely by the BREEDPLAN team, consisting of computer programmers, database "consultants" and geneticists. Breed societies also have their own office and field staff, all capable of providing "technical" support to those performance breeders in their membership. The second reason for my visit to South Africa was for further training of society staff in the technical aspects of the BREEDPLAN database and the genetic evaluation. Ongoing support is part of the arrangement that each society has with BREEDPLAN, though the nature of the support is largely determined by the needs of the individual breed society. Some breed societies have developed their technical capability to the point where little "outside" technical and diagnostic support is now required, apart from the undertaking of the GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis. Others are still in an early stage of technical "development", with regular input coming from the BREEDPLAN team. Dr Crook s visit to South Africa continues page 14 3

4 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 4 Overseas developments BREEDPLAN in North America Craig Huffhines Executive Vice President American Hereford Association. When you talk about North American (USA plus Canada) Herefords, the statistics are like telephone numbers - over 23 million pedigree animals in the combined databases, 7.6M weights and 4.6M calving ease scores. It is gratifying that the Associations involved have put their collective weight behind BREEDPLAN International. Pedigree Register The pedigree database of the American Hereford Association (AHA) contains over 21 million animal records. This was formed by merging data from the American Polled Hereford Association with that of AHA. Unfortunately, initial attempts to do this by two USA-based companies were only partially successful. That is when ABRI was engaged. "This proved to be the best decision that AHA could have made" said Craig Huffhines. The ABRI's software identified and removed data anomalies to enable a clean pedigree system to go into production in 4th quarter 1999 on budget and on time. The AHA registers around 70,000 herdbook cattle per year but over 100,000 new Hereford calves are added to the AHA database each year. The recording system is fast, robust and reliable. Internet Solutions The AHA was an early user of ABRI's Internet Solutions - for animal /member enquires and sale catalogues. This service regularly receives over 100,000 hits per month - by far the highest of any beef cattle association using ABRI's software. This basic service has now been extended to include internet registrations, inventory updates, collection of performance data and on-farm printing of AHA generated reports. Those members who elect to use the internet as their data submission method are able to use pre-built worksheets and batches. These worksheets already contain those animals which would have been pre-printed for them in AHA's paper-based recording system. In addition, these members receive faster turnaround of their data, as they are automatically notified via whenever new worksheets are available for their use, or when updated performance reports have been generated for them to print. Performance recording The AHA has a very strong performance recording program with weaning weights captured on around 68,000 calves annually. Over 2400 herds are involved and these herds run 80% of all the cows on the AHA inventory. An acrossherd genetic evaluation is run twice per year which also includes the performance data from Canada. The combined performance database is five times larger than that of any Australasian genetic evaluation conducted by ABRI. Historically, this work had been performed by the University of Georgia. However, a switch was made to BREEDPLAN in order to gain the advantages of a fully integrated breed register which provides AHA with a high level of control over all of its computing. HerdMASTER A strategic focus of AHA is to move towards a paperless recording system. Consistent with this objective, ABRI's Saltbush Division developed herdmaster using the latest tools from Microsoft. The new software was trialled extensively by Vern Raush of Rausch Hereford Farms whose on-farm database has records on in excess of 20,000 cattle. Vern is enthusiastic about the new product. Over 200 herdmaster systems have been purchased by AHA members in the last two years. A web-based version of herdmaster will be available in 2004 and actively marketed to the small to mediumsized studs. Vern Rausch Rausch Hereford Farms. "I believe herdmaster is the right solution at the right time for the on-farm recording needs of American Hereford breeders". Summary The AHA is one of the largest beef cattle associations in the world. After working with ABRI for four years, its services to breeders have been transformed into world's best practice. The advanced data processing system has empowered the AHA to develop aggressive plans for increasing the market share of Hereford genetics in North America. Arthur Rickards Managing Director, ABRI 4

5 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 5 Are you in control of your herd or just harvesting? In my opinion Thirty-five years working in extensive beef production in the tropics and sub-tropics has led me to hold some firm views on the philosophy necessary to raise profitable cattle in a sustainable system. They include: - 1.Breed cattle that fit the environment rather than changing the environment to fit the cows. 2.Use time-controlled grazing systems for sustainability, utilising native pasture species where possible. 3.Select for traits that have economic importance in your environment. 4.Use breeds or multi-breeds (composites) that have genes for production traits (fertility and meat quality) as well as for environmental adaptation. 5.Go for hybrid vigour or retained hybrid vigour from planned crossbreeding or composite breeding where possible, because they confer huge benefits when you can use them. 6.Use the inherent parasite resistance of your cattle rather than chemicals. 7.Genetic improvement leads to cumulative and permanent gains. Per head gains are more important when you are stocking at hectares/animal rather than animals/hectare. 8.Last but not least, match the production cycle with the period of high quality and quantity of forage. It is the latter point that I want to discuss in this article. Changes Each cattle farm in the world is unique. The physical, financial, climatic and human resources are specific to that farm. Cattle enterprises have a level of complexity in terms of management that is more complex than the more simple formulas of the soya bean farmer, the wheat farmer or the cane producer, because there are more variables to deal with. Each farmer is 'king of his dunghill' and may know the property very well, but change is a challenge to people who spend most days on their own land. That is why benchmarking and group comparison is so important to assist producers make change decisions. A change to the breeding season is one of the most difficult decisions for the farm owner to make. Cost of production The terms of trade for all beef producers have been deteriorating over the last few decades. Costs always go up but although beef prices might appear to be going up, when you adjust for the inflation, your returns in real terms are going down! In Australia where I live this has been happening at 3% per year over the last 20 years. It means a producer has to raise productivity by that percentage every year just to stay on par. As part of the increasing productivity the producer must constantly drop the costs of production (CoP) of the beef enterprise to get ahead and achieve profitability. Don Nicol - has 35 years experience of management in extensive productions systems. Lowering the costs of production on a cow-calf operation There are a number of ways a producer can drop CoP without going into harvesting mode. If you divide the total kilograms produced on your farm by the Rands it costs to produce those kilograms, you have established your cost of production. One of the key factors is to keep control on cow costs since maintenance of the cowherd is going to be a major part of the beef costs (75-80%) on your farm. Manage "in synch" with Mother Nature One of the basic ways to drop cost of production is to match the cow-calf production cycle with the quality and availability of forage. Cost effective management will ensure that high quality and quantity forage supply coincides with the calving date and through to weaning. Together with strategic weaning it is the best way to keep condition on your cows and minimise supplementary feeding costs. Cow's nutritional needs are highest in the last 3 months of pregnancy and in the 3 months after calving. The energy requirements of cows in the months after calving are shown in Figure 1 (after Pruitt 2001). The chart shows the cow's additional energy needs above the normal maintenance levels, for milk production and to Are you in control of your herd? continues page 6 5

6 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 6 In my opinion Are you in control of your herd or just harvesting? supply sufficient nutrient to the growing foetus. Any shortage of quantity or quality of feed at this time will affect reproductive performance. The average date of calving of the herd therefore is a critical factor in cow-calf performance because of the peak demands of the cow for good nutrition. In the tropics and sub tropics attempts to increase cow and calf productivity have focussed mainly on a calving season in the spring and summer months. Length of breeding season It's a truism that long breeding seasons result in long calving seasons. Where calving season is not controlled i.e. bulls are left in all year, it will result in calvings distributed throughout the year through a range of environmental conditions. The cow that calves outside the 'best' time of year will struggle to raise a good calf and get back in calf. Producers using this breeding system see advantages in that they do not need bull paddocks and say they need fewer bulls because the cows are coming on heat over a longer period. Replacement heifers need less development because they are mated when they get to the required weight, eventually. Proponents of year-round mating will tell you there are marketing advantages because you will have calves and to sell throughout the year. Are these producers really aware of the costs of production on their place? The answer is, rarely. It is because they are essentially in a harvesting situation. They harvest calves; they are not really interested in herd improvement. Gestation length and postpartum anoestrus Key determinants of reproductive performance are gestation length (GL) and duration of postpartum anoestrus (PA). Gestation length (length of pregnancy from conception to calving) varies between breeds eg Angus 280 days, Brahman 287 days, Simmental 286 days, Belmont Red (Bonsmara) 284 days, Santa Gertrudis 282 days and Simbra 283 days. In Bos indicus and Bos indicusderived breeds, the variation in gestation length is generally greater than in Bos taurus breeds. Postpartum anoestrus is a technical term for the period from calving date until the cow exhibits a fertile heat. The calf suckling a cow pulls energy from the cow and she has a period in early lactation when she will not return to the bull. In average situations cows should be coming on heat days after calving. However bos indicus and bos indicus derived breeds are more prone to seasonal effects on lactation anoestrus and this period is recognised as being a major factor in controlling the percentage of cows conceiving. In a poor spring the anoestrus period could blow out to 90 days or more. It means that for tropical extensive breeding programs with Bos indicus and Bos indicus -derived cows the worst case scenario combines 287days GL + 90 days PA = 377 days. The breeding season would then have to be at least 90 days to ensure each calving cow had at least one chance to come in heat. Controlling the breeding season Shortening the length of the breeding season is not a guarantee of increased calving percentage because in fact reducing the breeding season will usually lower calving percentage slightly. However if the reduction in breeding time puts calving date in sync with the 'best' time of year it makes possible the kind of management and resource allocation that can increase the kilos of beef produced and profitability. No need to worry about the loss of a small number of out of 'sync' calves when you are getting the whole herd tuned to the best season. Shorter breeding season advantages The advantages of a limited breeding season go beyond the putting the cows 'in synch' with the grass-growing season. Limited breeding seasons allow: - - The ability annually to monitor productivity measures - an important one being kgs of beef produced per cow exposed to the bull the year before. These measures are especially important if you are benchmarking your CoP with producers in your region. Calving all-year round you can really only measure an annual yield relative to the total number of females you own. - Annual herd health procedures are more efficiently administered because of the ability to vaccinate on a timelier basis relative to the stage of growth or reproductive status of the animals. - Sexual rest - taking the bull out will create a period of sexual rest for the female herd that will be useful in minimising the effects of venereal diseases that are transmitted by bulls. - Your culling procedures will be more effective. Reproductive success or failure is more evident. Culling a young cow that lets you down will boost reproductive performance in a number of ways. Firstly a less fertile 'passenger' will be culled. Analysis has shown that a cow that let's you down once when young will tend to let you down again later on in life if left in the herd. By constantly culling less fertile types the repeatability of fertility in the herd will rise over time. Pregnancy test after you take the bulls out and get the passengers out of the herd and lower your herd maintenance costs. - Assessment of your replacement heifer needs for herd improvement (superior genetics) and maintenance of herd size. A shorter breeding season will allow you to manage your heifers well so that the highest possible percentage obtains sufficient weight and development to be mated at the right time. Don't do too much culling and pre-mating. Overmate as many heifers as you can afford and put selection pressure on their ability firstly to get in calf (pregnancy test), secondly to deliver a live calf without assistance and thirdly to get back into calf. Are you in control of your herd? continues page 7 6

7 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 7 Are you in control of your herd or just harvesting? In my opinion - In bull breeding herds you want to select bulls from the most fertile females. A short breeding season allows you to compare reproductive performance of females. And the bull breeder? The basis of performance recording is that animals should be treated equally and where management treatment is different, that fact be recorded. The best quality data will be where cattle are born at a time that allows them to express their genetic potential. Adjustment factors in the BREEDPLAN evaluation system allows for animals that are born at different times to be analysed (these are automatically sub-grouped). Where the bulk of calves are born in a tight calving pattern, it will lead to bigger numbers of animals in a 'management group' based on birth date. As the animals progress through life some animals will be culled or castrated. This will diminish the numbers in the management group (set at birth) eg for 600 day weight or scrotal size. The best quality data will come from herds with large numbers of calves in those birthdate, designated groups. Adaptation traits Breeders looking to select animals for coat type as an indicator of adaptation are better served where the calves are born in tight groups rather than spread throughout the year and the changing environment. Producers selecting for parasite resistance for instance will get better results if the animals to be compared were born at a similar time because there are age and seasonal effects on parasite that can confound selection. When to wean calves? Calves should be weaned according to the season and when the available pasture can no longer support the nutritional needs of a cow with a calf at foot. Once a herd starts in a controlled breeding system, cow condition becomes like money in the bank gaining interest. You want to conserve cow condition because it is hard (and costly) to put back on if you let the cow get down in condition too far. Strategic weaning is therefore important. The weight of your calves at weaning will make an important impact on your annual production and profits. Calves born early in the calving season tend to have heavier weaning weight than those born later because they are older at weaning time. This can be seen from the following simple table where I simulate the effects for a herd that mates for a 105 days and weans once when the oldest calves are 7 months old. You will note that if you produce more kilograms for the same amount of cost or relatively less increase in cost, you have reduced your CoP. It follows therefore that the higher the % of calves born in the first weeks of calving the higher the total weight you will turn off. In the tropics breeding seasons are rarely shorter then 90 days (3 months). Ideally in that time we would like to see 70% of cows calving in the first 41 days (2 cycles), 20% in the days period and the balance in the rest of the season. Are you in control of your herd? continues page 8 7

8 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 8 In my opinion Are you in control of your herd or just harvesting? Bull Power To achieve tight calving seasons will require adequate % of fertile bulls that are actually working. This requires preseason conditioning of bulls to forward store condition (not fat) plus annual breeding soundness inspections by capable technicians. The type of country and the number of watering points determines the actual mating %. In open country where cows are visible on heat from some distance and at a small number of waters, 3% (3 bulls per 100 females) fertile, working bulls will gain adequate conceptions. DNA profiling of calves in multi-sired herds in Northern Australia has shown that 2% bulls will get most of the calves, therefore the 3rd bull (1%) is more for insurance. In country where there is thick cover and many waterholes or lying water, bull percentage may have to be higher. Attention to detail is important under these systems and regular checking of bulls is crucial and critical. Best time of calving Experience in summer dominant rainfall areas has shown that you should breed so that cows start calving about a month before the normal break to the rain season (> 50mm in combined falls). To achieve this the breeding or mating season needs to start about 3 months after calving starts. Length of breeding season will be determined by predictability of rainfall around the chosen dates. When do the antelopes and other wild grazers calve in your region? Can I change from year-round mating tomorrow? You can make a start but it must be done gradually. The only practical way is to make the change over a number of years to minimise losses from those cows that are totally 'out of synch'. The first step is to take the bulls out of the herd in the 3-4 months preceding the desirable commencement date for breeding. Recommended dates for start of mating for zones of South Africa East: 15 October Central: 1 December West: December Far West: 1 January (Interestingly those dates are very similar to those for Queensland, in Australia). Females that are not pregnant when you take the bulls out will readily get in calf 3 months later when you put the bulls back in. Each year thereafter take the bulls out 1 month earlier to minimise the impact of the change. Another strategy is to start mate replacement heifers for Period of Birth (days) Weaning Wt (Kgs) when oldest are 7 months $/kg Value of weaner $ Table 1 - simulated effects for a herd that mates for a 105 days and weans when the oldest calves are 7 months. the first time by introducing them to the bull at the 'best' time as above. If you have sufficient paddocks that allow you to run two mobs of cows then these cows that calve at the preferred time can be run as a group and those that calve at the wrong time of the year can be run separately and topped up preferentially with a higher ratio of replacement heifers that will be joined at the right time. Whatever method you use it will usually take about five years to achieve your goal, so start soon. Five years seems a long time but the result will be worthwhile. Postscript Change is inevitable in all businesses and the cattle business is no different. A new challenge for the global beef producer is to breed and produce our beef taking the final consumers' needs into consideration. With per capita beef consumption losing out globally to competitive lower cost meats eg chicken, we in beef production must lift our game. We can't afford to be like your 'big bird', the Ostrich, and stick our heads in the sand. Extensive consumer research in Australia utilising more than 500,000 consumer tastings now clarifies exactly what the consumer requires in order to eat more beef. The factors are many and too many to discuss here (visit but some critical standards of production are needed on the farm as well as pre and post slaughter. The challenge for the tropical extensive producer is to maintain animals on a rising growth pattern that equals to 0.6 kgs per day whole of life gain. Large weight losses followed by compensatory gains are antagonistic to high yielding, good-eating carcases. So there will be ongoing challenges to balance in-paddock performance with the quality of beef that will actually raise demand for beef. You will have to use all the tools to achieve the balance and as we have been describing here, the first is a controlled breeding season. Don Nicol Beef Cattle Consultant BREEDLINK Pty Ltd 8

9 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 9 Landbouweekblad/BREEDPLAN kompetisie 'n wenner Kompetisie Die eerste jaar van die Landbouweekblad/ BREEDPLAN kompetisie is nou nog net 'n vae herinnering, maar wát 'n mooi herinnering? Die entosiasme en belangstelling van die telers wat ingeskryf het was bewonderingswaardig. Van heinde en verre het die inskrywings ingestroom, van oral in Suid-Afrika én Namibië, almal voltooi met ongelooflike sorg en presisie. Die beoordelaars se taak was beslis nie maklik nie. Die organiseringskomitee van die kompetisie bedank graag die borge, Pick 'n Pay, Bayer, FNB en Voermol vir hul ruimhartige bydraes, asook die deelnemers wat die tyd geneem het om die inskrywingsvorms te voltooi. Ons hoop om volgende jaar weer van almal van u te hoor. Die algemene bestuurder van Pick 'n Pay slaghuise, Mnr. Malcolm Baxter, se toespraak is baie goed ontvang en die verbintenis wat die land se gunsteling supermarkgroep maak tot die opbouing van die land se landbousektor is verblydend. Die bul van die jaar is visueel beoordeel deur Mnr. Martin Seyfferdt en dan gekombineer met prestasie data. Die koeigroep van die jaar-kategorie is beoordeel deur die onderskeie telersgenootskappe of deur die organiseringskomitee, terwyl die stoetteler van die jaar-kategorie deur Proff. Erasmus en Neser van Vrystaat Universiteit beoordeel is. Voermol se beesboer van die jaar-kategorie is deur Prof Greyling beoordeel, ook van Vrystaat Universiteit. Die organiseringskomitee bedank ook graag hierdie beoordeelaars vir hul bereidwilligheid en vir die tyd wat hulle aan die beoordeling afgestaan het. 'n Formele gala-geleentheid is gehou op die 31ste Oktober 2003 by Oliewenhuis, Bleomfontein om die pryse te oorhandig aan die wenners van al die kategorieë van die kompetisie. Die organiseringskomitee bedank graag vir Mev. Norma Seyfferdt vir die organisering van die geleentheid. Almal is dit eens dat dit voorwaar 'n spoggeleentheid was. Aan die meer as 40 finaliste wat ver gereis het om daar te wees, veral die groep Namibiërs wat byna 50 ure op die pad deurgebring het om die geleentheid by te woon, u teenwoordigheid word ontsettend baie waardeer. Aan die paar finaliste wat nie die geleentheid kon bywoon nie, ons hoop om u volgende jaar daar te sien. Tilla Steenkamp The winners of the Landbouweekblad /BREEDPLAN competition as they were announced on 31 October 2003 at a Gala Event in Bloemfontein are:/ Die wenners van die Landbouweekblad /BREEDPLAN kompetisie soos bekend gemaak op 31 Oktober 2003 tydens 'n Gala-geleentheid te Bloemfontein is as volg: Bull of the Year/ Teelbul van die Jaar: Angus: RR01128 van River Ranch. Brahman: NM00327 van Loriza Brahmane Brangus: D00495 van Deltaque Brangusse Charolais: DK01029 van André Smit Limousin: DK0110 van John Davenport Santa Gertrudis: SP0140 van Pip Hobson Simbra: HB0047B van Hardus Breedt Simmentaler: AGO 0067 van Adrian Odendaal Sussex: JAB0176 van Mapstone Brothers Cow group of the Year/ Koeigroep van die Jaar: Angus: 1st: Brian Angus 2nd: Philip Barnard 3rd: Anton Pelser Brahman: 1st: Loriza Brahmane 2nd: Kroonvee 3rd: Bill van Lelyveld Brangus: 1st : Sterkspoor Brangusse 2nd: Ferdi Naudé Trust 3rd: Deltaque Brangusse Limousin: 1st: John Davenport 2nd: Johan Pistorius 3rd: Ferdi Naudé Trust Santa Gertrudis: 1st: Craig Marwick 2nd: Amy Williams 3rd: Annie Lock Simbra: Simmentaler: Afdeling: Teelbul van die Jaar In die gewone orde verskyn mnre. (bul se ID in hakies) A. Odendaal, Villiers (Simmentaler AGO 0067); Arthur Bagot-Smith namens Hardus Breedt, Grootfontein, Namibië (Simbra HB 0047B); dr. Tobie Oosthuizen van Bayer (Borg); mnre. Pip Hobson, Ladybrand (Santa Gertrudis SP 0140); Neville Mylie, River Ranch, Roberts Drif (SA Angus RR 01128); André Smit, Makwassie (Charolais DK 01029); Kobus Naudé, Nietverdiend (Brahman NM 00327) en John Devonport, Waters Edge On Vaal (Lomousin DK 0110). Die Broers Mapstone (Sussex JAB 0176) was afwesig. 1st: Wisp - Will Simbra 2nd: Diethelm Metzger 3rd: Arthur Bagot-Smith 1st: Salerika Simmentalers 2nd: Wisp - Will Simmentalers 3rd: Jozette Simmentalers BREEDPLAN kompetisie 'n wenner? continues page 18 9

10 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :31 AM Page 10 Tegniese brokkies Feed efficiency and implementation in BREEDPLAN - Major research program on feed efficiency continues. There are links to many other projects such as breed society progeny tests and gene marker research. - For genetic evaluation in BREEDPLAN, feed efficiency is measured as Net feed Intake (NFI). NFI is the feed consumed by cattle under (-) or over (+) that expected for their weight and gain. ie: efficient cattle of any size can be selected. - NFI EBVs are now available in BREEDPLAN for breeders doing the required testing. Negative EBVs indicate lower feed intakes. - NFI has similar heritability to growth, so good selection progress is possible once practical testing options are widely available. - Testing currently involves the costly procedure of feed intake measuring for 84 days. Several studs are now successfully doing this at central test stations. - A blood test for IGF 1(Insulin like growth factor) has been shown in CRC research to be a promising early predictor of NFI and some fatness measures. This research is continuing and already being used by some studs in anticipation of incorporation into BREEDPLAN. 10 Feed efficiency is one of the most economically important production traits. In most enterprises, feed costs are the biggest single input. It particularly affects profitability of feedlots, but is also significant for grazing enterprises. - The CRC has a major research program on feed efficiency. There are links to many other projects such as breed society progeny tests and gene marker research. - Following the initial CRC research, feed efficiency for genetic evaluation in Australia is measured as Net Feed Intake (NFI). NFI is the feed consumed by cattle under (-) or over (+) that expected for their weight and gain. ie: efficient cattle of any size can be selected. This is preferable to Feed Conversion Ratio FCR as selection on FCR leads to bigger cattle, which may not suit all environments. - NFI EBVs are now available in BREEDPLAN for breeders doing the required testing. Negative EBVs indicate lower feed intakes. - NFI has similar heritability to growth, so good selection progress is possible once practical testing options are widely available. - Testing currently involves the costly procedure of feed intake measuring individuals for 84 days. Several studs are now successfully doing this / at central test stations. - A blood test for the protein IGF-1(Insulin like growth factor) has been shown in CRC research to be a promising predictor of NFI and some fatness measures. This was incorporated into BREEDPLAN NFI EBVs for the first time in 2004 ie: EBVs were calculated from a mix of feed intake tests and IGF-1 blood tests. Dr Hans Graser, Director of AGBU and leader of this segment of research "Our current feeling is this IGF-1 test will not totally replace actual feed intake measurements. It has the potential to allow a better selection of bulls to enter the feed intake test and to significantly add accuracy to EBVs at a young age". Blood samples should be taken at or before weaning for best results. Reporting and interpreting NFI EBVs NFI EBVs are reported as kg of feed eaten per day. Like most EBVs they can be positive or negative relative to breed average. The more negative, the less feed eaten and the more efficient. For example, two bulls with these EBVs: Bull A kg/day (Breed Average is 0) Bull B - 0.7kg/day A simple interpretation, is that Bull B having more negative NFI EBVs, would be expected to breed 'more efficient' progeny, than Bull A or a breed average bull. If the two bulls were similar in weight EBVs and joined to average cows, progeny of B would gain the same, but eat 0.6 kg less per day than the progeny of A (half the difference of 1.2 between the Sire EBV, as the cows contribute half the genes). Research results and correlations with other traits The trait, as measured on young bulls and heifers, is of similar heritability to weight gain. Several experimental lines of steers, sired by High and Low NFI EBV Sires, have demonstrated this by showing the predicted changes in NFI in the feedlot. Ie: when given ad lib access to a similar diet to that on which their parents were selected. A fair question is therefore: "would these results hold under grazing?" Steers from the High and Low efficiency lines from "Trangie" have been grown out on pastures of varying quality. In one experiment their intakes were measured via slow release rumen capsules. Both lines had similar intakes, but the High line (more efficient) grew faster and therefore had NFI and implementation in BREEDPLAN cont page 11 BREEDPLAN and Mr Ferdi Naude are looking at producing Net Feed Intake EBVs at this private feed testing facility.

11 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :32 AM Page 11 Tegniese brokkies Feed efficiency and BREEDPLAN continued better feed efficiency. Continuing CRC research will among other things, determine the relationship with some other traits affected by selecting for NFI. To date the only significant finding is a small link with leanness (cattle with lower NFI EBVs, being slightly leaner and lower marbling). While this needs to be watched, the correlation is quite low e.g. less than the birth to final weight link, and can therefore be managed by selecting on both traits. Heifers retained for breeding in research herds, in early results, have to date shown no effect on fertility or other production traits. As cows, the negative NFI EBV lines appear to also be more feed efficient under grazing.. New research - Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) blood test used for 2004 EBVs The CRC research group is also looking for gene markers and physiological tests to increase the accuracy of the NFI EBV and/or to reduce cost of finding superior stock. The first of these has been introduced to BREEDPLAN in This is a blood test for the protein IGF-1. The blood test is conducted by the Australian company Primegro Ltd, which has the exclusive right to commercialise this Australian IP. IGF-1 is moderately heritable (0.4) and correlated to NFI (0.6. Low IGF- 1 readings correlate withbetter efficiency). Data from a large number of blood test results in BREEDPLAN herds has been used in the January 2004 Angus NFI EBV calculations. Hereford IGF-1 data will be used from mid '04. IGF-I blood samples should be taken at or before weaning to give best genetic responses. The analysis of experimental results by AGBU also showed that selection against IGF-I will reduce all measurements of fat (including marbling). However as these genetic correlations are not particularly strong, there are plenty of animals which go against the overall trend to breed progeny with improved efficiency and acceptable marbling and fatness. These correlations with fatness await more research before inclusion in BREEDPLAN. Blood test card are dried before sending away for analysis. Data used for the first BREEDPLAN EBVs Since the late 1990's, some progressive studs have recorded feed intakes of young bulls. At this stage only two breeds - Angus and Hereford/Poll Hereford have sufficient, well linked data, to have an across herd analysis and GROUP BREEDPLAN NFI EBVs.. These are published in these Breeds' Sire summaries and websites. As other breeds accumulate data, they will also be able to publish such EBVs This analysis has been done using using a two trait model. As the correlations with other traits become known, NFI will be incorporated into the full multi trait BREEDPLAN model. Further information: This BREEDNOTE is an introduction to this complex topic. Further details can be obtained from the office: Ph: Breedplan News - Issue 14, January

12 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :32 AM Page 12 Tegniese brokkies HerdMASTER TM kuddebestuursprogram "sonder twyfel, die regte program op die regte tyd" BREEDPLAN in Suider-Afrika het in Julie vanjaar die nuwe, moderne kuddebestuursprogram vir Microsoft Windows aan ons telers bekend gestel. Die program word deur stoet sowel as kommersiële telers gebruik. Die program is 'n kragtige bestuursprogram wat verskeie funksies kombineer, byvoorbeeld: - Stuur registrasie en prestasie data per stiffie of e-pos aan u genootskap - 'n Volledige kuddebestuursprogram (herdmaster TM Reporter nou beskikbaar) - Laai data maklik en trek onmiddellik verslae - Ontwikkel met die nuutste Microsoft Windows tegnologie - Laai die nuutste teelwaardes (interim sowel as groep) vanaf die genootskap - Bereken indekse vir onmiddellike bestuursbesluite - Stambome kan met gemak uitgedruk en bestudeer word HerdMASTER TM het unieke voordele: - Dit word deur telers wêreld-wyd gebruik en is goed ontwikkel - Het 'n voltydse ondersteuningspersoon in Suider-Afrika - 'n Voltydse span programmeerders verseker dat die program altyd op datum met die nuutste tegnologie bly - Groot hoeveelhede geld word in HerdMASTER TM belê. Die toekoms van HerdMASTER TM is dus uiters rooskleurig As gevolg van die groot ontwikkelings aksie sal verskeie nuwe HerdMASTER TM produkte binnekort op die mark Wêreld se grootste stoetboer sê die volgende oor teelwaardes Vir meeste stoettelers in Suider-Afrika is die gebruik van teelwaardes in hulle seleksie besluite 'n nuwe, en party keer, onsekere ontwikkeling. Jim Leachman, van die Leachman Cattle Co, is een van die wereld se grootste stoettelers. Sy jaarlikse bul veiling met meer as 2500 diere word sonder twyfel as die grootste veiling van sy soort in die wêreld beskou. In 'n onderhoud met Jim Leachman, in die BEEF TODAY tydskrif van 1991, sê mnr Leachman dat hulle met hulle seleksie besluite, voor teelwaardes, een of twee keer uit tien korrek was. Met teelwaardes is hulle ten minste 8 of 9 uit tien keer korrek. Volgens Leachman is die snaakse ding dat mense teelwaardes wil kruisig vir die een of twee keer dat 'n bul nie volgens verwagting teel nie ('n Mnre Pierre Joubert en Thys Meyer is beïndruk met die integrasie tussen HerdMASTER en die kantoor verskyn. Al klaar op die mark is die nuwe HerdMASTER TM Reporter, vir telers wat hulle eie verslae volgens hulle eie behoeftes wil druk. Verder is daar ook die HerdMASTER.NET Server wat ontwerp is om meer as een gebruiker deur middel van 'n netwerk te hanteer. Vir verdere inligting oor HerdMASTER TM skakel die kantoor by Groot stoetboere gebruik vir goeie rede teelwaardes in hul seleksie besluite. natuurlike verskynsel). Hulle vergeet hoe moeilik dit voor teelwaardes was! Die interesante artikel oor die gebruik van teelwaardes is op om webblad by beskikbaar. 12

13 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :32 AM Page 13 Commercial beef producers and EBVs Tegniese brokkies There have been several surveys in recent years of Australian commercial beef producers, regarding their use of BREEDPLAN in bull buying. Survey results vary greatly with breed and geographic location/production system and how the questions were put. A quick summary is: many EBVs available to them - demand is steadily growing however. Why should studs perfromance record? The two main reasons are: For the temperate areas with more intensive production systems and high use of British breeds: - 40% use BREEDPLAN as their main selection tool, but still of course keep an eye on visual characteristics. "Wouldn't buy a bull without good figures". - 40% use BREEDPLAN in buying decisions, but also heavily rely on visual and other criteria. - 20% do not use BREEDPLAN. In sub tropical areas the production systems are more extensive, there is significant live export to SE Asia and tropically adapted breeds and composites are of course widely used. Studs of these breeds are also more extensively managed and have lower BREEDPLAN use than their southern counterparts. BREEDPLAN is therefore also less used by commercial bull buyers, but still has a very significant presence. The above categories of buyers would be approx 25%; 25%; 50%. In summary, the better and more accurate the EBVs the more the production system rewards weight and quality - the more bull buyers use BREEDPLAN. On one extreme are Angus breeders selling a high proportion of steers to feedlots finishing for Japan - over 70% wouldn't buy bulls without good figures. At the other end would be composite breeders in Queensland who unfortunately do not have To improve their stock, particularly in traits not easily assessed visually - once a herd is recorded and benchmarked, it is easier to ensure semen and bull purchases will actually progress the herd! To more accurately describe their sale stock and provide better service to bull buying clients. Stud breeders are bull buyers and sellers and along with their clients, face: The Bull buyer s dilemma Buying bulls at sales can be difficult. How do you tell if some stock look better due to feed, or are they really genetically superior? Certainly you can visually check structural aspects, temperament etc., and you may have experience with some studs or sire lines, but it would be good to have a better indicator of how an animal will breed. What growth rates, milking ability, carcase attributes, female fertility and efficiency levels do you expect in the progeny, for example? Buying bulls on the property allows better selection within that herd, but how do you compare with other herds? Only breeding values allow you to compare animals across sexes, years, seasons and even herds. Brian Sundstrom New generation beef tenderness test announced continued The perfect steak every time is closer to becoming reality with the latest scientific breakthrough in DNA technology. A new generation test for beef tenderness has been launched globally by Genetic Solutions in another world first. The GeneSTAR Tenderness 2 test is an improved version of an earlier product. It combines ground breaking Australian and United States research in a unique two-gene package. Genetic Solutions Marketing Manager Jason Strong said that the new two-gene test has greatly expanded the scale for tenderness. "Our ability to make genetic progress in this important trait has just taken a massive step forward. The success of premium beef brands will be greatly enhanced if the source animal has a tender genetic profile", he said. Mr Strong said the GeneSTAR Tenderness 2 test had been trailed across a number of breeds and crosses, "It is clear that all breeds can benefit from using the new test as a selection tool, and the Angus breed in particular." The new GeneSTAR Tenderness 2 test incorporates a recent discovery by scientists at the USDA Meat Animal Research Centre. It follows pioneering work in Australia by a team from the Beef Quality CRC, CSIRO and Meat and Livestock Australia which last year established the first genetic link to beef tenderness involving the calpastatin gene. Researchers discovered tough and tender variants of calpastatin, an enzyme that is involved in the tenderisation of beef during post mortem ageing. Genetic Solutions developed a commercial test for the New generation beef tenderness test cont page 20 13

14 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :32 AM Page 14 Southern African systems Dr Crook visits Southern Africa continued Recording of management groups The "building blocks" of genetic evaluation are the differences in performance between animals within the same contemporary group, and the pedigree links between these groups. While pedigree errors do occur, the number one cause of EBV problems is poorly defined contemporary groups. In other words, the wrong head-to-head comparisons are being made and some of the differences in performance being attributed to genetics are really due to reasons other than genetics. Most breeders understand the need to record differences in management. For instance, when some bulls are fed for sale or show, and others not, then differences in performance are expected between the two groups. This information should be recorded as different management groups on the performance forms. But sometimes "management" may be the same, but the "environment" differs between groups. For instance, two groups of cows and calves are grazing at opposite ends of the property, one being in more favourable country than the other. If you expect the calves in one group to perform better/poorer than those in the other, due to "country" differences, then you have two separate "management groups" from a genetic evaluation perspective. Likewise, if there is a sick calf amongst a group of calves, and you know that the performance of the calf is down because of ill-health, then the performance of this calf should be subgrouped from the other calves (e.g. using a management group code of "SIC" the performance forms). Otherwise, the calf will be considered to under-perform genetically, and will be penalised in its growth EBVs. The mother's milk EBV is also likely to be penalised. That said, it is also important to realise that a calf by itself contributes NOTHING to its EBVs, as there are no other calves against which its performance can be compared. These single-group calves simply receive a mid-parent estimate of their EBVs. So that one high-performance bull calf that has been singled out and fed for showing, with management recorded correctly, will have EBVs that do NOT make use of its performance, because it is in a group by itself. At least two animals in a group are needed to make a comparison of performance. ET calves and recipient dam information There are two sources of maternal effects on the performance of ET calves: the genetic contribution coming from the mother, and the "maternal environment" contributed by the recipient dam. Recipient breed differences, within-breed variation in maternal capacity and dam age effects, will all contribute to differences in performance between ET calves, even from the one flush. To make valid comparisons between ET calves, the minimum detail that must be known about the recipient dam is her breed. If breed is unknown, then performance records for ET calves cannot be used to calculate EBVs. If age of recipient dam is known (and even an estimated year of birth is better than nothing!!), allowance can be made for dam age effects. Better still, if the actual recipient is known (by society identification, tattoo or tag), then a more appropriate modeling of the "maternal environment" can take place. By recording these details, breeders can ensure that they are getting the most value out of the pedigree and performance records collected for ET calves, and the EBVs calculated for them. Breed content Genetic evaluation of pure breeds is a relatively straightforward matter. But when it comes to crossbred and composite breed types, the situation quickly becomes more complicated. One of the appeals of crossbreeding is the ability to exploit the genetic advantages of two or more breeds, as well as the additional benefits arising from heterosis (or hybrid vigour). It is this latter bit - heterosis - that adds the complication to genetic evaluation of such breeds, because we have to adjust for this effect if we are to calculate the genetic contribution that an animal will pass on to its progeny. This is the difficult part, because the amount of heterosis affecting performance in the calf is not constant, but depends on the stage of crossing (i.e. first-cross, second-cross, backcross, etc), the source (sire or dam) of the component breeds and the stage of crossing of the dam (for maternal heterosis). To make head-to-head comparisons of performance in crossbred and composite breeds without adjusting for heterosis is a sure guarantee for getting unreliable and incorrect EBVs. For breeds such as Simbra, Braford and Brangus, a key feature of the Society databases is that all base animals (those without pedigree behind them) should be expressed in terms of their percentage breed content. All animals of known pedigree can then have their breed content calculated automatically and allowance can be made for heterosis in the genetic evaluation. Breed content may not seem like an important piece of information. But for crossbred and composite breeders, it's up there with the "big two" - pedigree and performance information - in determining the most appropriate genetic evaluation for the breed. A final word My sincerest thanks to the many breeders I met while in South Africa. Thanks for your hospitality, your enthusiastic and challenging discussion, superb red wine and for giving a Rugby LEAGUE supporter a very thorough "immersion" into the world of Rugby UNION. I fear I have been converted.almost! 14

15 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :33 AM Page 15 GeneSTAR statistieke vir Suider-Afrika GeneSTAR Vanaf Julie 2002 tot op hede is reeds meer as diere in Suider-Afrika deur GeneSTAR getoets vir die twee genetiese merkers, marmering en sagtheid. Die resultate vir die sagtheid geen is baie verblydend en alhoewel die marmering geen in heelwat laer frekwensies in die verskillende vleisbeespopulasies voorkom is dit belangrik om te noem dat hierdie gene baie maklik en vinnig vermeerder kan word in 'n populasie deur eenvoudig die diere te selekteer wat tweester is vir die spesifieke geen. Hieronder is twee grafieke wat die statistieke vir die getoetste populasies weergee. (Ten minste 60 rekords per ras wat ingesluit is in grafieke). Soos in die grafieke gesien kan word is die frekwensie vir die sagtheidgeen in al die vleisbeesrasse wat getoets is baie hoog. Deur te selekteer vir diere wat twee afskrifte van die geen dra, sal hierdie geen baie vinning in die populasie vasgelê kan word en die frekwensie dus nog hoër raak. Dit is bekend dat hierdie spesifieke geen 'n 10-12% invloed het op vleissagtheid in die geheel. Seleksie vir hierdie sagtheidsgeen is 'n baie eenvoudige hulpmiddel wat aangewend kan word in 'n poging om 'n meer aanvaarbare produk aan die mark te lewer. Die geen vir marmering kom minder voor in al die Suider-Afrikaanse vleisbeespopulasies, maar dit kan net soos die sagtheidsgeen baie vinning vermeerder word deur seleksie vir hierdie geen. Marmering is 'n eienskap wat positief geassosieer word met sappigheid en smaaklikheid van vleis. Beesvleisprodusente behoort uit 'n pligsgevoel teenoor hul verbruikers hul kuddes te laat toets vir marmering en deur middel van seleksie die frekwensie verhoog. GeneSTAR resultate word as sterre voorgestel wat die hoeveelheid afskrifte van die geen verteenwoordig. Dit is maklik om te laat toets aangesien die DNS eenvouding uit stertkwashare of semen verkry kan word. Die DNS gebasseerde diagnostiese toetse maak gebruik van gevorderde DNS tegnologie en die toets is dus hoogs akkuraat. Die resultate word aan telers gepos, gefaks of ge-epos. Die laboratorium waar die toetse gedoen word hou 'n monster van die DNS in peutervrye houers sodat dit weer Pick 'n Pay aan teler se kant Mnr. Malcolm Baxter, nasionale algemene bestuurder, Pick 'n Pay-slaghuise, het by dié teler van die jaar geleentheid gesê vleis word tans in 136 van die groep se winkels verkoop. Daar word verwag dat die groep se afdeling vir varsvleis vanjaar 'n deurset van 35 miljoen kg gaan haal waarvan sowat 57 % beesvleis is. Die groep is en sal altyd verbind wees tot steun aan die land se vleisboere en die landbou in breë. Eweneens is die groep verbind tot die ontwikkeling van gehalteprodukte met die oog op gewaarborgde sagtheid en voedselveiligheid. Die verkope van varsvleis het oor die afgelope gebruik kan word vir ander toetse soos wat addisionele merkers ontdek word. Vir enige verdere inligting oor GeneSTAR kan u die kantoor skakel by Tel:+27 (0) , E-pos: genestar@agribsa.co.za, Webtuiste: Tilla Steenkamp twee jaar met sowat 25% afgeneem. Die groep het hierdie tendens omgekeer deur sy winsgrens te verlaag en beplan om met dié positiewe tendens vol te hou in belang van die totale rooivleisbedryf. Voorts lê die groep deurlopende klem op die gesondheidsaspekte van rooivleis en die skep van produkte wat dit staaf. Weens die uitstaande gehalte van Suid-Afrikaanse rooivleis word daar nie rooivleis vir verspreiding deur die groep se slaghuise ingevoer nie. Lam- en skaapvleis word wel vir die laer inkomstegroepe ingevoer maar alle invoere is minder as 1 % van die groep se totale vleisverkope. Die groep streef dus na 'n langtermyn verbintenis met die land se vleisboere, het mnr. Baxter gesê. [Landbouweekblad 16 November 2004] Mnr. Malcolm Baxter, Nationale Bestuurder van Pick n Pay slaghuise. 15

16 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :33 AM Page 16 Internet Statistieke vir Internet Sisteem in Suider-Afrika Die Suider-Afrika BREEDPLAN webfunksies waar alle gegewens op die internet beskikbaar is kry tans meer as besoeke per maand. Die grafiek hieronder dui die ongelooflike groei van hierdie dienste die afgelope jaar. Telers se registrasie en prestasie gegewens is nou op die webblad by beskikbaar. Elke teler kan ook sy eie gebruikersnaam en wagwoord gebruik om alle prestasiegegewens (bv. kudde profiele, interim teelwaarde verslae en profiele) vanaf die Internet af te trek. Alle diere se stambome en prestasiegegewens kan op die internet opgesoek word. 16

17 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :33 AM Page 17 Karkas Teelwaardes vir karkas eienskappe bekend gestel Na drie jaar se skandering deur Matt Wolcott, 'n BREEDPLAN geakkrediteerde tegnikus, is teelwaardes vir karkas eienskappe soos vetdikte, oogspieroppervlakte, persentasie marmering en verkoopbarevleisopbrengs in Suid - Afrika beskikbaar gestel. BREEDPLAN is 'n voorloper op hierdie tegnologie en gee reeds vanaf 1991 teelwaardes vir hierdie belangrike eienskappe. Grafiek 1 hieronder wys as voorbeeld hoe die Australiaanse Korthoring oor 'n periode van agt jaar vet dikte met bykans 2mm verlaag en terselfde tyd oogspier oppervlakte met 'n ¾ cm 3 vergroot het. Seleksie vir karkaseienskappe het enorme ekonomiese voordele vir 'n rasgenootskap. 'n Groep wat die bedryf verteenwoordig koördineer Ultrasoniese Skanderings van beeste in Suider Afrika. Die groep staan as SARTU bekend. Tegnici word deur SARTU geakkrediteer en telers kan teen 'n fooi van tussen R38 - R45 per dier hulle diere laat skandeer. Louw Snyman is onlangs geakkrediteer om in Suider - Afrika beeste te skandeer. Sy telefoon nommer is Genetiese Tendense Australiaanse Korthoring (1998) Louw Snyman is geakkrediteer om beeste te skandeer om in Suider-Afrika beeste te skandeer. Die volgende metings word geneem: - Oogspieroppervlakte by die 12de/13de rib - Vetdikte by die P8 kruis-area - Vetdikte by die 12de/13de rib - Binnespierse Vetpersentasie (Marmering) Notas: - Skanderingsdata kan slegs verwerk word vir diere wat reeds by BREEDPLAN aangeteken is met geboortedatum en vaar- en moederbesonderhede. - Kry 'n vorm van u genootskap van die diere wat u wil laat skandeer - Dit word aanbeveel dat u lewendige gewigte aanteken op dieselfde dag as wat die ultrasoniese skanderingsmetings geneem is. - Gebruik slegs geakkrediteerde skandeerders. - Diere moet in 'n bestuursgroep voorkom en tussen 300 en 800 dae oud wees wanneer geskandeer word om in die ontleding ingesluit te word. - Dit word sterk aanbeveel dat diere ten minste 5mm vetbedekking het wanneer vir binnespierse vet (marmering) geskandeer word. Dit kan beteken dat diere eerder op 'n ouer as 'n jonger ouderdom geskandeer moet word. Lewendige Ultrasoniese Metings bepaal met hoë akkuraatheid die uitslagpersentasie van die dier". 17

18 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :34 AM Page 18 Kompetisie BREEDPLAN kompetisie 'n wenner Sussex: only a 1st place: A.R. Evans Nguni: only a 1st place: Omatjenne Proefplaas, Otjiwarongo Namibië 18 Voermol's farmer of the Year/ Voermol se Beesboer van die Jaar Noordelike streek: Redgate Bonsmaras Oostelike streek: J.C. Venter Suidelike streek: F.C. Durow Trust Algehele wenner: J.C. Venter Seed Stock Breeder of the Year/ Stoetteler van die Jaar: Angus: 1st: Brian Angus 2nd: Philip Barnard 3rd: Anton Pelser Brahman: 1st: Loriza 2nd: S & B Schneider 3rd: Jan van Zyl Brangus: 1st: Ferdi Naudé Trust Limousin: 1st: John Davenport 2nd: Ferdi Naudé Trust Santa Gertrudis: 1st: Amy Williams 2nd: Craig Marwick 3rd: Annie Lock Simbra: 1st: Arthur Bagot-Smith 2nd: Llewellyn Angus 3rd: Hardus Breedt Simmentaler: 1st: Llewellyn Angus - 2nd: Johan Cloete 3rd: Stephan Voigts Sussex: only a 1st place: A.R. Evans ALGEHELE WENNERS: Dairy breeds - SA Holstein: 1st: Dr. Hendriks - INOVULA (Edms) Bpk 2nd: C.M. MacGillivray 3rd: M.E. Crookes Beef breeds: 1st: Brian Angus - SA Angus 2nd: Llewellyn Angus - Simmentaler/ Simbra 3rd: Philip Barnard - SA Angus (Hooffoto) Die Landbouweekblad/Breedplan-kompetisie se eerste galageleentheid was in Bloemfontein aangebied. Hier verskyn van links mnr. Malcolm Baxter, nasionale algemene bestuurder: Pick 'n Pay-slaghuise en hoofborg van die kompetisie vir 'n tydperk van vyf jaar; dr. Michael Bradfield, direkteur van AgriBSA wat Breedplan Internasionaal in Suidelike-Afrika bedryf; mnre. Brian Angus van Arlington wat as die kompetisie se eerste Stoetteler van die Jaar aangewys is en Andries Gouws, Assistent-redakteur, Landbouweekblad (Pretoria). Afdeling: Koeigroep van die Jaar Van links verskyn mnre. D. Phillips, bestuurder Huntersvlei, Viljoenskroon (Sussex); Craig Marwick, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal (Santa Gertrudis); Kobus Naudé, Loriza, Nietverdiend (Brahman); Dries Delport, Boshof (Brangus); Llewellyn Angus, Arlington, (Simbra); Brian Angus, Arlington (SA Angus); John Devonport, Vaal (Limousin) en Jan Hattingh, Deraleyville (Simmentaler). Voermol se Beesboer van die Jaar Van links na regs verskyn mnre. Hendrik van Pletzen, tegniese bestuurder: Voermol-voere; Philip Strydom, bemarkingsbestuurder: Voermol-voere en borg; Carel Durow, kommersiële Sussexboer van Clocolan en wenner in die suidelike streek; Jan Venter, kommersiële Brangusboer van Volksrust en wenner in die oostelike streek; Neels van der Merwe, Voermolverteenwoordiger, Volksrust; Neil Rissik, eienaar van Redgate Bonsmaras, Boons, en wenner in die noordelike streek; Renier Aveling, verkoopsbestuurder, oostelike streek en Eddie Stone, bestuurder by Redgate Bonsmaras. Mnr. Jan Venter is as die algehele wenner aangewys. Landbouweekblad/Breedplan se Stoetteler van die Jaar In die gewone orde verskyn mnre. Arthur Bagot-Smith (Simbra); D. Phillips namens Anthony Evans (Sussex); Llewellyn Angus (Simmentaler); mev. Norma Seyfferdt namens mev. Amy Williams (Santa Gertrudis); Kobus Naudé (Brahman); John Devonport (Limousin), Brian Angus (SA Angus) en Ferdi Naudé (Brangus). Afdeling: Algehele wenners - Suiwelrasse Van links staan mnre. Malcolm Baxter, nasionale algemene bestuurder - slaghuise by Pick 'n Pay; Gerrie du Preez, hoofbestuurder, SA Holstein-telersgenootskap; Dr. Kobus Hendriks van Heilbron, algehele wenner; mnre. C.M. MacGillivray van Howick, naaswenner en M.E. Crookes van Merrivale, in die derde plek.

19 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :34 AM Page 19 19

20 SA breedplan news 2004.qxp 6/04/ :56 AM Page 20 Combined evaluation Aust. and NZ look to work closely with SA limousin Alex McDonald, CEO of the Australian Limousin made the following comment regarding such an evaluation: - The Australian Limousin Breeder's Society is keen to run a joint BREEDPLAN analysis with the Limousin Cattle Breeder's Society of South African. Already the Australian analysis is run jointly with New Zealand and provided there is adequate genetic linkage between the Australia/NZ database and the LCBS of SA database there could be a single traits including an EBV for docility based on a five point scoring system used by breeders in Australia and NZ. "We look forward to closer relations with South African Limousin breeders through this joint analysis" said Alex McDonald, the General Manager of the Australian Limousin Breeder's Society. News from Aust. and NZ is that these two countries are keen to implement a routine "tri-nations" genetic evaluation with South Africa genetic analysis. The genetic linkage will come from French sires that have been used by artificial insemination in the three countries. The Australia/NZ analysis is a multitrait analysis which provides EBVs for 18 economically important growth, fertility and carcase New generation beef tenderness test announced continued gene, which has been used with a lot of success in Southern Africa. The US research is based on the calpain 1 gene, which weakens muscle fibres during ageing and is inhibited by calpastatin. Genetic Solutions Scientific Director Jay Hatzel said the new test was as effective in identifying genetically tender cattle as the first generation test released 12 months ago. "Data from extensive trials in both Australia and the US show this is a major step forward in assuring consumers a great eating experience. It's a very exciting development for the beef industry", Dr Hetzel said. Special prices for GeneSTAR tenderness 2 testing are available to previous GeneSTAR customers. For further information, contact AgriBSA Tel: +27(0) genestar@agribsa.co.za Genetic solutions BREEDPLAN INTERNATIONAL BEEF RECORDING SCHEME C/- Agricultural Business South Africa, 54 A Main Road, IRENE 0062 Ph: Fax: info@agribsa.co.za