Page 84 - NZ Herefords Magazine 2019 Edition

SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN:

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

As we have seen, Single-Step BREEDPLAN is increasing intake. In contrast, more than 70% of animals in the reference
the variation in EBVs for each trait, and also playing a role in population have traits such as birth weight and 200 day weight.
improving EBV accuracy. To date, increases in EBV accuracy
have been moderate for growth traits, and smaller for fertility As Hereford continues to move forward with Single-Step
and carcass traits. BREEDPLAN, consideration needs to be given to continuing to
collect high quality phenotypes on animals that have genotypes.
THIS IS DUE TO TWO FACTORS: The Hereford Beef + Lamb NZ Genetics Progeny Test are a
a) The heritability of the trait (proportion of variation good source for some of these hard-to-measure traits (e.g. net
explained by genetics) feed intake and retail beef yield), but Hereford breeders can
b) The size of the reference population (animals with both also assist, if not already doing so, by collecting good quality
phenotypes and genotypes). phenotypes for mature cow weight, fertility and scan traits. As
the number of animals in the reference population increases
While the heritability of a trait is fixed, the size of the reference for these traits, Hereford breeders are likely to see greater
population is something that can be influenced by breeders. improvements in EBV accuracy for young animals with not a lot
Unfortunately, for many of the traits where genomics can have of prior information.
the biggest influence (e.g. traits that are measured later in life With more accurate information, Hereford breeders will be
or when the animal is dead, only measured in one sex, or are able to make more informed selection decisions and continue
expensive to measure), the reference population for Hereford to drive their genetic gain.
remains quite small. For example, less than 5% of animals in the
reference population have performance data for traits such as
mature cow weight, retail beef yield, days to calving, and net feed

HEREFORD STUD

- 114 YEARS OF BREEDING -

2 YEAR HEIFERS CALVE ON HILL COUNTRY BULLS 400KG AT UNDER 12 MONTHS OF AGE

th
• Calving ease and short gestation. 28 Annual Yearling Sale
• All cattle EMA & IMF scanned.
th
• Cattle must compete with 8,000 ewes Thursday 19 September 2019
on hard hill country. 130 yearling bulls specifi cally
• Top service and bull backup provided. bred for calving ease.

Mike & Cath Cranstone v 814 Kauangaroa Road, RD7, Fordell, Wanganui 4577
Ph: 06 342 7721 v Email: crannyandcath@outlook.com v www.ezicalve.co.nz
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