Page 14 - Hooked on Herefords Feb 2021

Event

• Hereford Prime Index bulls are joined to either Hereford or other British breed
• Beef Heifer Index heifers. Selected heifers are retained for breeding and so
• Dairy Beef Index maternal traits are of importance. Steers target 510 kg
Each selection index describes a different production/ live weight (280 kg HSCW and 7 mm P8 fat depth) and
market scenario and relates to a typical commercial herd heifers 450 kg (250 kg HSCW and 8 mm P8 fat depth) at
using Hereford bulls. Producers are advised to use the 20 months of age.
selection index that most closely aligns to their production
system. Each selection index is focused on efficient beef Dairy Beef Index - Estimates the genetic differences
production, including maternal traits where appropriate. between animals in net profitability per dairy female
In addition, each selection index targets the following joined with all progeny destined for slaughter. Steers and
specifications. heifer progeny target 550 kg live weight (300 kg carcase
weight and 6 mm fat depth) at 24 months of age and at
Hereford Prime Index - Estimates the genetic differences 475 kg live weight (260 kg carcase weight and 7 mm fat
between animals in net profitability per cow joined for a depth) at 22 months, respectively.
typical self-replacing commercial herd where Hereford All selection indexes are reported as an EBV, in units of
bulls are joined to either Hereford or other British breed net profit per cow mated ($) for a given production/market
females and targeting the production of grass finished scenario. They reflect both the short-term profit generated
steers for the Hereford Prime program. Selected heifers by a sire through the sale of his progeny, and the longer-
are retained for breeding and so maternal traits are of term profit generated by his daughters in a self-replacing
importance. Steers target 550 kg live weight (300 kg cow herd (where applicable).
carcase weight & 7 mm P8 fat) at 20 months of age, and
heifers 475 kg (260 kg carcase weight & 8 mm fat depth), More detailed information regarding each selection
at 22 months of age. index can be accessed through the NZ Hereford website.
If you have any further queries regarding the New
Beef Heifer Index - Estimates the genetic differences Zealand Hereford Selection Indexes, please do not hesitate
between animals in net profitability per heifer joined for to contact staff at the New Zealand Herefords or a member
a typical self-replacing commercial herd where Hereford of the Technical Committee.

PBB Update Harry Faas | PBB General Manager

SIL Bureau Consultant

I’m Charlotte Hughes-long, I’m the SIL
Bureau Consultant for PBB. Beginning
this month, PBB has the exciting
opportunity to provide you with Sheep
DNA services. Making PBB a one stop
shop for beef and sheep genomics and
data management. PBB are the only
company nationwide to provide all these services,
under one roof.

Our new GGP Ovine 50K test includes the following tests:
PBB’s 50k test is 1/6th the price of other similar tests
• Parentage currently on the market.
• Yellow fat I can load these test results into SIL giving you very
• Fecundity valuable reports, with accuracies, encompassing your
• Booroola investment in genomics.
• Loin Muscle 2021 is also the year PBB hits the road. I will be
• Meat and Fat Yield travelling round providing training in all of the services we
• Increased number of lambs born provide. So, whether you need anything from help taking
• Microphthalmia TSU samples, filling out the DNA form, using Stockbook etc.
get in touch and we can arrange a time to come see you.
All the above at a cost of $29 per sample. I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside you!

14 | NZ Herefords Newsletter. February, 2021 Hooked on Herefords