WITH cost of production on the rise and premium pricing to hit Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grids, it is essential for beef producers to incorporate proven science into their programs.
By utilising Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) alone, Gippsland beef breeders could gain up to $10,000 in the working life of a bull by using Bowman Performance Genetics this year.
A seedstock producer should be providing valuable information, such as an Angus Breeding Index value - which calculates the genetic differences between an animal’s net profitability per cow joined, in a typical commercial self-replacing herd using Angus bulls.
Bowman Performance Genetics offers a significant advantage in this field, with up to $100 $ABI (Angus Breed Index Value) gain per bull, which equates to $50 per calf produced (half the index is contributed by the bull) or $10,000 in the average working life of a bull, assuming he produces 200 calves.
Stud principal, Glenn Bowman said, “We have seen significant advancement in our own 1200 female breeding herd over the last decade, by increasing Breedplan values. "Everything we do on-farm is about making things more efficient and increasing profit.
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"Calving is a dream, with very few assists; growth rates are increasing, docility and carcass traits are improving, much of which can be put down to utilising simple selection tools such as EBVs.
"Every registered calf born has a TSU (Tissue Sampling Unit) DNA taken, which can reveal from a very early age, the lifetime breeding potential of that animal," Mr Bowman said.
"When processed through the laboratory, we find that this science can sort the 'wheat from the chaff', so to speak.
"Genomic evaluation is the most significant advancement to EBV analysis to date. It is imperative to utilise this data created, to increase profitability and be at the forefront of cattle breeding.”
One of Gippsland’s leading beef finishers, Lindsay Marriott, who manages ‘Box Plains’, Tarwin Lower, is a big believer in incorporating EBVs, taking steers through the JBS farm-assured MSA grading system.
“We have seen a real difference in the cattle that come from EBV performance-focused herds to the point where we won’t buy replacement steers unless we know this background information," he said.
"All our cattle are run through Kool Collect software program, which allows us to track daily weight gains of each individual animal.
"This is why we keep coming back purchasing Bowman cattle, as we have the knowledge, they not only have superior performance, but also grade at the top level."
Mr. Bowman pointed out, it's not all about choosing the highest figured animals, there is still a high level of cattlemanship involved - from structural assessment, natural carcass content, pedigree research and identifying female lines with doing ability.
"If we can engineer a bull that not only looks good, but has the proven science, you can have the best of both worlds," Mr. Bowman said.
To gain the Bowman advantage, be sure to check out the next bull sale Thursday March 13, 1pm at ‘Crystal Brook’ 100 Sawyer Road, Neerim South 3831.
