When it comes to Angus breeding, the annual scanning and classing of yearling bulls at Te Mania Angus is a pivotal moment. This process is key to identifying the genetic variance within contemporary groups, which is crucial for driving the next generation of genetic progress.
At Te Mania Angus, this year’s scanning involved 930 12-month-old Angus bulls. ‘Scanning’ involves using ultrasound technology to measure eye muscle area, intramuscular fat (marbling), and rib and rump fat. Concurrently, Te Mania also records an accurate weight, scrotal circumference and hip height. This phenotypic data is collected to analyse the genetic variation of certain traits within the herd, allowing us to make more informed breeding decisions.
According to Te Mania Angus Director Tom Gubbins, the greater the genetic variation revealed during scanning, the more opportunities there are to improve our Angus genetics. “With precise data in hand, we can carefully select bulls that will enhance desirable traits, fast-tracking genetic improvement,” Tom explains. “For instance, our focus on marbling has been significantly advanced through this method, giving breeders the tools to fine-tune their programs for high-performance Angus bulls.”
Managing bulls in large contemporary groups, ranging from 100 to 150 head, is central to our approach. This method ensures that the genetic profile of our Angus bulls remains consistent, undistorted by inconsistent environmental conditions that could skew growth or performance. “Running an entire drop together in commercial conditions builds the integrity of our data,” Tom emphasises. “This has allowed us to make extraordinary progress in traits like eye muscle area, growth, and marbling.”
Keeping these bulls together for a minimum of 400 days is crucial for accurate data collection. Separating them earlier would undermine the reliability of the results. This disciplined approach not only helps us identify potential sires but also allows us to swiftly remove bulls that don’t meet our rigorous benchmarks.
By continuously refining our Angus gene pool, Te Mania Angus remains committed to leading the way in genetic improvement, ensuring that our commercial breeders have access to high-performance Angus bulls that drive profitable beef production.
In Summary:
At Te Mania Angus, the annual scanning and classification of yearling bulls is a vital step in advancing genetic progress. Key points include:
- Data Collection: Scanning 930 12-month-old Angus bulls to identify genetic variations.
- Genetic Improvement: Using precise data to select bulls with desirable traits like marbling.
- Contemporary Groups: Managing bulls in large groups (100-150 head) to maintain data integrity.
- Data Accuracy: Keeping bulls together for a minimum of 400 days for reliable results.
- Sale Integration: Applying insights to enhance bull sale lineups for better performance and profitability.
This approach not only strengthens our breeding program but also provides commercial breeders with high-performance Angus bulls, driving profitability in beef production.
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