Saturday, September 28, 2013

Taking Advantage Of Beef Cattle Genetics Improvements

By Paulette Short


Beef cattle genetics allows farmers to identify and ascertain the upper and lower limits expected from their animals. This information is important in setting the goals of any animal rearing enterprise. Some of the goals include the market options that can be pursued with full knowledge of the production potential of chosen herds. Clarity on the performance of the animals is used as an indicator of possible profits.

Genomics focuses on performance determining traits such as weaning rate, survival rate, sale weight, cow weight and the ease with which a cow calves. Other determinant factors include marbling score, P8 fat depth and retail beef yield. These factors determine the overall profitability of a herd or breed. Studying these factors with the aim of enhancing them makes the enterprise more profitable.

There are other factors beyond genomics that affect profitability. They include pasture quality and herd management. Genomics is considered complementary in enterprise development. The herd will increase its yield when its capacity is enhanced. Major anchoring factors also include muscle score and marbling levels. They are used in predicting the profits to expect out of a herd. Management is critical in any venture.

Proper selection of herds should go beyond production to include behavior traits of each animal. A less temperamental animal is easier to manage and does not require reinforced or complicated structures. Animals that calve easily will also not require supervision which is good for management. Mild temperament makes it safe to hold all the animals under one roof without the risk of hurting each other. Enterprise ventures must therefore choose the right combination for a healthier profit margin. Genetic improvement is either permanent or cumulative and makes management less costly.

The traits of the bull are crucial in determining the quality and performance of the next generation. Superiority depends on the market qualities desired and the environment the animals are bred in. The intentions of improvement are to raise commercial viability of a herd. Experts are at a better position to select the most productive combination of traits for a commercial venture. They are guided by the goals of each enterprise.

It is important to sustain the momentum of genetic improvement. This is only possible when inbreeding is controlled. This means that culling must be selective and purposeful. The management of a herd should identify the market that seeks to be served and make progressive decisions that will lead to higher gains. This is a tactical approach to having a breeding herd.

The bull selected for the purpose of calve production must give value for money because of its ability to improve the quality of your herd. There are commercial breeders who specialize in giving the market the best animals. It is important to have a concrete breeding program with long term plans. The implications of cross breeding and changing breeds should be considered during such a venture.

Beef cattle genetics aims at getting maximum economic gains by combining the best hereditary traits of different animals. Cross breeding and in breeding are the mechanisms used to arrive at a superior breed. The bull can sire large numbers of calves and is therefore the anchor of the process. Other factors beyond genetics include marketing strategy, herd selection and nutrition. The ultimate goal remains increased yields.




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