So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Taking Advantage Of Beef Cattle Genetics Technology

By Paulette Short


Beef cattle genetics is important in setting, identifying and confirming the limits of expectations from a herd. Such limits make decision making in a cattle rearing enterprise certain and dependable. The aim is to meet the needs of each market segment that the farmer intends to serve in line with known potential. An enterprise depends on performance of individual animals to identify intended profits.

Important performance indicators under focus during genomics include survival rates, weaning rate, calving ease, cow weight and sale weight. Experts also evaluate the retail beef yield, marbling score and P8 fat depth. These are some of the factors that determine the quality of a breed. The animal will contribute more to the enterprise when these factors are studied and enhanced.

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.

The behavior of each animal suggests desirable traits and should guide selection. Some desirable traits include temperament and calving ease. Mild temperament allows the animal to be reared with others in the same shed without commotion. A cow that calves with ease does not require constant supervision and thus makes management easier. These and other factors should be considered when selecting a bull or cow for the next generation. The herd should be less expensive to manage with the right traits. The traits are either permanent or cumulatively acquired.

Genetic improvement uses a parent with superior qualities to sire the next generation of animals. The idea of genetic superiority is defined by the target market and environment of production. Each market has specific demands which shape the best breed. When the enterprise is commercial, the properties chosen must lead to better yields. Experts are therefore cautious to give priority to the factors that will lead to increased yields.

Improvement of the genetic composition of a breed is a continuous process. One of the risky factors in such a process is inbreeding. Selective culling should take place with the aim of refining a herd. Everything done should have the expectations of the market in mind. This demands a well thought tactical approach.

Selection of the siring bull should be guided by the aim of reproduction. Animal enterprises should focus on value for money. A breeder who continuously produces high yielding animals should be sort. A long term program should be drawn to ensure that the goals of an enterprise are realized. Determinant factors also include change of breed and cross breeding.

Beef cattle genetics seeks to exploit the hereditary traits of different animals for economic gains. The traits are within breeds and across breeds. The control point is mainly the bull because a single one can sire numerous calves. Improvements should focus beyond genetics to include nutrition, herd selection as well as marketing strategy. This makes the entire process cost effective with the aim of improving profit margins.




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