Genetics

It’s bull and sheep buying season, and advancements in the genetics space are continuing to develop, to provide sheep and beef breeders with better New Zealand specific data. But how do farmers make the most of this information?

We talk to genetics specialists, Dr Shannon Clarke from AgResearch, Genetics Specialist and Gemma Jenkins from Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme, about projects running at the moment, what data they already have available, and how farmers can start using it in their systems.

Body Condition Score (BCS) data over several years shows a straight-line relationship to mating success. Words by Tony Leggett.

Over the past six months, cow monitoring systems have been trialled in two South Island beef herds as part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef Programme. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Data from commercial herds contribute to beef evaluation programme. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

A group of New Zealand breeders and industry representatives learn more about genetic research and new technologies in the Northern Hemisphere. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Shorthorn seedstock producers are close to seeing the first weaned calves born in their own large scale progeny test. Words Tony Leggett.

For Alan and Natasha Cave joining Informing New Zealand Beef’s commercial herd programme was a natural progression in their on-going work to improve the performance of their commercial beef herd. Words Sandra Taylor, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Photos Laura Adams, Little Valley Photography.

Dairy beef animals have to be the most efficient animals possible and genetics is a key factor. Words by Sheryl Haitana.

Virtual fencing technology is showing the returns of daily rotational grazing on steep, hill country beef farms.
Words by Sarah Perriam-Lampp Photos by Michael Lahood.

For too long, opportunities to breed out the cost have largely been ignored in ram selection, Mark Ferguson writes.