Sunday, September 29, 2013

Taking Advantage Of Beef Cattle Genetics

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.

Knowledge of the behavior of animals is used to determine management techniques including the need for supervision during calving. Selecting a breed that has manageable temperaments reduces the cost of production. There are fewer conflicts with other animals and destruction of sheltering structures. A specific genotype suits an enterprise venture. The benefits are either cumulative, permanent or make it relatively cheaper to rear a particular breed.

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.

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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