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|
Heritabilities - | |
|
Birth Wt. |
30% |
|
200 W |
20% |
|
400 W |
35% |
|
600 W |
50% |
|
Mat Cow W |
45% |
|
Milk |
6% |
|
Sc S |
45% |
|
D C |
8% |
|
CW |
35% |
|
EMA |
30% |
|
Rib Fat |
30% |
|
P8 Fat |
30% |
|
RBY% |
40% |
|
IMF % |
20% |
We have included the Heritability estimates (Tropical Breeds) for the various traits that we feel are very relevant considering that overall , 30% of what we buy in an animal is the genetic component which will be passed to its progeny. The 70% balance is a mixture of feeding, gut fill and other environmental factors which are not passed to progeny.
As breeders. if we can recognise deficiencies in our herds we can set and monitor our breeding goals to better conform to market specifications and /or fertility standards. It is through bulls that the greatest influence and gains will be achieved.
Traits under the influence of only a few genes such as polledness and coat colour will respond quickly.
The production traits are considered to be under the influence of many genes and a study of the heritability, genetic correlation between the traits and selection pressure you apply to attain your production goals, present a more complex problem. Those traits which are easily measured, contain a fair amount of variation between animals and are highly heritable, are the obvious starting points. The old recommendation of “bulls for the market and cows for the environment” is a valid argument and please feel free to discuss your seedstock requirements, whether you are a stud or commercial breeder as we intentionally maintain a range of genotypes through AI to fit various market conditions.
Wynwood Droughtmasters are selected on an overall balanced multi trait approach as we feel selection on only one or two traits is short sighted and will result in problems for ourselves and you , our seedstock buying clients. We consider restricted selection for high growth or extreme carcass traits will invariably lead to increased calving difficulty, decreased cow efficiency and increasingly late maturity. These undisirable characteristics are not in any of our interests!
Setting Breeding Goals
