Taking Advantage Of Beef Cattle Genetics Technology

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.

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.

Profitability is not only anchored on genomics. Other factors that affect the margins in an enterprise include management issues and the quality of pasture fed to the animals. Genomics plays a complementary role in meeting the goals of enterprise. Genetic improvement seeks to build the capacity of the heard to produce more. Management plays a crucial role in determining the profit margins.

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.

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.

It takes time and even generations to develop the best traits for a herd. The process is threatened by inbreeding which leads to retention of genes and eventual weakening of the animals. Culling should be selectively and purposefully carried out to ensure that the breed is refined to closely match the expectations of the market. This is a tactical approach that requires professionalism.

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 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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