1. Genetic improvement Benefits for commercial producers
Dr Michael Bradfield
BREEDPLAN SA

3. World meat production and trade
Source: FAPRI, 2010

5. This was Achieved by Maximising Genetic Progress!
(n0 hormones!)
Day 85
Day 43
Day 57
Day 71
1957 Chicken Genetics
2001 Chicken Genetics

6. Value of genetic improvement to South African beef herd$$
After 10 years
4.50 Billion Rand
RSA R40

7. In France, like much of Europe, many of the breed societies have become very weak and have very little influence on the industry.
Vincent Ducrocq (ARC 20/02/2012)

11. +5kg
+3kg

12. - 6 days
Influence of bull on fertility
Measure correct trait

13. EMA RBY
7.2cm 3.1%

14. ?

15. WHAT IS GENETIC PROGRESS ?
The formula is:
R = S x h² L

16. Brahman Extensive Rangeland Grassfed Index
If we acknowledge that EBVs for the basis of modern breeding programs, then the first important tool will be providing a customised index for each breed for each market.

17. Steers finished on grass (30 months). 460-500 kg live weight.
Namibian Extensive Rangeland Grassfed Index
Objectives
Steers finished on grass (30 months).
kg live weight.
P8 Fat 10 mm.
Daughters retained for breeding
Reduce cow size.

19. +50$

20. Brahman International Genetic Evaluation
Selecting suitable genetics “across country borders”:
Breeders can benchmark their own herd genetics to other genetics around the world on a common base
Opportunities of a wider gene pool:
- potential for accelerating rate of genetic improvement
- marketing genetics on a common base

21. Brahman Performance Records Available
AUSTRALIA
USA
SOUTH AFRICA
NAMIBIA
TOTAL
GESTATION LENGTH -
404
763
1167
BIRTH WEIGHT
16,649
109,110
135,111
37,393
298,263
200 DAY WEIGHT*
187,534
106,592
106,827
36,246
437,199
400 DAY WEIGHT*
91,834
24,001
60,784
26,753
203,372
600 DAY WEIGHT*
100,363
51,437
25,029
176,829
MATURE WEIGHT*
10,881
15,042
9,205
35,128
RIB FAT SCAN
12,044
1,160
935
6,577
20,716
EMA SCAN
14,281
1,161
930
6,564
22,936
CARCASE WEIGHT
2,396
2,020
4,416
SHEAR FORCE
1,954
GENESTAR TENDERNES
659
SCROTAL SIZE
21,088
2,318
7,671
2,698
33,775
DAYS-TO-CALVING*
35,585
TOTAL NO. OF RECORDS
492,655
248,975
379,141
151,228
1,271,999
% OF RECORDS
38.7
19.6
29.8
11.9
100
*These numbers may include repeat measures on the same animals.

25. Other Considerations
By undertaking this project Brahman would become the first Bos indicus breed to commission an international genetic evaluation.
This should assist Brahman to increase its market share of genetics - particularly to developing country projects.
It needs to be accepted from the outset that while the international evaluation will be more informative than national evaluations - there will be winners and losers. That is part of the price of progress.

27. Put the interests of your commercial clients FIRST
Stud Industry
Put the interests of your commercial clients FIRST
by selecting animals that make commercial producers more MONEY
Lets be courageous, roll up our sleeves, and do it!