Beef progeny test breaking records

A prime Simmental bull - early results of a progeny test show exceptional growth rates for Simmental-cross animals.

A beef progeny test that is showing strong growth rates for Simmental-cross cattle is breaking new ground in the analysis of beef breed performance, according to Kaikohe-based PGG Wrightson stock agent Vaughan Vujcich.

The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics progeny test, which provided detail not seen before for farmers, was being run by B+LNZ Genetics across five large commercial properties, involving around 2200 cows and heifers a year, to determine how bulls of different breeds performed under comparable commercial conditions, and capture the worth of superior genetics from both breeding cow performance and finishing stock's carcase attributes.

Initial weight-based results had Simmental performing at the top of the breeds, and confirmed what was suspected with regard to Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), B+LNZ genetics general manager Graham Alder said.

"The key message to come out of the test so far is that EBVs work. The sires' EBV figures are matching the calves' performance very closely," he said.

"Farmers can look at the EBV figures relevant to them and select bulls from that. For example, if they want early finishing, they can look at the EBV for 400- and 600-day weights, choose their bulls from that, and know the bull will produce calves that meet their requirements."

Simmental bulls produced progeny with a 6kg higher average weaning and 20kg higher yearling weight. The actual yearling weights for Simmental ranged between 310kg and 340kg, compared to 285kg-315kg for Angus and 280kg-310kg for Hereford.

Simmental New Zealand president Sarah Hammond, from Kaitaia, said it had been known for some time that Simmental had the ability to pack on weight fast over a very short time frame.

"However, it is exciting to see what some would consider to be anecdotal evidence proven in a professionally constructed, large-scale, impartial beef progeny test," she said. "For commercial farmers this is compelling evidence that if they don't utilise a terminal sire currently, they should consider it. Those who choose to embrace the outcomes of this trial will be able to increase their profit margin and reduce their exposure to financial risk at the same time."

Gerald White, who finishes steers of all breeds on his farm north of Kaitaia, welcomed better analysis of performance in the beef industry.

"More research and trials need to be done on feed conversion rate (the amount of dry matter eaten to put on one kilo of weight). If one breed is eating three kilos more than another breed, and both have the same weight gain, why would you buy that breed?"

All beef breeders needed to look at their growth rates and how much it was costing to grow the meat

Mr Vujcich said Simmental-bred calves were at the forefront of the Kaikohe weaner fair, one of the premier North Island weaner sales, in March. Prices were strong following good weather in February that delivered grass growth after a "short, sharp" drought in December and January.