Central Plateau farmer Geoff Donald is pleased to see positive results for Simmental cattle in the early results of a progeny test that analyses cattle breed performance.
The beef progeny test is being run by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics (B+LNZ Genetics) across five large commercial properties, involving around2200 cows and heifers a year.
It aims to determine how bulls of different types perform 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 have Simmental performing at the top of the breeds, and confirm what was suspected with regard to Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), says B+LNZ Genetics General Manager Graham Alder.
Simmental bulls produced progeny with a 6kg higher average weaning and 20kg higher yearling weight. The actual yearling weights for Simmental ranged between 310kg -340kg, compared to 285kg-315kg for Angus, and 280kg-310kg for Hereford.
"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 says.
"So 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 they know the bull will produce calves that meet their requirements."
Mr Donald farms at between 500 to 670m above sea level on the plateau near Waiouru.
He uses a terminal Simmental sire over Angus-Hereford cows and finishes the progeny for processing. He's been using Simmental for 10-15 years and also uses traditional breeds and some Charolais.
Beef +Lamb NZ genetics general manager Graham Alder. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED
He said he likes using Simmental because of their good growth rates.
"If you can keep the feed in front of them they will grow. As long as we are getting a good season they certainly do well."
Growth rates will be good this year, he said, as the area is enjoying good grass growth following good rainfall and warm settled weather in recent months. "Over the last few summers it has been very dry and we are not used to that."
Simmental New Zealand says it's been known for some time that Simmental have the ability to pack on weight fast over a very short timeframe.
"However, it is exciting to see what some would consider to be anecdotal evidence be proven in a professionally constructed, large scale, impartial beef progeny test," president Sarah Hammond 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."
Beef farmers now eagerly await the results of the first kill and resulting carcass weights of the first group of heifers involved in the progeny test. They are to be processed late in May.
