An overwhelming majority (90 per cent) of Angus beef producers want to increase the 400-day weight in their breeding operation in the next five years.
That was one of the most decisive results of the extensive member consultation process Angus Australia has undertaken during recent months.
More than 300 producers were surveyed, at nine workshops across Australia and online, about the predominant production systems in which Angus genetics will be used during the next 10 years, and the main traits of importance within Angus breeding programs.
More than half of those quizzed were breeding for grass fed production systems and the most decisive trait was 90 per cent wanted increase in 400 day weight.
Other findings included more than 80pc wanted an increase in the herd’s eye muscle area (EMA), nearly 80pc wanted an increase in intramuscular fat (IMF) and 60pc wanted increase in scrotal size.
The producers were asked to weigh up in their breeding program, the relative importance they placed one certain traits, and the findings included a lean to 400 day weight over rump fat; and a small lean towards favouring calving ease over 400 day weight; towards EMA over IMF; and towards IMF over rump fat.
The feedback is now being used to help revise the selection indexes that are calculated within the Angus BREEDPLAN, with revised selection indexes anticipated to be available for release during the December Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.
All feedback will also be reviewed and discussed at the Angus Australia board meetings in late November.
Details: http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/
