| Breedplan is a
modern genetic evaluation system for beef cattle
breeders. It is based in Australia, with clients
worldwide. Breedplan offers bull breeders the
potential to accelerate genetic progress in their
herds, and to provide objective information on
stock they sell to commercial breeders.
Breedplan calculates Estimated Breeding Values
(EBVs)+ for a range of traits including:
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| Weight |
Fertility |
Carcase |
| Birth weight |
Scrotal Size |
Carcase weight |
| 200-day milk |
Days to Calving |
Eye Muscle area |
| 200, 400 and 600-day weight |
Gestation length |
Fat thickness |
| Mature cow weight |
Calving Ease |
Meat Yield % |
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Marbling |
| +(Note: EPDs are calculated for North American clients) |
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Included in the calculation
of EBVs are the animal’s own performance,
the performance of known relatives, the heritability
of each trait and the relationship between
the different traits ie. a world class genetic
evaluation model, combining all traits in
one analysis.
All breeds of beef cattle in
Australia use Breedplan. For most, the Breedplan
genetic evaluation system has been integrated
with the respective breed association’s
pedigree system. Substantial genetic improvement
for traits of commercial importance have been
demonstrated.
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| Cows in paddock |
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The Breedplan technology is kept at the leading edge
by continuous research. The Animal Genetics & Breeding
Unit (AGBU) is located on the campus of the University
of New England and undertakes the research into the
genetic evaluation system. Its budget for this is about
$1.5M per annum. (AGBU recently hosted the 6th World
Congress in Animal Genetics.) In addition the Beef Quality
Co-operative Research Centre at the University of New
England undertakes detailed research and field trialing
to determine the relationship between genetics and beef
quality. This is also used by AGBU to update the Breedplan
system, particularly in the carcase area.
Armidale has become a centre for excellence in beef
breeding technology. As a result breed societies representing
18 beef breeds have now established their national headquarters
in Armidale to be part of this exciting program of beef
improvement.
The Breedplan technology is highly regarded in a number
of overseas countries where it is made available under
licence. It has been adopted as the national beef recording
scheme in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and is
also used in the Philippines, USA, Canada, Argentina
and the United Kingdom.
Genetic databases for particular breeds in these countries
are now being merged to conduct international genetic
evaluations. The rationale for this is simple - the
larger the population of cattle being evaluated the
higher the chance of finding elite genetic material
which can then be rapidly disseminated using modern
artificial breeding techniques. This will improve the
competitiveness of beef production in all co-operating
countries.
Balla Balla Red Poll Stud is a member of Breedplan and
our Breedplan figures are available on the Breedplan
web site.
Balla Balla is committed to using sound statistical
performance figures to evaluate and improve our herd.
For more information re Breedplan see http://Breedplan.une.edu.au
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