The B+LNZ Genetics team invite you to join them online for an update on the Informing NZ Beef programme and progress regarding new trait development work.
Amongst other objectives, the Informing NZ Beef (INZB) programme is focused on developing a beef genetic evaluation system that includes traits of importance to New Zealand’s beef farmers. Fertility, functionality and feed efficiency were identified as priority traits through an industry-wide Trait Prioritisation Survey carried out in the early stages of the programme.
The webinar will cover
A brief update on the INZB programme:
- As we reach the halfway mark, the focus shifts to education, extension and encouraging the use of high-quality genetics in the beef industry.
New traits development
- Body Condition Score (BCS): a genetic evaluation for BCS is in development using data from B+LNZ’s Beef Progeny Test herds. Over 240 sires have been assessed through the test and 4,500 cows measured prior to mating, at weaning and prior to calving. B+LNZ is encouraging stud breeders to also contribute data. These breeders will be provided with estimated breeding values for BCS for their cows.
- Fertility trait work: Trials are ongoing at two pilot farms with yearling heifers and rebreeding heifers at these sites tagged with CowManager cow health monitoring systems. As well as collecting data on fertility traits, the trial is also exploring the use of these types of wearable technologies in beef herds and the value they could potentially provide.
- Feed efficiency and methane emissions: A trial is being run at Te Mania Angus stud near Parnassus – using Te Mania’s Vytelle Sense System for feed intake and AgResearch’s Portable Accumulation Chambers (PAC) for methane emissions. The goal is to create two breeding values – one for feed efficiency and another for methane emissions per kilo of feed.
Registration
Please click the link below to register and receive your Zoom Meeting link. Please note it can sometimes take up to 30 minutes for the Zoom link to come through after you have completed registration.
If you have any questions about the webinar or content that will be covered, please email the B+LNZ Genetics team at info@blnzgenetics.com