Better genetics, better weanlings, better returns

The importance of the right genetics when selling weanlings is the topic of discussion on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Genetics can have a major influence on the performance and profitability of a beef herd. And through the Beef Edge podcast, National Cattle Breeding Centre Beef Programme Manager, Rose Goulding outlines the key traits farmers should focus on when selecting bulls or replacement females. The individual traits that farmers need to focus on such as milk and carcass conformation within the Terminal and Replacement indexes are also highlighted.

While genomic evaluations are now widely used, additional information such as the myostatin status can be utilised on farm. On this, Rose discusses selecting sires to breed weanlings on plainer type cows that are non-carriers of the gene or vice versa.

Synchronisation programmes greatly aid the use of AI in suckler herds and programmes such as the 0-7-10 programme can greatly reduce the workload when mating heifers while also reducing the need for heat detection aid. Further details of this programme are available in the Progressive Genetics catalogue (PDF).

The upcoming Teagasc Autumn Mart Events are also discussed on the podcast. Taking place across the country, the events will provide practical advice to help beef farmers breed high-quality weanlings and maximise animal performance over the winter.

The events will feature live demonstrations of AI-sired weanlings, alongside advice from Teagasc advisors and specialists, AI breeding companies, nutritionists and veterinary practitioners.

Listen to the full episode of the Beef Edge podcast below:

For further information on the Teagasc Autumn Beef events, visit here.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page.

The Beef Edge podcast is produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com