Can a bull?s appearance reliably predict the genetic merit and profitability of its progeny? Japie van der Westhuizen challenges the idea that animals selected using breeding values are merely ?paper cattle?, arguing that objective measurements and BLUP breeding values provide a more reliable basis for selection than visual appraisal alone. Comparing two Nguni bulls, the article follows their performance through their own calves and their daughters? calves, demonstrating substantial differences in weaning performance and potential income. The central message is that breeding decisions should be based on clearly defined breeding goals, objective measurements and breeding values for economically important traits.
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Selection with a clearly formulated breeding goal, based on objective measurement and breeding values for economically important traits:
“PAPER CATTLE” OR THE REAL THING?
JAPIE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN General Manager, SA Stud Book
civil engineer is trained thoroughly in the properties of materials, the tensile strength and load-bearing capacity of the materials that structures are made of, and possibly also the aesthetics of these structures that must come to light through his or her input. These designs are thoroughly worked out on a computer (and perhaps on paper) and calculated so that the structure meets the functional requirements. Of course, it must be safe and provide a long service life. When the bridge (or other structure) is built and
in use, no one mentions a “paper bridge” anymore. Bridges differ and look different, but their functionality is the precursor to their appearance. Setting the course.
Trained and registered scientists, who
objective observation, or description within groups, where each animal
specialise in breeding and genetics, are
is offered an equal opportunity to show its mettle, clearly indicates
properly trained in the operation and
whether it is better, weaker, shorter, longer, taller, smaller, and more
biology of genes and how their operation
or less profitable than the others that also had this equal opportunity.
can affect the anatomy and physiology,
Commercial buyers who want to make a living from their cattle, and
and of course, the production and
clearly distinguish between breeding animals that can, or cannot achieve
functionality of breeding animals and
this, want cattle with actual measurements.
If it works, is there a difference in the performance of the progeny of a bull
In addition, animal scientists, trained in genetics and breeding, are usually also trained in aesthetics or appearance, especially regarding the function of breeding animals. Breeding
with high breeding values compared to another with lower breeding values? As an example, the offspring of two Nguni bulls with different breeding values for weaning weight and milk (maternal weaning) were compared. Both were born in 2008. In other words, their daughters have already weaned calves.
information into account, namely the measurement (or weight or objective
Below is the graphic representation of the bulls’ BLUP breeding values (as on www.Logix.org.za and www.SABeefBulls.com):
observation) of each animal and their genetic links (all relationships). Breeding
plans take all traits into account, and
processing (no longer on paper!)
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