FAST FACTS
Before buying a bull, do your homework on the genetic potential of the animal.
Genetic improvement can only be achieved over several generations. Therefore, buying in the right bull is essential to the long-term sustainability of your herd.
Avoid comparing breeding values across breeds, as these will differ substantially.
The days of buying bulls based purely on their functional appearance are over. While functional efficiency is important, it is also crucial that the buyer does his or her homework regarding the genetic potential and merit of the bulls prior to the auction so as to be able to make an informed decision on the day of the auction.
Auction catalogues are, however, not always easy to interpret and can be challenging for commercial and stud breeders during the auction amidst a lot of activity going on and no time to waste between the lots on auction.
If breeders are knowledgeable regarding the interpretation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, which depict an animal’s genetic potential, it can be a huge advantage in helping them meet their breeding objectives much quicker.
It needs to be asked whether breeders really understand these figures and the use of breeding values as a selection tool for choosing the best bull for their herds.
It will always be risky to buy a registered bull without breeding values, especially since a bull can have such a huge genetic impact on a cowherd. In addition to this, genetic improvement is a slow process and can only be achieved over generations. This implies that the wrong choice of bull can be so detrimental to your herd that it can be costly to recover from the damage caused and will be a setback to achieving your breeding goals.
Denne historien er fra March 18, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra March 18, 2022-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
