Improve livestock productivity through herd genetic gains

Burdekin graziers attended a Frontier Genetics field day at Greenvale in August to get the latest information on how to achieve genetic gains to improve overall productivity of livestock.

Sire selection is the fastest way to make improvements in herd genetics.  To achieve this, knowing what traits are most important for business productivity and profitability, is a must.

It’s not straightforward because breeding goals, selection criteria, market requirements, economic outcomes, herd production targets and current herd performance needs to be taken into account.

Guest speakers covered a range of topics, including:

• bull soundness evaluations;
• animal health management; and
• understanding and utilising Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

Producers also shared practical examples of how they have successfully applied these tools in selecting bulls for their herds, leading to increased profitability.

BBB graziers who attended this event were supported through the Landholders Driving Change Program, funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

NQ Dry Tropics Grazing Officer Callum Olver and Frontier Genetics representative Roger Landsberg.