22 | New EBVs help fast-track selection decisions Kim Newth New Zealand’s AngusPRO studs have once again gained an advantage in the beef market with the recent release of two new EBVs by governing body Angus Australia – mature body condition (MBC) and mature cow height (MCH). AngusPRO encompasses over 40% of New Zealand’s registered Angus cattle. Te Mania, south of Kaikoura, is part of the AngusPRO group and is one of New Zealand’s leading Angus studs. The stud’s general manager, Will Wilding, is one of many breeders welcoming the advent of these ground-breaking cow composition selection tools, which went from being research-level BVs to EBVs during the 2024 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) enhancements. The transition represents the culmination of many years of research, driven by breeders wanting a deeper genetic understanding of traits related to the productivity and profitability of the Angus cow herd. A higher mature body condition EBV indicates that an animal is expected to produce daughters with more body condition as mature females. “We see it adding value for commercial farmers,” says Will. “That’s because it’s an actual commercially significant EBV that relates to describing the direction you want your cow herd to go in – it’s something that hasn’t previously been available.” Current selection processes often rely on traits measured in younger animals, such as carcass fat depth, to infer mature cow body condition and the ‘do-ability’ of females. The mature body condition EBV takes the guesswork out of the equation. “We will have these new EBVs in our catalogue for our next bull sale [on 18 June], so that people can start using it in their selection decisions. We recommend that people start placing less importance on rib and rump fat and instead look at the mature body condition EBV as it provides such a direct selection tool.” Te Mania Angus plans to have 130 bulls ready for their annual 2 Year Angus Bull sale in June. The bulls have been bred to encompass all the traits that buyers will be looking for when it comes to growth, IMF and calving ease, combined with an outstanding constitution. For the first time, they will also be able to consider the two new mature cow EBVs. “When people are selecting bulls now, they’ll have a better feel for the females that those bulls produce…Overall, I’m really happy with the bulls we’ll be presenting. We’ve had a fantastic summer; beef prices are looking good and we’re anticipating strong calf sale prices. We’re anticipating higher prices this bull sale season too, along with higher demand as people are building their cow herds back up again at the moment.” DAIRY PEOPLE » Te Mania Stud Meanwhile, Te Mania’s advanced Vytelle Sense controlled feed pad system continues to be in demand as an industry testing ground. “Beef + Lamb have been utilising it to make measurements of progeny test herds and portable accumulation chambers are also being used to measure methane emissions.” As Will observes, trial data seems to be showing that feed efficient animals are also lower methane emitters. “[But] there’s still a lot of education to take place so people get used to all this new data now coming out and how to use it.” • LIVESTOCK CARTAGE • GENERAL FREIGHT • BULK & FERTILISER 99 Ward Rd, Cheviot 7310 03 319 8644 | 0276 776 787 Spreadmark Certified Dan Thiele - 027 511 7656 - 03 319 2779 - cheviotlime@gmail.com Te Mania Angus plans to have 130 bulls ready for their annual 2 Year Angus Bull sale in June.
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