18 | Genetic research delivers real bene ts Rotomahana bulls are part of Focus Genetics’ Angus programme focused on genetics for traditional beef breeding cow herds. Richard Loader RURAL PEOPLE » Focus Genetics Focus Genetics origins’ step back more than fty years when it was established by the Department of Lands and Survey, who recognised the importance of genetics to its own farms and to the wider pastoral industry. Now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pamu, Focus Genetics has well established sheep, deer and beef breeding programmes throughout the country, and undertakes critical genetic research to develop solutions that will deliver real bene ts to the wider industry. Angus breeding herds are located on Pamu farms in Kerikeri (Kapiro), Reporoa (Rotomahana) and Te Anau (Duncraigen), while Stabilizer and Simmental breeding herds are based in the Central Plateau. “We want our breeding herds as big as possible so that we can have large contemporary groups and get good genetic evaluation, operating in the environment they have to perform in,” explains Dr Rebecca Hickson, Animal Breeding Scientist (Cattle). “From these farms, we supply all of Pamu’s genetics, but we also supply external customers as well.” Focus Genetics’ Angus programme breeds for cattle that have a high AngusPro index — that is cattle that are fertile and robust, and that produce nishing cattle that have high growth relative to cow size. “Fertility is a critical aspect of breeding herd pro tability, as premature culling of empty cows incurs signi cant cost and greatly reduces the ef ciency of the cow herd. All our cattle are structurally assessed, and tness traits such as structural soundness and temperament are included alongside performance traits. “Duncraigen and Rotomahana Angus programmes are focussed primarily on genetics for traditional beef breeding cow herds, although both supply some bulls into the dairy industry. Kapiro Angus has a stronger focus on ease of calving whilst still achieving good growth rates. As well as supplying to beef breeding cow herds, they also supply bulls for heifer mating, including for dairy heifer mating, and for dairy cows.” Recognising the key role role genetics will continue to play in meeting the challenges faced by the New Zealand farming industry, Focus Genetics has a strong science and genetics team, resourced to develop solutions that bene t the industry. Strong partnerships with science organisations enables Focus Genetics to work at the interface of science and industry, helping develop strategies that are practical and t for purpose in industry. Examples include involvement in feed ef ciency, methane, facial eczema and meat quality selection programmes in sheep. “We’re currently planning methane and feed ef ciency testing facilities for cattle and have initiated two specialised dairy-beef breeding lines as well. Our research is connected to our breeding programmes and the opportunities facing Pamu and the wider New Zealand ag sector. “Much of our research is collaborative, where we bring expertise, animals, data and real farms to a wider research team. We want to make sure there are appropriate genetics and genetic technologies available to industry to best allow the industry to progress.” Focus Genetics is currently working with LIC and BLNZ Genetics on a project to determine the contribution of dairy genetics to beef nishing cattle, to understand how the dairy resource can be best utilised for beef production. “We’re also looking at our options for improving both the climate impact and the climate resilience of our cattle. So, how we can improve the feed ef ciency of our systems, how we can improve the feed ef ciency of our animals, and how we can select for reduced emissions per kg feed eaten. And how our cattle can be selected to tolerate increased heat stress and parasite and disease challenges.” “Fertility is a critical aspect of breeding herd pro tability, as premature culling of empty cows incurs signi cant cost and greatly reduces the ef ciency of the cow herd.” Kapiro heifers. Kapiro Angus has a stronger focus on ease of calving 027 2880980 • Semen Collection • Fertility Testing • Disease Testing ViaBull Ltd
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