38 | Using tech to boost genetic progress Cows and calves. Kelly Deeks Central Otago’s Taiaroa Charolais is using artificial insemination and embryo transfer to accelerate genetic progress, meeting the demands of the emerging dairy beef market, whilst retaining the hardiness and performance that have defined the family operation for decades. Glen Ayr, in the Paerau valley of the Maniototo, has been in the Aitken family since 1926, with Tairoa Charolais established in 1968 by the late Tom Aitken. What began as his individual passion for cattle has become a family passion, with Tom’s daughter Carolyn and husband Drew Dundass the current custodians. Tom’s grandsons Jordan and Peter Sangster are now working in the family farming business following careers in law and finance. The stud is run between 560 and 1000 metres above sea level, in a part of Central Otago known for extreme continental conditions, with temperatures ranging from well below -10C in winter to in excess of 30C in summer. Glen Ayr’s cattle have to perform in those conditions, and constitution and temperament are critical. The family has seen how the proven tough Tairoa bulls that thrive in this extreme environment sire outstanding calves that outperform in easier country. Traditionally, Tairoa Charolais’ customers have been sheep and beef farmers, but dairy farmers are increasingly asking about its bulls. For these farmers, calving ease and short gestation comes first, but they also want calves that will grow quickly and RURAL PEOPLE » Taiaroa Charolais be in demand from calf rearers and beef finishers. Breeding solely for gestation and birthweight would be straightforward but Tairoa Charolais are retaining the stud’s quick growth, carcass performance, constitution, and temperament, while now improving calving ease. “It’s about creating value throughout the supply chain, the dairy farmer wants easy calving, and the calf rearer wants a calf that gets to 100kg faster, and the beef finisher and our traditional clients need cattle that perform” Jordan says. To accelerate genetic progress, the family have begun an artificial insemination and embryo transfer programme using embryos from preferred Tairoa Charolais cows and semen sourced from elite bulls in their herd and North America. The first North American influenced calves are now yearlings and will be offered in the next sale. They were born smaller, with a smooth and wedgeshaped profile, traits the family says support calving ease and enable continued progress in growth and carcass performance. The family is deliberately searching for animals that break the traditional antagonistic relationships between birth size, growth, and carcass performance by using technology to rapidly breed rare combinations of traits rather than accepting the usual compromises. Innovation has long been part of Glen Ayr’s story. Tom was not afraid to try something different when he established the Charolais stud in 1968, and Jordan believes he would embrace today’s technology in the same spirit. PADDOCK BY PADDOCK. CORNER BY CORNER. Using our in-depth knowledge of customers’ land, businesses and objectives, we tailor highly specific solutions that differ from farm to farm, even paddock to paddock. To ensure these agronomy-led solutions stay on track for success, we also regularly walk the crops corner to corner to make recommendations along the way. To find out more go to catalystag.co.nz. 119 Dukes Road North, Mosgiel 03 486 1222 | 027 250 7512 dave@ewanallan.co.nz EwanAllanHondaMosgiel Proud to support Taiaroa Charolais “He was a great farmer and not someone afraid to make a decision or innovate,” Jordan says. “If he had access to the technology that we’ve got, he would have got stuck in.” That willingness to adapt is helping the family build on the stud’s 58-year history, producing Charolais genetics that deliver greater value across both the dairy and traditional beef sectors.
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