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BREEDPLAN chairmanvisits South Africa

Mr Anthony Coates, a highly respected cattle producer and cattle judge, was the BREEDPLAN guest of honor in South Africa in November 2007.

Anthony visited numerous producers in South Africa and Namibia and was also the guest of honour at the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) meeting in Bloemfontein

and at the prize giving in the evening.

He has judged many breeds of cattle internationally. At the L R F symposium Anthony gave an overview of his own farming enterprise and the latest BREEDPLAN developments. He is the owner of the oldest Santa Gertrudis stud in Australia at Eidsvold Station. Performance recording is an integral component on the Eidsvold Station herd. The bulls are bred and run under extensive forest rangeland conditions. They are expected to achieve good muscling, extremely high weight gains with even fat cover at the commercial end, while demonstrating fertility and a strong constitution under the extremely tough and harsh conditions they thrive under. As the stud focuses on

economically important traits to produce optimum amounts of red meat, the cows are characterized by fertility, structural soundness and functional efficiency. They are expected to calve easily unassisted, produce adequate milk for the calf to grow, and retain sufficient energy to conceive every year.

Telephone : 086 111 5005 Int : +27 12 667 5258

Fax : +27 12 667 5259Email : info@agribsa.co.za

BreedPlan snippets 3

New Sim parameters 5

BP and GeneStar EBVs to combine (SmartGene) 5

Overseas developments 7

Tribute to Peter Massmann 8

Ultrasoniese skandering:Is dit die moeite werd? 13

HerdMaster nuus 14

Lourette Thiele joins staff 14

Wat isBreedObject 15

BreedplanWenners 17

GeneStar update 19

In this Edition

www.breedplan.co.zaBREEDPLAN Enquiries:

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Continued from front page...

Anthony once again emphasized the importance of BREEDPLAN and explained that BREEDPLAN, recognized as the most advanced beef recording and genetic evaluation system for beef cattle in the world, is continually being further refined. Today it is used by over 80 beef breeds in 13 countries, and in environments ranging from temperate to tropical. A worldwide standard is currently being developed for, amongst others, the Hereford and Brahman breeds

Apart from the various global evaluations (e.g. a combined Hereford evaluation involving over 10 countries) other technologies currently being implemented includes a ‘TakeStock’, program that will benchmark a specific herd with other herds in the breed using key factors that influences genetic progress.

Anthony discussed the temperament of cattle in detail. He said that temperament of cattle impacts on a beef enterprise’s profitability in many ways. Inappropriate temperament leads to lower performance (growth, feed efficiency and sickness levels) in the feedlot, and increases production costs by increasing handling time and requiring more expensive handling facilities.

While short-term training may change an animal’s behaviour in familiar environments, it does not change its underlying temperament. The latter will surface in unfamiliar situations or environments, and no amount of training or conditioning can change the genes passed on to the progeny.

The CSIRO has perfected a simple test to determine temperament, which is also a measure of meat quality. It is based on in a standardized measurement of the speed at which an animal moves out of a crush. This flight speed is repeatable and is related to the way in which an animal handles stress. This includes weaning stress, handling stress, transport stress or stress from being crowded together, all which impact on the final eating quality of beef. Cattle susceptible to stress are also more difficult to handle, take more time to load and process, injure themselves

and others, injure workers and damage infrastructure. All have cost implications that affect profitability negatively.

Another technology currently being implemented is a data quality audit system that will cover the comprehensiveness of recording, quality and phenotypes (for example distribution of weights over the normal curve) and effectiveness of recording, i.e. management group structure. Producers in Southern Africa can also look forward to the implementation of BreedObject, a system whereby animals are ranked according to their financial value, using all the available EBV’s. The incorporation of molecular results (for example GeneSTAR) into the EBV’s will happen by the end of 2008.

Another inclusion in Anthony’s speech was the genetics of fat. Consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious and keen to reduce their intake of saturated fats due to evidence that these tend to raise plasma cholesterol.

A study of genetics of fat composition led by John Graham of Primary Industries Research, Victoria, has produced some interesting results, indicating that there may be scope to select within existing genetic variation to produce healthier beef. The study found significant inter-breed variation in the fatty acids composition of intra-muscular fat, and to a lesser extent subcutaneous fat. Although differences reported were small, it seems that there may be potential for selection to produce meat with more desirable fatty acid characteristics.

Heritability (the proportion of the variation in a trait due to genes passed on to offspring) for mono-unsaturated fats is reported to be approximately 0,4. The leaner, later-maturing breeds apparently have more desirable fatty acid characteristics.

Anthony summed up the way forward for beef cattle:

“We need to breed well adapted, economically efficient middle-of-the-road

‘easy care’ cattle. Over-large large cattle require additional maintenance and care, pushing up the input costs.”

“Select your genetics on a balance of performance criteria (EBV’s), visual evaluation and selected genetic markers such as GeneSTAR ratings, with suggested weightings of 70 % : 20 % : 10 % respectively.”

“Avoid single trait extremes: a good example is chasing marbling irrespective of all else. This will affect feed conversion, as more feed is needed to produce fat than is needed to produce skeletal muscle. Lay more emphasis one economically important values. $ (Rand) Selection Indices, or $ (Rand) Indices, will give a single value that reflects the sum of several separate economically significant individual values.”

“Cull by eliminating from the bottom, as this is more relevant and easier in practice and than selecting the good ones from the top.”

“Attitude is everything. The longer we live the more we realize the impact of attitude on life. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, physical strength or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, and a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”

(With Thanks to Farmers Weekly)

BREEDPLAN chairmanvisits South Africa

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Die afgelope jare het Genootskappe wat Breedplan gebruik, baie van hul tyd bestee om telers se historiese data probleme uit te sorteer. Die feit dat alle stambome op die internet verskyn, maak dit ook makliker om verkeerde stambome op te spoor, omdat die hele stelsel deursigtig is.Verkeerde stambome en data beteken dat die prestasie resultate verkeerd sal wees, en dus moes hierdie probleme eers uitgesorteer word voordat ons kon voortgaan om BreedObject te implementeer. Die BreedObject program maak dit vir beide die stoet sowel as kommersiële teler, maklik om diere op ‘n finansiële maatstaf te selekteer. ‘n Hele hoofstuk is in die Nuusbrief op hierdie onderwerp toegespits. Vir BREEDPLAN telers is hierdie ‘n groot nuwe hupsprong.The response to both our Breedplan and HerdMaster courses this past year has been absolutely overwhelming, and has been attended by old and new breeders alike. Astute animal breeders will always ensure that they remain ahead of technology,

Redaksie

especially if this technology makes a marked difference to the management of their stud and influence the profit of the farming enterprise.Pierre spent a week with our HerdMaster programming staff in Australia in November 2007. The outcome of the visit has been very positive for both parties. We know that producers enjoy the enhancements to their systems. Producers will note that we have formed a joint venture with Rudd Scales to introduce electronic identification systems to the Southern Africa market. We have received a very good response from users whom have implemented these systems. Not only is the on-farm management simplified, but mistakes made during the recording process are also minimized. The advantages of being part of an international Recording and Evaluation system has already born fruit, and will no doubt allow our Southern African producers to remain in the of modern technology.

BPnBREEDPLAN NEWS

Winners of the Landbouweekblad/BREEDPLAN Stud

Breeder of the year!

Mr. and Mrs. Mecki and Brigette Schneider from Grootfontein in Namibia have won the prestigious title of Landbouweekblad / BREEDPLAN Stud Breeder of the Year for their Brahman Stud. The entry received from Mecki and Brigitte was of an extremely high standard according to Prof. Frikkie Neser, from the Department of Animal Science at the University of the Orange Free State. The Schneiders run a stud of over 600 females under very extensive conditions. Despite the tough environmental conditions they manage to maintain a calving percentage of over 80% in their herd. Their breeding goals are very well defined and followed and Mecki is undoubtedly a leader in the industry where he serves on various Agricultural boards.The Schneider’s have won an overseas trip to a country of their choice where they will get the opportunity to visit fellow Seed Stock producers. The sponsors for the competition are Pick n Pay, Bayer, FNB, Unistel, Voermol and Rudd scales.

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ForewordBREEDPLAN continues to gain momentum internationally. In Australia, Catapult Genetics (GeneSTAR) has genotyped about 14000 calves that were included in the research conducted by the Beef Co-operative Research Centre. This information is being provided to the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), which will use it to develop procedures for computing marker-assisted EBVs. During 2008, it is expected that this process will be handed over to BREEDPLAN to be applied commercially. The combination of molecular and quantitative genetics in EBVs represents a major milestone in the evolution of more advanced genetic evaluations.

AGBU has also developed TakeStock, which is a new tool that allows breeders to benchmark their herds for key parameters responsible for genetic gain within their breed. TakeStock will be rolled out to BREEDPLAN users in Australia and New Zealand in 2008 in a series of workshops. Further international rollout programs will follow.

AGBU has also undertaken the first analysis of using its “global model software” for the Shorthorn breed.

In the USA, five tropical breeds (Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Beefmaster, Red Brangus and Braford) have converted their data processing to ABRI software late in 2007. During 2008 a number of these breeds will also be switching to BREEDPLAN genetic evaluations. This opens the possibility of doing feasibility work on international genetic evaluations for some tropical breeds across Australia, South Africa and the USA.

Recording activity in BREEDPLAN continues to increase in Southern Africa.

In November 2007 ABRI’s chairman Mr Anthony Coates AM visited Southern Africa and gave a number of addresses to cattle producers on the practical application of BREEDPLAN in accelerating genetic progress. Mr Coates is one of Australia’s foremost breeders of beef cattle and his addresses were warmly received. This type of exchange can only benefit beef cattle breeding in both countries.

At a technical level ABRI has calculated a new set of genetic parameters for Simmental. These will be used in Breed Object indices, which are under development.In the UK, seven breeds representing 65% of their industry now use BREEDPLAN. The latest to join was Charolais. Most of these breeds now have two BreedObject indices available.

In South America BREEDPLAN has now been extended from Argentina and Uruguay into Chile. The first across-herd genetic evaluation for Bonsmara in Argentina was completed late in 2007.

In Asia, Malaysia has now been added to the list of countries using BREEDPLAN.The data from around 80 beef breed associations is now on the web using ABRI’s Internet Solutions application. During 2007 the enquiry level on this service passed 2.3 million pages of information per month! Clearly, BREEDPLAN EBVs have become a key source of information for decision-making by thousands of breeders worldwide.

ABRI appreciates the strong support that it receives for its services from the Southern African beef industry.In Australia our industry has gone from the worst drought in living memory to the worst flood in history in many

parts of Queensland. This is typical of the tough conditions of our industry, which require an extraordinary level of passion for those who commit to it for the long haul.I know that Southern Africa faces similar challenges and so I extend to all our clients our best wishes for the forthcoming year. May the successes of your wonderful rugby players, flow over to the beef industry.

Forward

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Dr Arthur RickardsManaging Director

Agricultural Business Research Institute

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Internet Funksies Breek Alle Rekords

INTERNET FUNKSIES BREEK ALLE REKORDS

Met amper 60 000 navrae per maand, oorskry die BREEDPLAN internet funksies alle vorige rekords, terwyl die Suid-Afrikaanse Brahmane steeds die leiding neem (38 % van alle besoeke), verwag ons dat die S A Holstein vinnig sal toeneem (tans 5 % van alle besoeke). Die Simmentaler, met 28 % van alle navrae, is tweede. Daarna die Simbra (15 %), S A Holstein (5 %), S A Limousin (3.4 %), S A Brangus (3.3 %) en interessant, die Namibiese boerbok met 2.7 %.Tans kry die Suider-Afrika komponent byna 600 000 besoeke per jaar. Dit vergelyk met 450 000 besoeke oor dieselfde periode in 2006/2007, ‘n groei van 25 % .Telers moet ook bewus gemaak word dat baie ander funksies bestaan indien telers met behulp van ‘n gebruikersnaam en wagwoord die stelsel bereik. Alle kuddeprofiele, data-lêers, asook tendense word maklik besoek sonder dat die kantoor gebel hoef te word. Verslae kan selfs na eie behoeftes geskep word.

BREEDPLAN AND GeneSTAR EBVs to combine - SmartGene

The SmartGene Collaborative research project aims to integrate DNA marker tests into the EBV calculation so that beef producers can more easily use these complementary technologies in their selectionsAn on-going area of concern for many of our customers is the ability to utilise more than one type of genetic information effectively. The most common questions relate to the use of GeneSTAR® and BREEDPLAN. While the Smartgene project will provide an approval to integrating marker data into the EBV calculation, there is a practical and scientifically sound next step. Catapult Genetics has taken the initiative to develop tools that allow a breeder to combine the existing GeneSTAR® markers with

NEWSIMMENTAL

PARAMETERS

The Simmental Society has contracted BREEDPLAN to re-evaluate new genetic parameters and adjustment factors for the breed. After five years of continual data editing, fixing pedigrees and correcting anomalies, it was felt that the parameter estimates for the breed should be re-calculated. This project was done in collaboration with researchers at the University of the Orange Free State. The changes in the parameter will not aversively affect the ranking of animals though the magnitude of EBV’s may change a little.

BREEDPLAN EBV’s.The process takes into consideration:

• GeneSTAR® DNA marker results• Effects of the GeneSTAR markers on the commercial trait (e.g. Marble score indication)• BREEDPLAN EBV for the indicated trait (e.g. IMF% EBV)• Accuracy of the EBVThe output from the calculation will be reported relevant to the commercial trait, as a single figure with an accuracy estimate. Combining GeneSTAR marker results with EBVs has been field tested on three sale drafts of Angus bulls with comprehensive EBVs and GeneSTAR results

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Drastic Deadline Advert

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Overseas Development Global Analysis

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENTS: GLOBAL ANALYSESBREEDPLAN, recognized as the most advanced beef recording and genetic evaluation system for beef cattle in the world, is being used as the platform on which most of the evaluations are being conducted. Taking the lead is the Hereford associations.

The USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay and Argentina Hereford are amongst the countries that use the BREEDPLAN system and accounts for over 95% of Hereford data globally.

This global traits, will allow cattle around the world to be directly compared on the basis of genetic merit for key and all bulls and cows will thus be directly comparable.

To enable a global evaluation to take place, sufficient genetic ‘links’ have to exist. This means that enough progeny of bulls commonly used in various countries, should exist.

The table below lists the number of countries on BREEDPLAN by breed. The BREEDPLAN platform provides the ideal platform on which to conduct a global evaluation, because the system is already set up account for with-country adjustments and allows members with the same platform.

Breed No. BREED No. of of

Countries Countries

Hereford 8 Brahman 5Angus 8 Murray Grey 5Shorthorn 4 Limousin 4Charolais 4 Simmental 4Salers 4 South Devon 4

BREEDPLAN useby Breed and Country

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A TRIBUTE TOPETER MASSMANNSIMMENTAL BIDS PETER MASSMANN FAREWELL

IntroductionAfter 32 years as general manager, Peter Massmann, will be retiring at the end of 2007 and the Simmental/Simbra Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa wishes to say thank you. During this period a superb Society has been built up – a society with role model status in the South African livestock industry. Many unique services were introduced and the Society and its breeders experienced various highlights.

Early yearsClaus-Peter Massmann was born on 25 March 1940 in the dusty little town of Keetmanshoop in the south of the then German West Africa (the present Namibia). His grandfather emigrated circa 1900 from Germany to SWA and his parents were born there. Shortly after Peter’s birth, his father, like so many other fathers of those hard war years, was interned and Peter spent the first five years of his life in the bakkie that his mother used daily to buy karakul pelts from farmers. His first school years were spent at Mariental and Windhoek in SWA and secondary school training was received at the Brits agricultural school. A four-year agricultural diploma (animal science) with distinctions in Genetics, Veterinary Science and Anatomy was awarded to him after tuition by lecturers like the well known Prof Jan Bonsma and Dr Geoff Hagen. He then studied at the Bavarian Institute for Animal Production (University of Weihenstephan) and still vividly recalls the very interesting lectures of Prof. Horst Krausslich on progeny testing. These studies were followed by a year of practical training at the Simmental Societies of Germany and Austria where Peter drew profitably from the knowledge of the renowned Dr Gerd

Engelherd. After his studies, Peter was appointed P R O of the German Simmental for North and South America, Australasia, Africa and the United Kingdom. During these golden years he was responsible for annual exports of roughly 10 000 Simmental stud animals to 15 countries. Peter and Diana got married on 14 September 1973. Five children (two grandchildren) were born from this union.

World FederationDuring 1972 Peter convened the first gathering of Simmental beef producing countries, on which occasion he was requested to take charge of a constitution and arrangements for the founding of a world society. When the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation was founded in Yugoslavia in 1974, Peter, commissioned by South Africa breeders, enrolled. The South African delegation were refused visa to attend this very important meeting. Peter had served for 22 years on the executive of the World Federation. Also on various sub- committees, amongst others, as chairman of the Simbra committee.

Appointment asBreed DirectorOn 1 May 1976 Peter was appointed as the first breed director of the Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa after having been recruited in Germany.

He started the Society’s first office with inexperienced staff that had virtually no knowledge of the field they were entering. The registration system of SA Stud Book differed radically from the modern computerised system he had become acquainted with in Germany. This obstacle ultimately proved to have been a blessing in disguise, since it had offered them the opportunity to develop their own systems that were in fact more effective. The first years were tough, since the Society had very little money, no assets and no inspectors. Simmental had to make use of Stud Book’s inspectors, who, because of their involvement with all other breeds, could not promote Simmental. The only aspect of the Society that – thanks to Sieg Gehle and Kwaab Johnstone – had been more or less in order was a good system for training courses. With his keen insight, thorough knowledge and perseverance, Peter had, over the years, introduced various Sim firsts, which benefited the Society immensely. The new ideas and developments that emerged during the first ten years were well supported by the action committee, consisting of Willie Angus, Kwaab Johnstone and Gerd Olschewski.

A Tribute to Peter Massmann

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Internet Funksie A Tribute to Peter Massmann s Breek Alle Rekords

1976:In this year the first office of the Society opened in Bloemfontein. Nothing was in place and everything had to be developed from scratch. That same year he was awarded the first Simmental world congress ever, and successfully organized it with 180 visitors from 17 countries attending. During the World Congress Show (International Championships) 500 cattle were judged for the first time on a theatre stage (Piet van der Walt theatre). At that stage it was the largest show in the world. For this show Peter organized the importation of 24 Simmental from four countries in Europe (a record up till this day). Simmental also became in this year the first breed that exhibited in uniform dress. A year that can undoubtedly be regarded as Peter’s most difficult one.

1977:Appearance and reproduction (ICP) of cows are combined in the show ring. As is the case with all changes, this one was also difficult to implement, since a few of the council members who exhibited, were set against it. With the support of Willie Angus, the system was implemented and some of those so-called champion cows also disappeared from the scene.

1978:The first organized AI bull-testing program in the Southern Hemisphere was launched. Apart from the fact that bulls had not been tested in the past, AI had been considered the enemy of the stud farmer, since it was apparently believed to curb bull sales. A council decision of 1971 that determined that breeders might not present more than 30 calves that had been bred through AI, had to be recalled.

1979:Simmental becomes the first breed to register a calf that has been bred through embryo transfer. Special annual meetings had to be held so that the Society and Stud Book could adjust the constitution to accommodate the change. A full-colour glossy brochure on the advantages of cross breeding was published. This brochure nearly led to Peter’s dismissal, since a “pure society” cannot promote cross breeding! Fortunately times have changed.

1980:The first institution that introduced exhibition classes for performance-tested bulls, with performance counts for 70%and appearance 30%. Simmental also became the first breeders’ society that instituted a farm

growth test system. In the course of the year, the star cow system, for cows that excel on the basis of reproduction and weaning weight, (at that stage indexes) is introduced – also a first for Southern Africa.

1984:Simmental becomes the first beef cattle breed that award points to animals at inspection, and this classification is recorded electronically.

1987:Simbra is declared a developing breed. It was the first time that an additional breed was developed by a breeders’ society. The development, and especially financial support of the new breed was initially met with considerable opposition. Over a short period, however, Simbra had grown into one of the most important breeds in the Southern African livestock industry to considerable advantage of the Society.

1989:Simdex (and subsequently Simbradex) are introduced, because ICP alone is not sufficient. This development was a world first.

Highlights over the years

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Frustrations, achievements, opportunities and decisionsIn the early nineties most of the Simmental societies (that were Peter’s co-representatives on the World Federation Council) already had BLUP driven performance testing systems and multi-generation registration/performance certificates in operation. We were ashamed and embarrassed, because

1992:Simpro system for reproduction evaluation at ground level is introduced. Aided by special computer reports, each herd’s reproduction level is discussed with the breeder by the technical consultant.

1993:Simsperm, a system where semen is collected by breeders and the Society and distributed by consultants of the Society, is introduced.

1994:Negotiations with Breedplan, the world’s most popular beef cattle performance recording system (Simplan) is introduced.

1995:A large emphasis shift during farm visits took shape. The

A Tribute to Peter Massmann (contd.)

Society moved away from a mere assessment visit (approve, disapprove, goodbye) to an advisory visit by our own breed experts (Simhelp). This was extremely advantageous to breeders. (Simwen).

1999:Breeding values are used in the show ring for the first time. A new BLUP class replaces the outdated performance test class. Simmental/Simbra becomes the first society (together with Santa Gertrudis) to convert the old fashioned “sire and dam” registration certificate into a modern registration/performance certificate. This selection aid contains valuable information (e.g. BLUP breeding values, star cows) over five generations

2002:Simmental and Simbra became the first breeds in South Africa that implemented GeneSTAR marbling tests.

2003:The Society is once again the first to annually identify elite or star cows on the basis of reproductive performance and breeding values (previously known as indexes – Simster).

2004:Simgene – by means of a special BLUP herd analysis, the technical adviser discusses the genetic level of each herd with the breeder on a personal level.

2007:Becomes the first society (through Simweb) for the direct submission of birth notifications via the internet to the computer in the office in Bloemfontein.

BLUP had not yet been widely applied in South Africa and the 1996 world congress had to be presented with old-fashioned performance testing methodologies. The legally compulsory involvement with Stud Book and the performance systems of that time curbed the rendering of services considerably and the free market system that was legalised a few years later came as a great relief.

One of the best decisions taken by our breeders was to stick to the middle-of-the-road policy, despite the fact that the other beef producing Simmental countries

were moving towards the late maturing type. Another significant decision by the majority of our breeders was to accept breeding values (BLUP) as a selection aid. A substantial rise in performance testing participation ensued, which increased the value of our database considerably.

Special awardsPeter’s wide-ranging knowledge, his thorough insight, absolute dedication and zeal, as well as his persuasive power and involvement with the Simmental breed and

Highlights over the years (continued)

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A Tribute to Peter Massmann (contd.)

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Simmental societies of many countries, contributed to the various honorary awards he had received over the years. In 1976 he received a handmade figurine from the British Simmental Association – a special award for his contribution towards the establishment of the Simmental in the United Kingdom. He also received the Pioneer Award from the breeders of the Southern Federation (Southern Bavaria). In 1988 he received the Golden Book Award (honorary award) from the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF), and in 1989 the German Simmental breeders conferred an honorary award on him. In 1996 he received a special diploma from the WSFF for organizing and hosting the largest Simmental show in the world. In 2003 honorary membership of the WSFF was awarded to Peter for, amongst others, presenting three world congresses, membership on the chief executive of the WSFF and 21 years of service on various sub committees, as well as his contributions towards the worldwide improvement of the Simmental breed.

In 2006 he received a special award from the WSFF for services rendered from 1974 to 2006. The Southern African Society dedicated honourable acknowledgement

for 32 years’ service to the Simmental and Simbra in Southern Africa, to him.On 21 September 2006 Peter became the first foreigner to be honoured with the prestige German Bavarian Lion Award (Bayrische Löwe), presented to him in Mühldorf (Germany) by Staatsminister Josef Miller. This very special award was conferred on Peter for his exceptional contribution towards the global development of the Simmental breed.

In conclusionTo be general manager of the Society was not an occupation for Peter – much rather a way of life. A way of life marked by his unconditional commitment, dedication and burning passion. It is therefore a privilege for us to say thank you.

We say thank you for 32 years - a lifetime of dedication and sacrifice.

We say thank you for a society with role model status in the Southern African livestock industry. A society that became renowned for its Sim system with numerous Sim firsts. A society that is also known for its balanced approach as far as appearance and measured performance is concerned.

In particular, we say thank you for an independent and financially autonomous society.

Thank you for a modern office building that reflects the pride and status of the Society. Thank you for well-trained, competent and dedicated staff.

Above all – thank you for two fantastic breeds that certainly rank among the best in Southern Africa and that will live on as living monuments to your memory, Thank you to Diana for years of sacrifice, for her support to Peter and her contribution in so many fields to the advantage of our society. Thank you that we could have shared Peter for 32 years with her and their children.This society, its breeders and breeds have reached great heights and may reach even greater heights in the future. We can face the future with confidence, because this society stands on the shoulders of a giant.

Dr Johan Kluyts(Editor’s Note: Peter Massmann was given a Breedplan Special Service Award for his contribution to the Agricultural Industry at the LRF function in November 2007).

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Wat is Ultrasoniese skandering, hoekom is dit belangrik en watter voordele hou dit vir die

stoetteler in om sy beeste te skandeer?

Goedkoop manier om karkas data te versamelVoor die gebruik van ultrasoniese metings het die Amerikaanse Angus genootskap oor ‘n 27 jaar periode bykans 50 000 karkasse gebruik om eienskappe soos vet dikte, oogspieroppervlakte en marmering te meet.

ULTRASONIESE SKANDERING,is dit die moeite werd?

Ultrasoniese Skandering

By Dr Michael Bradfield

Fig 2: Petrus Maritz is een van die geakkrediteerde tegnici om in Suider Afrika beeste te skandeer

Teelwaardes is ook vir die eienskappe gegee. Maar, om die gegewens te bekom was baie duur en dikwels onprakties. Ultrasoniese skandering is ‘n goedkoop alternatief om karkas mates te meet en in die jaar 2000 alleen is 78 000 Amerikaanse Angus diere vir die belangrike eienskappe gemeet.

Eienskappe wat gemeet word (Figuur 1) sluit in vetdikte by die P8 (kruis area), vetdikte by die 12de/13de rib, oogspieroppervlakte (gemeet by die 12de/13de rib) en binnespierse vetpersentasie (marmering). Marmering beïnvloed die smaaklikheid van vleis. Tesame met die ouderdom en gewig van die dier word die vet dikte asook oogspieroppervlakte meting na ‘n uitslagperentasie van elke dier verwerk.

Is metings van karkas mates belangrik? Reproduksie is sonder twyfel die belangrikste eienskap om voor te selekteer. Wetenskaplikes wys egter daarop dat karkas eienskappe soos uitslagpersentasie en groei eienskappe soos speen gewigte dieselfde ekonomiese gewig dra. Karkas eienskappe en vleiskwaliteit sal in die toekoms ‘n baie groter rol speel (J Taylor, Proc. Assoc. Admnt. Anim. Breed. Genetic, Vol 12). Terwyl daar vir etlike jare vir speen en jaar gewigte geselekteer is, is karkas eienskappe tot nou toe as gevolg van kostes meestal geïgnoreer.

Fig 1: Vet dikte, ookspieroppervlakte, marmering en die uitslag % kan met groot akkuraatheid op die lewendige dier bepaal word.

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Die kostes is tussen R40 – R45 per dier (afhangende van die getal diere). Dit is minder as 3% van die

kostes van ‘n nageslag toets.

Notas:• Skanderingsdata kan slegs verwerk word vir diere met ‘n geboortedatum en

vaar- en moederbesonderhede.

• Dit word aanbeveel dat u lewendige gewigte aanteken op dieselfde dag as wat die ultrasoniese skanderingsmetings opgeneem word.

• Diere moet in ‘n bestuursgroep voorkom en tussen 300 en 800 dae ouderdom wees wanneer geskandeer word om in die ontleding ingesluit te word.

Dit word sterk aanbeveel dat diere ten minste 3mm vetbedekking het wanneer vir binnespierse vet (marmering) geskandeer word. Dit kan beteken dat diere eerder op ‘n ouer as ‘n jonger ouderdom geskandeer moet word.

Internasionaal is daar genootskappe wat 90 % van alle data elektronies aan hul telers voorsien. Veral in Suider Afrika is telers moeg vir die versending van posstukke wat of wegraak of baie laat by die genootskap aankom. HerdMaster is beslis die oplossing. Alle registrasies en gewigte kan deur die program aan die Genootskap gestuur word. Huidig word 30 tot 50 % van data in Suider-Afrika so vanaf die Genootskappe versend.

HerdMaster is egter veel meer. Dit is ‘n volledige kuddebestuurprogram wat rekord hou van alle stambome, prestasiedata, koper en verkoper kontakte en getal diere in ‘n kamp. Die program het meer as 60 bestuurs- verslae (insluitende 8 reproduksie verslae) en skakel met die meeste landbouskale.

HerdMaster vir kleinvee inkorporeer lineêre klassifisering. Die kleinvee program het alle lineêre klassifiseringsdata vanaf Dolf Lategan se program geïnkorporeer. Telers kan nou elke ooi punt en daarvolgens parings doen.

Die nuwe weergawe van die grootvee program het ‘n funksie om voortaan kansellasies direk aan die Genootskap te stuur. Die Simmentaler en Simbrase simdex word ook geïnkorporeer

HerdMASTER Nuus

Wat is die kostes?

HerdMASTER Nuus

NEW STAFF MEMBER

lourette@agribsa.co.zaor 086 111 5005

herd

MA

ST

ER

herd

MA

ST

ER

BPn

Since October Lourette Thiele joined our staff.

She is our office assistant and does all the administration.

She can be contacted at:

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‘BreedObject’ is ‘n PC sagteware-program vir gebruik met BREEDPLAN. Dit help om teikendoelstellings vir beesvleisteelprogramme te formuleer deur die optimale kombinasie van EBVs vir enige gegewe situasie te bereken. Die program is ontwerp vir stoet- en kommersiële telers en enigiemand anders wat seleksiebesluite neem.

Slim beestelers probeer reeds om hul seleksie te balanseer deur wisselende klem te lê op bv. die groei-, vrugbaarheid- en karkas-EBVs. ‘BreedObject’ is ‘n hulpmiddel om hierdie balans te optimaliseer, gebaseer op ekonomiese- en produksiedata vir die betrokke kommersiële ondernemings.

In die BreedObject-program word aan die beskikbare BREEDPLAN-EBVs t.o.v. ‘n reeks diere, ekonomiese wegingsfaktore toegeken. Lg. word gewoonlik aangepas vir die unieke behoeftes van elke gebruiker. Waardes vir standaardgebruik kan ook toegepas word waar beskikbaar. Die EBVs soos hierbo, word aangepas deur gewigstoekennings en word gekombineer in ‘n enkele EBV, die Rand INDEKS. Op hierdie manier kan ‘n groep diere (verkoopsbulle bv.) gerangskik word vir ‘n verskeidenheid van gebruike.

Gebruike sluit in:

• die rangskikking van bulle vir seleksie in stoetkuddes, asook rangskikking van verkoopsbulle uit stoetkuddes vir verskillende doeleindes;

• as ‘n diens aan kliënte se bulkopers, waar beskikbare bulle in rangorde geplaas kan word, en ook die seleksie tussen potensiële KI-bulle;

• bepaling van die belangrikheid van eienskappe vir verskillende produksie-omgewings en markte. Die bestuur van genetiese gewigte (bv. groei teenoor gemak van kalwing, verkoopbare vleisopbrengs teenoor marmering,

Wat is die program BreedObject?

BreedObject

groei teenoor volwasse koeigrootte, vrugbaarheid teenoor karkaswaarde).

• rasse en/of telers kan potensiële jong elite-bulle identifiseer vir verdere toetsing. Om ‘n aanduiding te kan kry van die redelike prysverskille tussen bulle.

Die BreedObject-tegnologie is deur AGBU ontwikkel. Dit word deur ABRI gekommersialiseer as deel van die BREEDPLAN-diens. Dit is nog in die afrondingstadium, maar bied reeds die volgende aan:

• Konsultante is besig om BreedObject-opleidingskursus te ondergaan sodat hulle die ekonomiese wegings kan ontwikkel wat sal voldoen aan die doelwitte van individuele kliënte. Die kommersiële - of vleisbeesteler bekom die dienste van so ‘n konsultant om ‘n program op te stel vir die beoogde gebruike (bv. inagneming van die omgewing en kudde waar bulle wat geëvalueer word, gebruik sal word, en die eindmarkproduk).

• Die EBV-data t.o.v. die diere wat geëvalueer is, is op laserskyf beskikbaar of die betrokke telersgenootskap. Data kan afkomstig wees vanaf die stoetteler se eie kudde, van verkoopsbulle van enige BREEDPLAN-kudde, of van teelvaaropsomming. Beskikbaarheid is onderworpe aan verkryging van die nodige toestemming van die eienaars van die data deur die genootskap.

• Die teler kan dan òf vir BREEDPLAN versoek om rangskikkings van diere te verwerk en te rapporteer, òf die teler-sagteware koop wat verwerking op die plaas moontlik maak.

• ‘n Netwerkweergawe is vir publieke gebruik beskikbaar. Dit bevat ook opsies om verkoopsbulle; semen of embrios met BreedObject-indekse te katalogiseer.

• ‘n Bulkoper hoef net te leer om hierdie nuwe styl van katalogusinligting te lees. Aan die ander kant van die skaal, kan kopers (met die hulp van ‘n konsultant) hul eie aangepaste rangskikkings van potensieel enige BREEDPLAN-kudde se verkoopsbulle bekom. BPn

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Skakel ons vandag 086 111 5005

herd

MASTER

herd

MASTER Geen Verpligte Lisensiefooi

Beide Stoet en Kommersiële weergawes beskikbaarMaklik om te gebruikToets die program gratis vir 45 daeIntegreer met beide Breedplan en Intergis

Geen Verpligte LisensiefooiBeide Stoet en Kommersiële weergawes beskikbaarMaklik om te gebruikToets die program gratis vir 45 daeIntegreer met beide Breedplan en Intergis

http://www.agribsa.co.za/

herdMASTER® is kuddebestuurIndien jy in die Beesbedryf suksesvol wil wees het jy

‘n ordentlike kuddebestuursprogram nodig

“herdMASTER® is beslis die beste kuddebestuursprogram wat ons nog ooit gebruik het. Die ondersteuning wat ons kry kan net as uitstaande beskou word en alle geboortes sowel as gewigte word elektronies na die genootskap gestuur”. Jan van Zyl, een van Suider Afrika se grootste stoet en kommersiële telers van Vryburg. Irma gebruik die program vir beide hulle kommersiële sowel as stoet kuddes.

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LANDBOUWEEKBLAD / BREEDPLAN KOMPETISIE 2007 : WENNERS

Pryse vir die beste Koeigroep vir verskillende rasse is oorhandig. By die finaliste is mnr. Sieg Maier (vierde van regs) van Eerste Nasionale Bank. Van links is mnre. Ferdie Naudé van Welkom (Brangus en Limousin), Hennie en Willie Snyman van Danhof (Bonsmara), Andries Roelofse van Olifantshoek (Simmentaler), Llewellyn Angus van Arlington (Simbra), Lawrence Moorcroft van Queenstown (Hereford) en Gideon en Jan van Zyl van Vryburg (Afrikaner en Brahman).

Die finaliste (binne ras) vir Stoetteler van die Jaar is, van links, mnre. Ferdie Naudé van Welkom (Brangus en Limousin), J M Cronjé van Winburg (Afrikaner), Estienne Cronjé, Willie en Hennie Snyman van Danhof (Bonsmara), Mecki en Brigitte Schneider van Grootfontein, Namibië (Brahman) en Piet Wolmarans van Moedwil (Simmentaler).

Mnr Jacob Mphafudi (middel) is die Ontwikkelende Teler van die Jaar. Hy boer met 750 Bonsmara-, Charolais- en Brahmantipe koeie by Hammanskraal. Van links is: Mnr Ian Crook, hoofbestuurder van Pick ‘n Pay Slaghuise, Adv. Benjamin Ratshikana (derde) van Mafikeng, Mnr Jacob Mphafudi, Mnr Abel Naphtaly (tweede) van Mafikeng en Me Lisa Williams van Rudd Scales.

Mnr. Mecki en Me. Brigitte Schneider het ook die gesogte toekenning as Vleisbeesteler van die Jaar ontvang. Hier is hulle saam met die ander stoettelers wat plekke behaal het. Van links is mnre. Willie en Hennie Snyman van Danhof (Bonsmara, vierde), Irma en Jan van Zyl van Vryburg (Brahman, tweede), die Schneiders, Christa en Louis Meyer van Zeerust (Brahman, vyfde) en Ferdie Naudé van Welkom (Limousin).

Die wenner van die Stoetteler van die Jaar-wedstryd, mnr. Mecki (middel) en me Brigitte Schneider (naaslinks), boer met Brahmane by Grootfontein in Namibië. By hulle is die borge, mnr. Ian Crook (links), hoofbestuurder van Pick ‘n Pay Slaghuise, dr. Michael Bradfield (naasregs), bestuurder van Breedplan in Suid-Afrika, en Ainsley Moos, aangewese redakteur van Landbouweekblad.

Die finaliste vir die Bul van die Jaar is, van links, mnre. George Potgieter van Vredefort (Sussex, PSS 04-7), Mark Havenga van Potchefstroom (Simmentaler, Havensim Fenton), Howard Hobson van Ladybrand (Santa Getrudis, SPO 630 Santapine Exclusive), Christopher Havenga van Petrusville (Braunvieh, Christopher Steve) dr. Johan Kluyts namens dr. Arthur Bagot-Smith van Otjiwarongo, Namibië (Simbra, Bee-Es! Koere), André du Toit van Tulbagh (Limousin, LaRhone 04-10), John Boulle namens mnr. Hardus Otto van Coligny (Angus, HAR 050001), Danie Botes van Seeis, Namibië (Brahman, Sir Crespo) en Piet Rossouw van Coligny (Hereford, Rospa 04-19). Regs is mnr André Noeth van Bayer.

Breedplan Kompetisie 2007 Winners

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The current GeneSTAR® test includes a suite of 12 markers:

- 4 markers for Marbling- 4 markers for Tenderness- 4 markers for Feed Efficiency

Results are reported as a star result for each individual marker, and also as a combined star rating for each trait. There is a maximum of 8 stars available for any of these traits.

Results should be treated independently for each trait.

GeneSTAR Update

GeneSTAR update

GeneSTAR® Marbling 4GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 is an enhancement to the previous GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 test. Marbling 4 tests for the presence of four separate DNA markers that have a significant impact on marbling score. Results for each of the four DNA markers are reported as 0, 1 or 2 Stars, giving a combined Marbling result of 0 to 8 Stars. The four marbling DNA markers are independent and additive. This means that the result for each marker has individual value and the total, potential effect of

the markers is gained by adding the four individual results together.The new four-marker test has been evaluated on more than 1000 long-fed cattle that have been slaughtered and have had their actual carcass marbling scores measured. Figure 1 shows the results of an analysis of the results. You can note the incremental increase in Marbling score with the increase in Stars from the GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 test. Please note that there were no 8 Star Marbling animals included in this group.Figure 1 shows that on average, an animal with a higher GeneSTAR® result will also have a higher marble score.

Figure 1

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As more markers for other marbling genes are added to the GeneSTAR® Marbling test, more of the genetic or observed variation in marbling for an animal is described by the GeneSTAR® test. This provides the ability to draft or sort commercial cattle on marbling potential and manage these cattle differently. For example cattle that have more Stars are more likely to marble

Figure 2

GeneSTAR Update (Contd.)

Use of the testsin your selections

and would be suited to a longer feeding program, whereas cattle that have less Stars might be more suited to a domestic feeding program that has lesser requirements for a carcass to have higher marbling scores.

Figure 2 below is an example of the difference in average marbling scores of two sets of steers from the same group,

separated on the basis of their GeneSTAR® M4 result. The lower score group shows the GeneSTAR® 0 and 1 Star results and the higher score group the 2 – 7 Star results (there were no 8 star animals in this group).

It can be seen that the 2 – 7 Star animals had a 1.5 Marbling Scoreadvantage (3.5 vs 2) over the 0 – 1 Stars.

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Figure4

Figure 3Figure 3 represents the percentages of cattle in each GeneSTAR® group that falls into 0-2,

3-6 and 7-9 marble score groups based on Aus-Meat Marbling Scores. The second group of 2-8 star animals has a substantially higher percent-age of animals achieving a marble score 7 or

better, and only half the percentage of animals falling into the 0-2 marble score category. For cattle aimed at long-fed markets where

marbling is important, sorting cattle into these two groups can make a substantial impact on

group kill data and feeding margin.

GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4Similarly, GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4 is an upgrade to GeneSTAR® Tenderness 2. Tenderness 4 contains two additional DNA markers for Tenderness giving a total of 4 DNA markers for Tenderness. We tested and analysed large sets of carcase results with measurements of meat tenderness (i.e.

GeneSTAR Update (Contd.)

mechanical shear force) as the objective measure, where lower shear force is more desirable. The results showed that the four markers are independent and the effects on tenderness are additive. The implication of this is that individual results for each marker can be added together to assess the potential impact of 0-8 Star results.

Figure 4 shows the decrease in toughness as the number of Stars increase in the total data

set of over 3000 carcasses from 7 breeds. There is some variation in the 2, 3 and 4 Star carcasses however the progressive effect of the

increasing number of Stars is significant.

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Producers can confidently select for tenderness in two ways. Firstly, selectively breed for more 5, 6, 7 and 8-Star animals and secondly, avoid using 0-Star animals as key breeding animals. A 0-Star sire will leave daughters that will remain in your

GeneSTAR Update (Contd.)

Use of the Tests in your selections

herd for a decade!While there is a progressive increase in tenderness potential, as an animal has more Stars for GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4; just as importantly there is also a change in the proportion of animals in each tenderness

category. Animals or carcases can be separated into tenderness categories on their shear force result. Shear force results greater than 6 kgs are the toughest and results less than 4 kgs are the most tender.

Figure 5 shows there is an important increase in the percentage of more tender carcasses as the number of Stars for GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4 increases, and also a significant reduction in the percentage of tougher carcasses.

Figure 5

GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency 4

The latest addition to the GeneSTAR® suite of tests is GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency 4. This is a four-marker test that has been

evaluated on animals with measured feed efficiency. As with GeneSTAR® Marbling 4 and GeneSTAR® Tenderness 4 the GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency markers are all independent and additive. The result

therefore will be reported in the same format as the Tenderness and Marbling tests on a 0 to 8 star scale with 0 being the least favourable and 8 being the most favourable.

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Figure 6 shows the variation and impact for each star value from the average in terms of Daily Feed Intake. The measurement highlightsthe variation between animals for feed consumed on a daily basis. All animals performed similarly in terms of weight gain.

The effect of the star result is consistent when evaluated against Net Feed Intake however Daily Feed Intake was used,as it is more applicable to daily savings on an animal. Note: there were no 0 or 1 Star animals in this group of over 1200 animals.

One of the highlights for the GeneSTAR® Feed Efficiency 4 test is that the frequency of better star results is quite high across all 7 breeds in the trial, yet there is still a significant difference between the 2 and the 8 star animals (more than 1.8 kg of feed per day).

Use of the Tests in your Selections

Practically the application of the test at the seedstock level will be identifying breeding animals that can produce more feed efficient progeny. However, at the Feedlot level, the application will be the ability to sort cattle into two groups (high and low feed efficient animals) prior to making feeding decisions. If this is done drawing a sort line between the 3 and 4 star animals,

GeneSTAR Update (Contd.)

you have two groups (0-3 star and 4-8 stars) where there is a difference between the groups of approximately 1 kg per day of feed consumed (with the 4-8 star group eating less).

Combining GeneSTAR Marbling 4 and GeneSTAR Feed Efficiency 4 for feedlot selection

With the addition of the fourth marbling marker and Feed Efficiency as a new trait the ability to effectively sort long fed cattle for the higher marbling markets has been greatly enhanced. The feedlot test reports total star ratings for each trait, which provides a simple tool for making effective selection and sorting decisions.

A typical set of over 850 steers fed for 250 days were evaluated using GeneSTAR Marbling 4 and GeneSTAR Feed Efficiency 4. If these steers had been tested prior to feedlot entry and sorted into high marbling/high feed efficiency and low marbling/low feed efficiency groups there would have been a major difference in performance. The high marbling/high feed efficient group averaged 1 Marble score greater and would have eaten on average 1 kg less feed per day.A major advantage of having 4 markers in each test is that the tests allow more accurate sort lines to be identified between high and low performers, getting a higher percentage of high performing cattle in the favourable group. In this set of animals the high marbling/high feed efficient group included 62% of the steers from the total group. BPn

Figure 6

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