Evidence of genetic improvement in the Angus Breeding Scheme of
the Department of Lands and Survey
G.B. Nicoll and D.L. Johnson
AD Department of Lands and Survey and Ruakura Animal Research
Station, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hamilton
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production.
1986, 46: 67-70
Evidence of genetic improvement in the Department of Lands and
Survey's Angus Breeding Scheme (ABS) was examined. Data from the ABS
project and from the pilot Angus Sire Reference Scheme (ASRS) were used
to estimate genetic trend in weaning weight and yearling weight in the
ABS nucleus by regressing sire group values on year of birth. Estimated
genetic improvement in weaning and yearling weight used the ABS data
were 1.6±0.9 and 0.7±0.9 kg/year. Corresponding estimates from the ASRS
data were 1.0 and 1.6 kg/year.
Initial data from comparisons of progeny sired by average merit ABS-bred
bulls normally supplied to Lands and Survey herds from industry sources
(I) were also analysed. Preliminary estimates of sire source
differences were non-significant, but consistently in favour of ABS
sires in daughter yearling, 15-month and 18-month live weights (7.6±3.9,
7.0±5.2 and 7.7±6.1 kg respectively) and subsequent maternal weaning
weight (5.3±3.9).
It was concluded that the ABS project of the Department of Lands and
Survey has achieved genetic progress in live weight traits, and has
conferred productive benefits in Departmental herds.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Beef cattle; breeding; genetic improvement; index selection;
live weights
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Last Updated 18-03-1997
