• Firstly, data obtained from the Scheme are an objective selection aid for identifying inefficient producers for culling and also for identifying efficient producers for further breeding. This means increased efficiency of production through genetic improvement with very little extra input.

  • Increased efficiency of production through genetic improvement means more profit for the enterprise and, eventually, for the entire industry.

​​Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme
​Animal Recording and Improvement
  • Performance test results provide valuable management information for monitoring management practices and to make changes where necessary.

  • Buyers tend to pay more for performance-tested animals and in this regard performance testing serves as a value-added marketing instrument.

  • Performance test data and pedigree information are used for estimating breeding values through BLUP technology for animals. Breeding values makes it possible to determine the genetic merit of animals across herds, years, seasons, etc.

  • Mixed model technology (like BLUP) has the further advantage that the genetic trends (and environmental trends) of herds and breeds over time can be determined. This information makes it possible to evaluate breeding policies accurately and to make calculated changes where and when needed.

The cherry on the top is that all the above-mentioned information and results are backed by professional animal scientists and technicians of the ARC-Animal Production Institute, who are available to help and advise on all matters concerning recording, selection and breeding.

The National Beef Cattle Improvement Scheme also benefits the industry in general by providing valuable information and statistics on a national basis to breed societies and producer organizations on performance of different breeds, performance under different conditions, etc.

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