The role of marbling in the eating experience of beef and other red meats is well established. However, claims about the benefits of marbling are often quoted without sufficient scientific support and this may confuse the consumer, working against the efforts to promote marbling as a quality trait in beef and other red meat species. What follows is a discussion …

By Mr. Jacque Els, Manager of the Namibian Stud Breeders’ Association The era of genomics doesn’t mean the end of collecting phenotypic data. In fact, the very accuracy of genomic-estimated breeding values depends on the gathering of accurate phenotypic data. Genomics isn’t a panacea that will offer answers to all questions.  Breeders will have to continue to collect phenotypic data, …

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of Feed Efficiency, and is defined as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed intake, based on its size and growth. After trial EBVs for Net Feed had been published in August last year, an evaluation process was conducted at the Australian AGBU (Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit) …

Previously, genetic improvement has been aimed mainly at output traits such as fertility and liveweight, however little direct emphasis has been placed on reducing inputs to improve efficiency of production. Selection for livestock which is more efficient when it comes to feed intake and production is however not a new concept; this has long been recognized in the pig and …

Management or Contemporary Groups are the “building blocks” of the Breedplan analysis. These groups of animals are the only ones that are directly compared, thus grouping and comparing only animals which had an equal opportunity to perform. This concept allows the analysis to eliminate non-genetic effects. “If these groups are not formed correctly, the EBVs calculated will be less accurate …

(SA Brahman Society – September 2019) The recording of Feed Efficiency is relatively new to SA Brahman – official testing for Residual Feed Intake started when the BGP commenced in April 2015. By definition: Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of Feed Efficiency, and is defined as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed …

Providing feed is a major input cost in beef production, hence improvements in the efficiency of feed utilization will reduce the cost of production. Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of Feed Efficiency, and is defined as the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed intake, based on its size and growth. It is independent …

The demand for purebred female stock has increased significantly over the last three to four years. One of the reasons for this may be that female animals are under extreme pressure to keep producing. This is a significant feat, considering the drought experienced in several provinces in South Africa during the last five years. Other, more relevant, reasons may be …