The value of genetic tools to the New Zealand beef sector

Published 2024년 12월 3일

Tridge summary

Research conducted for B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has revealed that there is underutilization of genetic tools among New Zealand beef farmers. Despite these tools improving selection of replacement heifers and increasing the use of artificial insemination for genetic improvement, many farmers are not making full use of them. Dr Archer urges farmers to explore the information, extension, modules, workshops, and the Next Generation Farmer programmes provided by B+LNZ to enhance their understanding of genetics in farming. He also stresses the importance of providing more information about genetics and management practices with weaners at the point of sale to improve the selection of calves for finishing.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

"While research undertaken for B+LNZ’s Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme has found increased uptake of the tools particularly around bull selling, we are still missing opportunities to put the tools into more farmers’ hands and use them more extensively". Dr Archer says that is a lost opportunity for the industry, including around making better informed choices in selecting replacement heifers, purchasing weaners for finishing and greater use of artificial insemination (AI) for genetic improvement. He encourages more farmers to take advantage of the information, extension, modules, workshops and Next Generation Farmer programmes provided by B+LNZ to better understand how genetics can fit into their farming systems. "I think this represents a lost opportunity for the industry. Many commercial breeders are probably taking the approach 'my stud breeder uses these tools, so I don’t need to'. "So, on the one day of the year they go to the bull sale, they are using them. But ...

Source: EuroMeat