At BlueStone Beef, the embracement and adoption of science in our breeding is paramount. We believe science provides the key to productivity gains as well as validating numbers and visual assessments.
By using heterosis (hybrid vigour) we are seeing huge efficiencies in inputs, are achieving high growth rates and consequently meet market specifications earlier, resulting in reduced carbon output.
We target heterosis to fuel maternal efficiency. We believe well managed hybrid vigour will be the next biggest productivity gain for your beef enterprise.
Using an Angus base, we want to use the best traits of multiple breeds (including but not limited to, black Simmental and black Gelbvieh) to produce a black, polled animal with superior early growth rates producing a moderate maternal female. Our sires have longevity, docility, and soundness with moderate mature weights. Our breeding philosophy is uncomplicated and practical.
Our cattle are registered with the American Simmental Association and are on the International Genetics Solutions (IGS) database. The IGS database is the world’s largest beef genetic evaluation system. It is a collaboration of progressive cattle breed associations with nearly 20 million total animals and more than 340,000 annual registrations. IGS delivers the best objectively described, user-friendly, and science based genetic predictions to enhance the profitability of beef cattle producers.
We genetically test all young seedstock. This data is interpreted in parallel with scanning and structural assessment data. All cattle are independently assessed by Liam Cardile, Eudunda Livestock. Our aim is to have the balance right between phenotype and genotype.
We measure and record weights at all appropriate growth stages. We ultrasound scan to measure for IMF, P8 fat, Rib fat and EMA. Using all these measurements, we select for carcass quality and productivity. Genetic testing allows us to identify homozygous black and homozygous polled. It also allows us to guarantee parentage.
We aim for calving ease and optimum birthweight. We are conscious that continued selection for light birth weights will ultimately reduce the mature sizes and performances of cattle.
Heterosis has been shown to be an efficient method to improve reproductive efficiency and productivity in beef cattle.
In general, animals that are crosses of unrelated breeds, exhibit higher levels of heterosis, due to more heterozygosity, than do crosses of more genetically similar breeds such as a cross of Angus and Hereford. This is why at BlueStone Beef we cross British breeds with Continental European breeds. By combining breeds that have different strengths we harness the effects of breed complementarity.
Heterosis generates the largest improvement in lowly heritable traits. Traits such as reproduction and longevity have low heritability and consequently are most affected by heterosis. Research at Kansas State University has shown composited cows exhibit improvements in calving rates of nearly 4% and an increase in longevity of 1.36 years due to heterotic effects. This increase in productivity is an increase in profitability.
