Hereford Information Nucleus & Young Sire Progeny Test Project

Summary

This project assisted Hereford Australia establish a Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) contained verified pedigree data together with accurately collected and stored phenotypic information and stored DNA for cross-referencing with DNA markers and their validation as they are released onto the market by genomics companies at an ever increasing rate. This was done through progeny testing young bulls where all male progeny were grown out and taken through to chiller and meat science lab assessments. 
Core Project – progeny tested 15 young Hereford sires per year in 3 consecutive annual joinings. Inseminations to the first intake sires commenced in May/June 2010 in southern co-operator herds & October/November 2010 in northern cooperator herds. Sires were be tested for a range of traits such as reproductive, growth, carcase (including meat quality) and fertility. The project improved understanding of the relationship between traits and the effect of traits on productivity and meat quality.Hereford BREEDPLAN – the project provided the means to validate Hereford BREEDPLAN EBV's, particularly those relating to carcase traits for which very little phenotypic data had been collected.Emerging technology – the project provided the means to validate existing and new gene markers and panels of markers. as well as providing the opportunity for faster geneticData collection – the following data was collected:
a. Birth – date, weight, sex, calving difficulty score
b. Weaning – date, weight, DNA sample, flight test, docility score.
c. Post weaning – 400 & 600 day weights Scanning – EMA, IMF, rib & rump fat
d. Chiller assessment – carcase weight, fat depth, eye muscle area, marble score, pH, meat colour.
e. Meat science lab – shear force, compression, IMF%, cooking loss.DNA samples – were taken from all calves produced by the project each year and stored at the University of Queensland DNA lab.