Development and extension of a comprehensive BREEDPLAN “proof of concept” package using research and industry data

Summary

​This project was undertaken to increase awareness of the benefits of genetic technologies in the Australian Beef Industry. Its aim was to utilise information collected within Angus Australia’s Progeny Test and Information Nucleus to generate compelling ‘proof of concept’ messages that clearly demonstrate the value of performance recording, genetic evaluation and selection based on BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) and Selection Indexes.

The project showed that there is a significant amount of genetic variation that exists within the Angus Breed and therefore an opportunity to improve both the productivity and profitability of beef breeding enterprises through the use of superior genetics. The project found that EBVs are a good predictor of an animal’s genetic merit and are a reliable selection tool that should be used with confidence by beef producers to identify genetics most aligned with their breeding objective. Any increased adoption of EBVs and Selection Indexes has the potential to drive genetic improvement in the Australian Beef Industry and increase the rate of genetic gain.