Enhanced Fertility

Increases in calving rates were widely reported by northern producers after Angus genetics were introduced into their herds. Factors contributing to this included;

• Reduced age at puberty – enabling heifers to conceive earlier and calve down earlier when seasonal conditions were more favourable,
• Shorter lactation anoestrus periods – reported in the Angus crossbred breeder herd, resulting in shorter calving intervals and heavier weaners at mustering,

Fertility can be improved through the consideration of fertility Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) such as scrotal circumference and days to calving which are heritable and therefore have a stronger likelihood of making a positive impact on herds.