Use of EBVs has increased over the past 5 years
In today’s cattle industry, enhancing herd performance and genetics has become increasingly critical. A key tool in this endeavour is Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). These values assist cattle producers in understanding an animal’s genetic potential for vital traits, such as growth, fertility, and meat quality. By leveraging EBVs, producers can make more informed breeding decisions, selecting animals that are more likely to transmit desirable traits to their offspring. This reduces uncertainty in breeding programs and accelerates genetic improvement, resulting in healthier, more productive, and profitable herds.
In collaboration with the MLA Donor Company (MDC), Angus Australia conducted surveys in 2019 and 2023 as part of the “Enhancing Technology Adoption Across the Angus Genetic Improvement Pipeline” project. These surveys aimed to assess the evolving knowledge and attitudes of Australian beef producers towards genetic technologies. The initial survey in 2019 gathered data from 1,023 participants, establishing a baseline. The follow-up survey in 2023 involved 977 producers, providing updated insights into changes in the industry over time. The primary objectives included tracking shifts in understanding and the adoption of genetic technologies, alongside evaluating the prevalence of Angus cattle within the Australian beef sector.
The 2024 Beef Breeding Insights report, derived from the 2023 survey, highlighted a significant trend: 60% of producers now consistently incorporate EBVs into their bull selection criteria. Among Angus Australia members, this figure rises dramatically, with 79% always using EBVs, and an additional 17% utilizing them occasionally.
Over the past five years, there has been a steady increase in the percentage of beef producers utilizing EBVs across different breeds, with a national increase of 46% reported by producers. In contrast, only 3% reported a decrease in their use of EBVs.
This growing trend highlights an increasing recognition of the value that EBVs bring to breeding decisions. A notable 64% of producers reported tangible benefits from incorporating these values into their breeding strategies. The primary impacts observed included:
- Calving Ease
- Increased Weaning Weight
- Improved Market Compliance
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The rising popularity of EBVs marks an exciting shift in the Australian cattle industry, showcasing producers’ commitment to bettering herd performance and productivity through genetics. By embracing these cutting-edge genetic tools, cattle producers are boosting the quality of their herds and enhancing profitability. The positive feedback from many in the industry—like smoother calving and meeting market standards—highlights just how beneficial using EBVs can be.
KEY POINT
- Significant Increase in EBV Adoption: The use of EBVs among Australian beef producers has surged, with 60% regularly using them for bull selection, particularly among Angus Australia members.
- Notable Growth Over Five Years: There has been a 46% national increase in EBV usage.
- Tangible Benefits Realized: A substantial 64% of producers report significant improvements in their operations, with reduced calving difficulties, increased weaning weights, and enhanced market compliance being the most common benefits.
For more insights derived from this survey, please visit the Australia Beef Breeder Insight report, available on the Angus Australia website, which provides a detailed summary of the survey findings.
Angus Australia Beef Breeding Insights Full Report & Summary
CLICK HERE
