SG_USA_March_2020

SGBI’s Industry-Leading GENETIC EVALUATION Takes Another Step Forward By John Ford, Executive Director 1/2 page horizontal, BW Santa G rtr dis USA Rolling Oaks March 2020

L ate last year, under the guidance of the Santa Gertrudis Breeder’s International (SGBI) Performance Committee, the Neogen Genom- ics Evaluation Group recalibrated the association’s genetic evaluation. The updated genetic evaluation configura- tion replaces the structure adopted eight years ago following SGBI’s move from the Australian-based Agricultural Business Research Institute to Livestock Genetic Services. Why recalibrate the breed’s genetic evaluation? Simple, the volume of records added to the association’s database made re-calibration a neces- sity. For example, in a short, eight- year period, the number of yearling weight records stored in the database increased a remarkable 560 percent. The recently completed recalibration represents a fine-tuning of the breed’s genomic enhanced expected progeny

differences (EPDs), resulting in greater accuracy on more animals. Plainly stated, the recalibrated evaluation presents a more accurate picture of an animal’s genetic merit. The updated configuration has been utilized for calculating the breed’s EPDs since the January release. Members may have noticed slight movement in an animal’s EPDs and a reshuffling of the monthly trait-leader lists, especially for hot carcass weight, fat thickness, maternal and yearling weight. The fertility EPDs – heifer pregnancy and breed back – were removed from the pedigree certificate and public search during the recalibration process. The Performance Committee felt a greater diversity of pedigrees representing more genetic lines would strengthen these important performance measure- ments, and the committee is encourag- ing membership to submit pregnancy

and breed back records. Both EPDs are still being calculated and are scheduled to reappear on pedigrees later this year. In addition to recalibrating the genetic evaluation, three new indexes were also developed and released. The Balanced Index, Cow/Calf Index and Terminal Index have replaced the association’s original selection indexes – $ Growth and Carcass Rank – and are designed to provide cattlemen purchas- ing Santa Gertrudis genetics the tools needed to make breeding decisions for three specific business models.  Balanced Index: This index assumes that producers are keeping replace- producers are either 1) marketing car- casses on the grid; or 2) that buyers of their feeder calves base pricing on feedlot and carcass performance. This selection tool is designed to assist ment heifers from the bulls they purchase. It further assumes that

Thank you to Woman Hollerin Ranch, Betty & Ricky McCormick of Brookshire, Texas, for purchasing Elwood and their

confidence in our breeding program. Also, thank you to Alderson/Richmond for exhibiting Elwood. Look for our consignments in the Banner & Buckles Sale March 28, 2020 in Magnolia, Ark. Selling two halter broke Show Heifer Prospects sired by our son of Roberto. Also selling a Show Heifer Prospect in the Crimson Classic Sale April 25, 2020 in Cullman, Ala.

Rolling Oaks Ranch Gerald, Kellien & Carson Priddle Doniphan, MO | 573-255-3539 | mogerts@yahoo.com

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA