Page 13 - Merchiston Angus Catalogue ebook

Some Practical Thoughts

Birth Weight ....

At Merchiston we have been recording calf weights at birth for 32 years so have a very good understanding of birth
weight. Most of the bulls in this catalogue fall in the +4 to +8 range for birth weight EBV which we find entirely
acceptable and leaving us with no calving problems. Birth weight by itself is not a good indicator of calving ease.
One of the most important indicators of reliability with birthweight EBVs are the degree of accuracy. Most bulls that
have recorded data on this trait will have accuracies of around 75% which means the EBV will not change substantially.
If the accuracy is only 50% then the birthweight EBV can alter substantially and should be used cautiously.
At Merchiston we are now using +6 bulls for yearling heifer mating because we know our cattle. Although the birth
EBVs have increased somewhat in latter years it is interesting to note that the average actual birthweight between
1990 and 2020 on Merchiston is nearly exactly the same for both heifers and bulls.

Bull Buyer Selection of Bulls ....

More than ever we believe that when trying to buy a bull, first and foremost the buyer should picture the type of bull
he/she needs for their cattle operation and environment. Once the type of bull has been established you then can
take into account its structural soundness and EBVs. You should try and purchase the best balanced EBVs for that
type of bull based on what individual strengths and weaknesses you have in your own herd. EBVs make it possible
to look under the skin to what the genetics will help to do for you.
The Merchiston herd has been on TACE since its inception, the genetic progress we have made has been quite
remarkable. There is no reason why with the right sire selections this won’t happen for you. Feel free to discuss any
queries relating to the selection of bulls that may suit your specific requirements.

View a selection of our bulls on -

1 MERCHISTON DATELINE Q212
MERCHISTON ANGUS
1 MERCHISTON DATELINE Q212 Merchiston Estate Ltd

LOT 1 MERCHISTON
BANQUET KATOOMBA K312(AI) (IMP AUS) Born: 26/08/19 No.: 14738019Q212
MERCHISTON DATELINE Q212
KATOOMBA N175 Selection Index Values
MERCHISTON MARIA 183
BANQUET KATOOMBA K312(AI) (IMP AUS) Market Target Index Value Breed Average
Born: 26/08/19 No.: 14738019Q212
MERCHISTON VERMONT DRAMBUIE D057(AI)(ET) (IMP AUS)
+$104
KATOOMBA N175
MERCHISTON MERCHISTON MARIA 183 Self Replacing Index Selection Index Values +$100
+$104
+$118
LASS 987 AngusPure Index Index Value Breed Average
Market Target
MERCHISTON LASS 844
MERCHISTON VERMONT DRAMBUIE D057(AI)(ET) (IMP AUS) Self Replacing Index +$104 +$100
Actual
Lead off bull for 2021 that can easily fulfil his role. Considered closely for use as a AngusPure Index +$118 +$104
Fertility
LASS 987
yearling but not needed. He is a bull with a magnificent temperament, even balance Birth Weight Scrotal C. Dam Semen Quality
MERCHISTON LASS 844
of traits and soft and easy doing ability. Lass 987 is a great Drambuie female. Highly 37kgs 40cm 8/8 85% Normal
Lead off bull for 2021 that can easily fulfil his role. Considered closely for use as a
recommended. Actual Fertility
yearling but not needed. He is a bull with a magnificent temperament, even balance Birth Weight Scrotal C. Dam Semen Quality
of traits and soft and easy doing ability. Lass 987 is a great Drambuie female. Highly 37kgs 40cm 8/8 85% Normal
recommended.
2021 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation EBVs for 2019 Born Calves
Calv. Calv. Eye
Ease Ease Gest. 200 Day 400 Day 600 Day Mat. Scrotal Carcase Muscle Rump
Direct Dtrs Len. Birth Wt. Wt. Wt. Wt. Cow Wt. Milk Size Days to Wt. Area Rib Fat Fat RBY IMF
(kg)
(kg)
Calv.
(kg)
(sq.cm)
(cm)
(kg)
(kg)
(kg)
(%) (%) (days) (kg) 2021 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation EBVs for 2019 Born Calves (mm) (mm) (%) (%)
EBV -3.4 Calv. -1.4 Calv. -3.7 +6.4 +50 +91 +121 +113 +14 +1.9 -2.3 +63 +3.8 Eye -1.0 -0.6 +0.9 +1.1
Carcase
Gest.
Rump
200 Day
Scrotal
Ease
600 Day
400 Day
Muscle
ACC 50% Ease 38% Dtrs 61% Len. 72% 66% Wt. 67% Wt. 66% Wt. 60% Mat. 50% Milk 69% Size 33% 55% Wt. 55% Area 56% 57% Fat 52% RBY 49% IMF
Days to
Direct
Birth Wt.
Rib Fat
Cow Wt.
(%) (%) (days) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (cm) Calv. (kg) (sq.cm) (mm) (mm) (%) (%)
Breed Avg. EBVs for 2019 Born Calves
EBV -3.4 -1.4 -3.7 +6.4 +50 +91 +121 +113 +14 +1.9 -2.3 +63 +3.8 -1.0 -0.6 +0.9 +1.1
EBV +1.8 +2.1 -4.4 +4.2 +46 +84 +110 +95 +16 +1.9 -4.2 +61 +5.4 +0.1 -0.2 +0.4 +1.8
ACC 50% 38% 61% 72% 66% 67% 66% 60% 50% 69% 33% 55% 55% 56% 57% 52% 49%
Breed Avg. EBVs for 2019 Born Calves
EBV +1.8 +2.1 -4.4 +4.2 +46 +84 +110 +95 +16 +1.9 -4.2 +61 +5.4 +0.1 -0.2 +0.4 +1.8
Purchaser: .............................................................................. Price $: ......................................................................................................
Our sale catalogue available online at
..............................................................................
Price $: ......................................................................................................
Purchaser:
www.merchistonangus.com
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