Page 5 - Storth Oaks Angus Catalogue ebook

BEFF CLASS

STRUCTURAL

ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT

Structural problems in cattle
have a substantial effect on
both the reproductive and
growth performance of a beef
herd. It is widely recognized
that structural problems in a sire
have detrimental effects on con-
ception rates, calving patterns
and thus profitability. Similarly,
females with inadequate struc-
tural characteristics are more
prone to weaning lighter calves
or conceiving later in the breed- The current trend for improving consis- their structural assessment program
ing season than their more tency and quality of product has shifted in order to optimise soundness and
functional counterparts. These producers focus, towards selecting performance in their stock. The program
structural problems are filtered seedstock on carcase and growth genetic involves an independent assessor analys-
through the supply chain result- traits (EBV’s). Whilst this selection has ing the structural composition of the
ing in reduced income for the been, and will continue to be pivotal in herd on an individual basis. Storth Oaks
producer and thus reducing the developing the New Zealand beef indus- is implementing a annual program of as-
overall productivity
try, we must not forget the fundamentals sessing all of it’s breeding stock and sale
of livestock breeding. bulls. All animal’s deemed inadequate
Bill Austin Accredited
Structural Assessor #1036 Storth Oaks is continually expanding will be culled.
Assessed on 04/03/2021

UNDERSTANDING THE
BEEF CLASS STRUCTURAL

ASSESSMENT

For docility – 1 is Docile to the • 3 and 7 show greater variation,
point of touching the animal, 3 but would be acceptable in most
is less ideal (restless) and 5 - ag- commercial breeding programs,
gressive. (Scores of 1 and 2 are but seed stock producers should
preferred) be wary.
For traits scored 1-9: • 2 and 8 are low scoring animals
and should be looked at closely
• 4 and 6 show slight variation
from idea but this includes most before purchasing.
animals. Any animal scoring 4 • 1 and 9 should not be cata-
and 6 would be acceptable in any logued and are considered culls.
breeding program.