Page 8 - Storth Oaks Angus Catalogue ebook

Indexes have changed

Angus New Zealand in the last year has reviewed and updated their BreedObject Indexes.
So, you can’t compare the indexes of bulls you have purchased in previous years with these new
indexes. Not only has the economic information been updated and new software utilised, in addi-
tion the bases have been re-set.

We believe there are some fundamental flaws in the new self-replacing index but are much hap-
pier with the redeveloped AngusPure index as it is still based on a self-replacing herd retaining
replacement heifers but wanting to build carcase quality into their herd and surplus heifers and
steers for slaughter.

The new software known as BreedObject Version 6 allows for:

• Improved modelling of young animal growth. This includes separate modelling for each sex
rather than assuming there is a fixed difference between them.
• Revised modelling for feed requirements for young animals and how this changes with body
composition/stages of growth.

Improved modelling of cow weight and condition score throughout the year. This includes:

• More advanced modelling of cow weight, and subsequently feed requirements, at times of
the year when feed is in short supply and/or expensive. Typically in New Zealand, this is
during the winter when grass growth slows or stops and cow feed requirements are increas
ing due to cold and pregnancy.
• Inclusion of cow condition score and production penalties for cows outside of optimum con
dition. (e.g. too lean or too fat, affecting milking ability and/or fertility.
• Revised methodology for valuing cows when culled. This allows for variation in sale weight
and value between cows culled for various reasons. (e.g. cast for age, reproductive failure,
poor condition, etc).

Enhanced modelling of carcase market specifications and values.

• This includes the ability to handle non-linear price structures like beef schedules that penal
ise both too lean and too fat carcases, and/or those that penalise under and overweight
carcases.