Page 9 - Umbrella Angus Catalogue ebook

Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation

Semen Morphology:
This is carried out by a registered vet accredited to examine semen samples. Semen
morphology is not normally undertaken in semen testing throughout New Zealand. However it became
apparent to us as breeders that the whole picture of bull fertility was not being presented to those
purchasing breeding bulls. Morphology testing of semen involves collection of a semen sample and its
complete analysis by microscope inspection and evaluation. This can not be done race side at time of
collection. Any bull that achieves Semen Morphology of 70% Normal is considered quite adequate for
all breeding purposes, single sire or multiple sire mating situations. All bulls in this catalogue have a
semen morphology of 70% normal or greater as of the 27th February 2020. Please feel free to discuss
this issue with us on sale day or before.
Buyer Responsibility:
As breeders of bulls we can now guarantee your bull is fertile at the date of purchase.
However, it should be noted that the fertility of a bull can vary according to his condition, his health
and general well being. As his new owner it pays to look after your new bull, feed him adequately,
give him access to good water and keep him in good health. Any major deviation could render him
partially infertile or completely infertile. Its up to you as his new owner to keep him fertile and do a
BBSE before mating each year to pick up any problems that may have arisen.
New Bull Arrival:
Bulls can become upset and excited in the sale and delivery process. They are subjected to
strange yards, noises, loss of their mates, different people and handling methods, trucking, unloading,
new paddocks and different feed and water. This can upset animals which are normally very quiet.
When a new bull arrives home, unload him at the yards into a group of steers or cows for company.
Follow this process and your bull will settle into his new environment well.

Understanding Estimated Breeding Values

(EBVs), Selection Indexes and Accuracy

Calving Ease EBVs (%) are based on calving difficulty scores, birth weights and gestation length
information. More positive EBVs are favourable and indicate easier calving.
CE % Direct = Direct Calving Ease - The EBV for direct calving ease indicates the influence of the
sire on calving ease in purebred females calving at two years of age.
CE % Daughters = Daughters’ Calving Ease - The EBV for daughters’ calving ease indicates how
easily that sire’s daughters will calve at two years of age.
Gestation Length EBV (days) is an estimate of the time from conception to the birth of the calf and is
based on AI and hand mating records. Lower (negative) GL EBVs indicate shorter gestation length and
therefore easier calving and increased growth after birth.
Birth Weight EBV (kg) is based on the measured birth weight of progeny, adjusted for dam age. The
lower the value, the lighter the calf at birth and the lower the likelihood of a difficult birth. This is
particularly important when selecting sires for use over heifers.
200-Day Growth EBV (kg) is calculated from the weight of progeny taken between 80 and 300 days
of age. Values are adjusted to 200 days and for age of dam. This EBV is the best single estimate of an
animal’s genetic merit for growth to early ages.

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