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The Breed ► MEAT
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
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KLIEK
HIER VIR DIE AFRIKAANSE WEERGAWE
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NATIONAL MEAT CATTLE NOTIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
(As on 10
September 2008)
We would like to draw breeders’
attention to the fact that it has always been the policy of the
Association to encourage its breeders to be part of the National
Meat Cattle Notification and Improvement Scheme.
Membership is compulsory for
all members, and it will expected of members to participate in
at least Phase A and B.
Unfortunately there are still some people who do not fully
comprehend the matter and are under the impression that the
particulars of their animals are compared to that of other
breeders, which is totally wrong. Firstly, the particulars are
confidential in nature and are only supplied to the
breeder.
Furthermore, the particulars are only of value to the breeder
himself and have no comparable value with the particulars of
other breeders.
Management and environmental conditions and factors differ from
farm to farm and therefore particulars can only be compared
among animals in the same herd – it cannot be compared with the
particulars of other animals. It is a good resource that
can of use for the breeder in the selection of his breeding
animals. The processed weights play a very important role in the
annual BLUB analysis.
The following particulars have been provided by the ARC
regarding the Scheme and we trust that the breeders who are not
yet participating will, without delay, write to the relevant
offices in the various regions to join.
NATIONAL MEAT CATTLE NOTIFICATION AND
IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
Measurement is not a new concept. It has been used in some way
or another in breeding programmes throughout the ages. The ARC
approaches performance testing from an objective point of view
and pays attention to those characteristics that are reasonably
hereditary and are of great economic importance today.
The AIM of the Scheme is thus to provide a selection
AID to meat cattle breeders through which their herds can be
improved, especially in terms of characteristics with economic
importance.
The Scheme currently consists of 4 Phases of which Phases A and
B are Herd Test Programmes that form the basis of the Scheme.
No comparison is made between herds.
PHASE
A – Evaluation of cow herds
The mothering ability of
each cow in the herd is evaluated by the wean weight of the calf
that she produces on 205 days. Attention is also paid to
fertility.
PHASE
B – Post-weaning growth
After the calves have been weaned, their weights are taken
seasonally after a summer and winter period in order to evaluate
their growth under specific farm conditions. (12 and 18
months weights)
PHASE C – Standardised Growth Tests
The growth ability and feed conversion of young bulls
from cooperating stud herds are determined under standardised
conditions at a central testing centre over a test period of
84 days after an adjustment period of 28 days.
PHASE D – Growth tests on owners’ farms
The growth ability of young bulls is determined on the
farm under standardised conditions. The requirement of this
Phase is a minimum of 10 bulls per test that conclude, as
well as that they have to commence the adjustment period before
the oldest bull is 365 days old. The procedure under which
rations resort is compiled in collaboration with the ARC.
The requirements as they will especially affect the stud
breeders, are the following:
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An approved scale available on the farm.
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At least 30 cows per breeding herd. Breeding herds of less
than 30 are also accepted.
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The breeder has to undertake to measure the animals’ weight
himself if necessary, keep all record books provided by the
ARC updated on a regular basis and tidy and to send the
particulars to the ARC for the required processing within 7
days after weighing.
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Accept the assistance of any personnel approved by the ARC.
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Maintain efficient pens and crushes.
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Cooperate at all times.
The procedure of data collection will briefly be as follows:
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Weight at birth of calf
(optional, but
desirable).
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Weight of calves between the age
of 51 and 150 days
(optional – pre-wean).
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Weight of calves between the age
of 151 and 270 days
(compulsory - wean).
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Weight of cows at birth of calf
and with second weight determination (at weaning) of the calf
(optional, but
desirable).
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Weight at 12 months between the age of 271–450 days and/or 18
months between the age of 451–634 days.
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Maximum age difference within a group for processing is 100
days.
TAKE NOTE:
Regarding our Society, ONLY the wean weight, 12 months and/or 18
months weights are compulsory.
There is no interference in the Management of Herds.
Application forms are available at all the various regional
offices of the ARC or ACBS.
Please direct your enquiries to the ARC office nearest to you.
Gauteng:
The Responsible Official, Private Bag X2, Irene, 0062.
Tel: 012 672 9081
Western Cape:
The Responsible Official, P O Box 5013, Stellenbosch,
7600. Tel: 021 809 3327
Northern Cape:
The Responsible Official, P O Box 14, Vryburg, 8600.
Tel: 053 927 4333/5
Free State:
The Responsible Official, P O Box 1362,
Bloemfontein,
9300. Tel: 051 447 5629
Natal:
The Responsible Official, P O Box 343, Merrivale, 3291.
Tel: 033 330 5668
Namibia:
The
Responsible Official, Private Bag X13184,
Windhoek,
9300. Tel: 00264 61 208 7053
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