Pleasant Disposition

One reason the Angus cattle are in high demand for cow herds is the fact that they have a pleasant disposition. This makes them easier to handle than other less-cooperative breeds, especially when they need special care.

Early Maturity and Fertility

Angus females reach maturity and fertility as early as 12-months old. This is far younger than other cattle breeds. In addition, they continue to produce calves throughout their lifespan for a substantial time. Due to all these facts, they are highly valued and sought after for cow herds.

Ease of Calving

Angus females are famous for ease of calving. As a result, little, if any, assistance is necessary during the birth process. Also, the calves enter the world untraumatized.

Superb Mothering Instincts and Milk Producers

On top of ease of calving, Angus mums have strong mothering instincts and are excellent milk producers. In fact, they produce plenty of milk all the way up to weaning time.

Superior Marbling Ability

Angus cattle have excellent marbling ability. The marbling in their carcasses leads to flavourful, tender beef. Restaurants, butcher shops, grocery stores and consumers are constantly on the lookout for this type of beef. Since the Angus beef is in such high demand, it brings a premium price for the cattle farmers.

Adaptable to All Types of Weather Conditions

Due to the fact that the origin of the Angus breed is Scotland with its harsh, cold climate, it is a durable breed that can withstand all types of weather conditions. Along with this, they have a great ability to forage for their food, and this makes them ideal pasture feeders.

For additional reasons why Angus is the most sought after cow breed by aspiring cattle farmers, contact Southfork Angus. Our livelihood depends upon our expertise in raising Angus seedstock. All the animals that you receive from us are superior quality to help you build a strong, reliable herd.

Drastic variances are noticeable in cattle not only with their nutritional status and health, but also how these influence their ability to grow, reproduce and finish. Also, the resulting product may be affected as well. Cattle raised in similar conditions can still vary between one another due to their different genetic backgrounds. Since these are inherited traits, they can be passed on for generations to come through selective mating processes.

Breeds vary in genetics just as the individual animals do within each breed. The producer’s ability to utilise the variations effectively can improve productivity and profitability through accurately evaluating and estimating the differences for the purpose of maximizing breeding goals.

With the beef industry being so competitive, the producers of cows and calves come out on top when they make genetic choices with which breed to base their herd on along with which bulls and cows should be mated together for the best outcome. The consumers greatly influence the market price, the type of beef that is in demand, the value of specific traits and more, and the producers must pay heed to this information. This causes the producers to change their goals on the outcome of their cattle in some cases.

There is the thought going around that this type of production aims for the more profitable beef markets with highly marbled meat, which Angus is famous for, through close management of the feeding of the herd. It is well-known that this quality of the meat brings in premium prices when the supply is readily available, which helps offset higher feed costs. However, if this meat is overproduced the financial gains will decrease. At present, it is evident that many of the breeding decisions are targeting quality end results in Angus.

Due to the fact that the Angus breed association is the largest of all the cattle breeds, it provides the most comprehensive resources and database to help with genetic evaluations. Through this, producers can estimate the outcome of their efforts with greater accuracy. The results are Angus cattle with a better growth rate and size than ever before.

For further ways that you can utilise the principles of genetics for efficient and profitable Angus production, consult with Southfork Angus. We specialise in producing top-quality Angus seedstock and will be happy to share our expertise with you when you turn to us for your animals.

How to Test for Docility

You can test Angus docility in one of the following ways:

• Yard test is when the calves are placed in a small square yard individually with the handler trying to hold the calf in the corner for approximately 30 seconds.

• Crush test is when a calf or multiple ones are put up a race and held in a weight scale or crush for approximately 30 seconds with or without being head bailed.

*Note: While either way is acceptable, more cattle farmers use the crush method than the yard one.

Description of Docility Scores

As you test the animals by one of the above methods, you need to observe their behaviour and allot a score to each animal using the criteria below:

1 – Docile: Angus animals with this score have a mild disposition, are easy to handle, move slowly or stand still during handling are settled, act undisturbed, appear a bit dull, will not pull on the head gate in the crush and calmly exit the crush.

2 – Restless: To receive this score, Angus act quiet with some restlessness and are a bit stubborn during handling. Also, they may flick their tails pull on the head gate and promptly exit the crush.

3 – Nervous: Animals will still be manageable but with a nervous or impatient manner. They will struggle moderately with a bit of tail flicking and movement. In addition, they will repeatedly pull or push on the head gate and exit the crush quickly.

4 – Flighty: When Angus are out of control, quivery, jumpy and violently struggle they fit in this score. On top of all this, they may bellow, urinate and defecate, and continuously flick their tail during handling. Also, you may notice that they run the fence line fanatically and jump when penned individually, and they exit the crush wildly.

5 – Aggressive: Animals will exhibit similar behaviour as score four but with added agitation and aggression. They may even attack when handled one on one.

*Note: At times, animals fall in between two categories, and it is acceptable to score accordingly. For example, you can issue a 1.5 if your animal falls between one and two.

The Age That Angus Should Be Scored for Docility

For inclusion in the Angus BREEDPLAN, experts recommend that you score your Angus between the ages of 60 and 400 days. Also, it should take place at weaning or right afterwards. By using these parameters, you ensure that the calves have had a minimum of handling, and this makes the scores more accurate.

For additional information about collecting docility scores, consult with Southfork Angus. We are happy to share our expertise with you about raising Angus cattle.

Definition of EPDs

For more than 30 years, the EPDs have been available to Angus producers. The application of their facts has helped many improve their herds and increase their marketability. On top of this, it helps these producers prepare for future demands. They should critically evaluate their recent calving events, calf births and all other calf production that follows. Analysis of environmental conditions, feed sources and labour hours necessary to choose the best genetics for the health of their herd are also part of this.

Depending upon the purpose of the calves, producers may use the EPDs in different ways. At times, producers wish to sell all calves and at other times, the calves are kept to increase the herd’s numbers. Expected progeny differences predict the genetic transference from the parent to its calf and are utilized as tools in the selection process. Producers help compile the EPDs, which are basically numerical predictions of actual genomic information and actual measurements of the different traits of the Angus.

Are the EPDs Accurate?

The more date recorded on the genetic merit on an animal, the more accurate the expected progeny differences are for any herd. Bulls are considered proven sires when their accuracy values are high. The females can be proven dams once they calve successfully. DNA samples are taken at times to help increase the accuracy of EPDs.

How to Utilise the EPDs?

Whether you are using EPDs for bull selection or heifer retention purposes, the process is basically the same. You can subtract the value of one bull away from the higher performing one to choose which one is the best for siring calves. With dams, you compare their calving ease, maternal instincts and ability to nourish their calves as part of your comparison.

For additional facts about understanding expected progeny differences or EPDs, consult with Southfork Angus. We are experts in utilising EPDs to strengthen our herd to ensure that we offer only the best Angus for seedstock. All our animals are guaranteed high producers as well as docile and easy to handle.

What Are Congenital Abnormalities?

Congenital defects happen due to the presence of a mutated or abnormal gene. They either impair the overall health of the animal or cause structural or functional changes in it. You can see congenital abnormalities in all the cattle herds, but some breeds are at higher risk for certain ones than other breeds are. We provide you some examples of the ones that affect the Angus cattle in the next section.

Examples of Defects That Occur in Angus Cattle

• Achondroplasia can cause the calf to be aborted at 6 to 8 months after conception. It has a bulldog facial appearance and is smaller in size than it should be normally.

• Hypotrichosismalforms the coloured hair on the body and makes it curly, short and at times sparse. It also causes an abnormal tail switch.

• Osteopetrosis or marble bone disease causes the bone tissue to enter the long bones’ marrow cavity. As a result of this action, the bones become brittle and can break easily.

Determining the Causes of Congenital Abnormalities

When an Angus calf is born with some type of defect, you must first determine if it caused by genetics. Analyse the background for the sire and dam of the calf closely to help with this search. If the abnormality is found to be environmentally caused, though, you need to quickly remedy the situation.

Addressing the Congenital Defects Effectively Helps Maintain the Integrity of the Herd

Extreme weather, infectious diseases or malnutrition are just three environmental reasons for these defects to happen. You need to remove these negative influences as much as humanly possible from your cattle farm. On the other hand, if the sire and dam are found at fault, you should not re-breed them with any other cattle in your herd or you will be increasing the risk of the congenital abnormalities rather than decreasing the risk of them.

For further guidance on how cattle breeders need to address the congenital abnormalities in their Angus herds, contact Southfork Angus. Our livelihood depends upon us addressing and controlling these defects to ensure that they do not negatively affect the quality of our seedstock animals and our entire herd.

Many Angus breeders have been a bit frustrated recently with the fact that their bred females that they purchase were supposed to give birth on one date only to be two to three weeks early. Was this done intentionally to mislead them into buying the females or are the gestation lengths actually shortening with Angus due to low birth rate bulls in the last few generations of bulls? The farmers are looking for answers to this question to better handle their birthing plans.

Also, the first-time Angus mums may be calving early for yet, another reason for short gestation periods. At times, this is due to the fact that low birth weight Angus bulls are being bred with first-time mums, which brings about an earlier gestation period than the traditional average. It might be time for Angus cattle ranchers to reset their information about expected calving times for their pregnant female Angus.

What Is the Normal Breeding Interval of Angus?

Any Angus farmer understands that the normal interval for breeding is 60 to 90 days from the time a female has been exposed to the bulls. It is difficult to pinpoint a calving time just from this information, as they only can predict it. The more precise way of calculating gestation time is through documented instances of artificial insemination when one specific date for impregnation is known.

What the Research Proves

Through research, it has been discovered that if young pregnant Angus females give birth at 275 days instead of the average 283 days that they have easier times calving. If this occurs too often across the breed, the average will need to be lowered.

For further details about if gestation lengths change in Angus, consult with our experts here at Southfork Angus. We have a long, reliable reputation for delivering prime Angus seedstock to all who need to start or replenish a herd.

Troughs of water should be located throughout your pastures and shelters to provide an ongoing supply to your cattle. While galvanised troughs are suitable, concrete ones will keep the cattle’s drinking water cooler. Plumbing to these troughs should deliver the water at a sufficient rate to keep the troughs full during peak-demand periods. Space the troughs in such a way that the Angus animals do not need to walk too far at any one time to them.

Offer Adequate Shaded Areas

Along with plenty of water, your Angus cattle need shaded areas to stay out of the sun when necessary. You can accomplish this in the following ways:

• Large trees with extensive canopies should not be removed from pastures since they offer ideal natural shade from the heat.

• Construct shelters using timber for the frame and galvanised steel for the roof. Similar to the water troughs, you need to locate these shelters in convenient places to ensure the cattle only travel a short distance to use them.

• Groups of trees or sections of forests also provide the Angus cattle sufficient shade from the heat.

Handle Animals in the Morning or Evening

During hot weather, handle your Angus male and females in the cool of the morning or evening rather than in the middle of the afternoon when the temperature is at its highest. You will minimise their stress by doing so with your animals.

Consider the Heat When Planning Transport for Your Angus

Heat also can stress out your Angus animals during transport. For this reason, you should plan transporting your animals in the cooler parts of the year or day as the case may be in your specific situation.

Always monitor the temperatures closely so that you are prepared to protect your animals when they climb into the hot range. For further information about how to manage heat stress in Angus cattle operation and seedstock production, consult with Southfork Angus. We have been breeding and raising Angus for many years and are experts on how to protect them from the heat along with all other aspects of Angus cattle.

What Is Genomics?

Genomics with cattle allows breeders to analyse their animals’ genomes and DNA, and how they influence their various traits, behaviours and other production values. It moves beyond genetics as we said earlier, which tends to be more about heritage than individual animals. This scientific method of analysis has numerous possible applications for the entire beef industry, including those who breed and raise Angus cattle, as we will discuss a bit later.

An Explanation of DNA

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid and is a highly important molecule in the cells of many living organisms, including Angus cattle. It is considered as a ‘blueprint’ of an organism since it contains special coding that helps the organism grow, appear, and function. In addition, the DNA of all cattle breeds includes 30 chromosome pairs. Each pair contains one chromosome from the dam and one from the sire. As each progeny line reproduces, this DNA ‘blueprint’ is passed on to the next generation.

What is Genomic Testing?

Genomic testing involves analysing DNA samples for any Angus that breeders want to discover in-depth information on to combine with performance and pedigree details that they already have on the animals. At this point, this testing is a bit expensive and should be considered an investment in the future of the herd. Breeders can test their Angus cattle at any age.

Definition of a Genomic Prediction Equation

Since multiple genes influence each production trait that Angus contain, information is necessary to interfere with genetics. The Genomic Prediction Equation estimates an Angus male or female’s breeding value based on facts discovered during genomic testing.

The Most Common Applications for Genomics for Angus Cattle Breeders

• Verification of parentage
• Effective control over genetic conditions
• Alterations in coat colour, polledness and other qualitative traits
• Analysis of breed composition
• Genetic enhancement of production traits

For further facts about understanding the role of genomics in Angus seedstock breeding, consult with Southfork Angus. We specialise in breeding Angus seedstock, and we are located in the Mornington Peninsula of Australia.

Pasture Land, Feed and Water

The size of the herd dictates how much feed and pasture land are necessary to provide sufficient nutrients to the Angus in order for them to gain at the right rate and to be healthy. When grazing is the main source of food for your cattle, they need a mix of grass and legumes. If grain is your choice of feed, oats is an ideal one to start young seedstock animals on for their nutritional needs. Oats also make an ideal supplement if pasture lands are inadequate. On top of all of these, your cattle require a constant supply of drinking water.

Handling Methods Can Help or Hurt Your Efforts at Angus Seedstock Production

Do not overlook how your handling ability contributes to the growth and health of your Angus animals. For the best results, you should be calm and gentle with your animals since both will keep them from being nervous. Nervous animals will not gain weight at the right rate, may have trouble calving and be difficult to deal with when you need to be up close.

Environmental Conditions

The weather and other environmental elements are in constant flux throughout the year here in Australia. These are difficult to predict, and you must adjust to meet the needs of your cattle whenever necessary. Provide shelter for your animals throughout your property to ensure that they can receive protection from harsh environmental conditions when they occur.

Medical Care

Periodic veterinarian checks are another important influence in successful Angus seedstock production. This allows you to receive proper medical guidance on how your animals are progressing, and if you need to improve your care of them. Also, the veterinarian can catch minor ailments before they turn into serious health problems.

Other non-genetic influences on the health and well-being of your cattle include parasites and diseases that they can suffer with through their lifetime. Five of the top issues in this category are:

• Pestivirus or bovine viral diarrhoea virus
• Cattle tick
• Buffalo fly
• Neonatal calf mortality from unknown causes
• Dystocia

For further facts about the non-genetic influences that affect successful Angus seedstock production, consult with Southfork Angus. We are experts on this topic as well as all other aspects of raising Angus seedstock.

Explanation of BREEDPLAN

BREEDPLAN is the latest in genetic evaluation processes for Angus cattle. It provides the opportunity for farmers to enhance the genetic progress of their animals, improve their breeding methods and increase productivity of the animals. As a result of all of these benefits, the Angus farmers also will receive a higher price for their cattle.

What Are Estimated Breeding Values?

BREEDPLAN utilises the latest genetic evaluation system that is based on Best Linear Unbiased Prediction or BLUP technology to discover the estimated breeding values or EBVs of the recorded Angus cattle. These values include a wide assortment of crucial production traits, such as carcase, weight, fertility, and more. While you cannot determine the true breeding value of any Angus animal, you can estimate it. That is where the EBVs are useful. The EBVs of a singular animal are stated as the difference between its genetics and those of the animal it is compared with for evaluation purposes.

Traits That the EBVs Include

EBVs analyse a wide array of traits that have an economic influence on the success of the herd. Currently, these traits include:

• Weight traits include birth weight, 200-day growth, 400-day weight, 600-day growth, mature weight of a cow and milk
• Fertility and calving traits analyse the scrotal six, gestations length, days to calving and calving ease
• Carcase traits are fat depth, eye muscle area, retail beef yield, carcase weight, intramuscular fat, and shear force
• Other traits include docility, structural soundness, flight time and net feed intake

How Accurate Are EBVs?

Angus females and males may perform either worse or better than the EBVs predict, but on average, the estimated breeding values are reliable indicators of the herd’s genetics. The accuracy of these values, though, is dependent upon reliable record keeping of all traits. When producers use EBVs in raising their herds, they substantially increase their chances for success.

For further facts about the importance of the estimated breeding values, contact Southfork Angus. We are experts at producing top-quality Angus seedstock here in the Mornington Peninsula. All of our animals come with a guarantee that they will be high producers.