Foel Fawr Project Update - Final

Key results:

  • By purchasing high-Index bulls based on their genetic potential, Foel Fawr Farm has seen a significant improvement in herd performance over the years.

  • The use of these bulls has positively impacted both the Terminal Index and the Replacement Index, driving profitability for the farm.

  • The cattle weighing and handling system reduces labour time and simplifies herd management whilst also increasing health & safety on-farm.

Background:

Foel Fawr Farm operates a pedigree herd of 70 Hereford cattle with a spring calving system. The farm carefully selects replacement bulls for easy calving and strong heifers, while culling cows with health or fertility issues. Female offspring are either kept as replacements or sold, and males are either fattened or sold as store cattle. The farm’s goal is to sell Pedigree Hereford Bulls, and to achieve this, it plans to introduce estimated breeding values (EBVs). A new cattle weighing system integrated into the cattle handling system will help monitor key traits, while ultrasound scanning will assess muscle and fat quality for better breeding decisions.

Purpose of work:

  1. Introduce a cattle weighing system that integrates with the new handling system on the farm, improving data collection, herd management and health and safety whilst handling livestock.
  2. Collaborate with the Hereford Cattle Society to identify key traits for monitoring and determine the optimal times for recording data to improve breeding decisions and herd genetics.
  3. Ultrasound scan replacement heifers and potential bulls to measure traits such as eye muscle area, rib fat, rib yield, and intramuscular fat for better breeding selection.

What we did:

To enhance breeding decisions, the farm used Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) alongside live animal ultrasound scanning. EBVs predict genetic potential for key traits, such as Eye Muscle Area (EMA), rib fat, rib yield, and intramuscular fat (IMF). The scanning process measures these traits directly, offering precise data on muscling, fat thickness, and marbling.

Animals aged 400 to 600 days were scanned, with weight and scrotal size recorded at the time of scanning. Scanning occurred three times in 2024, providing valuable insights for selecting superior bulls and heifers. The EVO3 scanning device and Ultrainsight analysis will ensure high accuracy and data integrity, with results provided within 48 hours. This approach allows for more informed decisions, optimizing carcass quality and herd genetics.

Outcomes:

Terminal Index (Profitability of Calves for Finishing Systems):

  • Bulls selected with high Terminal Index scores have produced calves with improved growth rates and finishing characteristics.

  • These improvements have led to higher yields and greater profitability when calves are sold for finishing.

Replacement Index (Profitability of Female Offspring):

  • The focus on the Replacement Index has resulted in more profitable female offspring with better fertility, health, and longevity.

  • This ensures a sustainable breeding program, with females selected for their potential to produce high-quality replacements for the herd.

Genetic Progress Over Time:

  • The ongoing use of high-Index bulls has resulted in measurable genetic progress, reflected in both male and female offspring performance.

  • These improvements demonstrate the positive impact of using genetic data to inform breeding decisions

5-Step Guide to Implementing the Foel Fawr Project Findings on Your Farm

Select High-Index Bulls Based on Genetic Potential:

  • Research and purchase bulls with high index scores

  • Focus on selecting bulls with superior fertility, health, and structural soundness to reduce future health-related issues and improve overall herd longevity

Utilise Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Informed Decision-Making:

  • Use EBVs to assess and select breeding stock, focusing on traits that are important for your herd

Monitor Key Traits with Ultrasound Scanning:

  • Implement ultrasound scanning to measure critical carcass traits such as eye muscle area, rib fat, and marbling in both bulls and heifers.

  • Scan animals aged 400-600 days, ensuring that udder health is also evaluated in replacement heifers to prevent potential issues with milk production. 

Record and Analyse Data Consistently:

  • Maintain detailed records of all breeding data, including EBVs, ultrasound results, and performance data related to udder health and cattle lameness.

Fit for purpose cattle handling and weighing system:

  • Having appropriate cattle handling systems can reduce handling time and potentially save on additional labour costs.

  • Safe handling systems to ensure handler health and safety.