Beef cattle breeders seeking to improve the genetic quality of their herds have gained a new ally: the Mating Tool. The software, the result of a partnership between the National Association of Herd-Book Collar Breeders (ANC) and Embrapa Pecuária Sul, was launched this Tuesday night (7/4), in Pelotas (RS), during the disclosure of the Bulls and Wombs Summaries 2023/2024.
The tool allows cattle ranchers to select their cows based on the most up-to-date information from the ANC’s genetic improvement program and choose potential sires, both their own and from other breeders, to carry out the most suitable crosses for their purposes. “He will be able to see what the possibilities of the products will be. What each bull will generate in terms of each of the DEPs (Expected Progeny Differences) and also inbreeding”, explains the researcher and general manager of Embrapa Pecuária Sul, Fernando Cardoso.
The president of the ANC, Joaquin Villegas, points out that the software is an advance of Origen, a system that integrates the genetic information of the Angus, Braford, Brangus, Canchim, Charolais, Devon, Hereford and Ultrablack breeds. “In practice, it is an Origen that simplifies the balancing between different indices in pursuit of a goal. It is one more step towards improving herd selection,” he says.
The event also included the distribution of Summaries of Bulls and Wombs printed with the indexers of the animals of the eight breeds served by the ANC. In addition to the scores listed in the physical version, ranchers can consult the weekly updated genetic information of the animals on the entity’s website. “We do everything in our power to make life easier for the breeder and simplify the use of data from our genetic improvement program. If the creator prefers the data online, it’s there. Now, if you prefer that momentary and so traditional cut to have in your hands in your day-to-day work, it’s also here”, comments Villegas. This year, breeders of Angus genetics will find the selection stamps of the specimens next to their specifications.
The ANC is a non-profit entity responsible for collecting, structuring and maintaining the database forming the National Zootechnical Archive, of various bovine breeds of European origin and their crosses, by delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture. The ANC is sponsored by Supra in 2023.
