Our commitment is to produce cattle that calve easily, grow fast and efficiently, mature early and have a distinct end product value.
We have a long-held belief that the success of any livestock breeding program must have a solid female foundation to build great sires. Female functionality, the ability to raise a heavy calf and rebreed in all conditions is paramount to this philosophy because that is what drives our customers businesses.
This is achieved by utilising a carefully structured breeding program that focuses on a combined evaluation of genetic performance, commercial observation and product integrity.
We believe there is little if any justification for pure-bred commercial production systems and will always advocate the utilisation of hybrid vigour and maternal hybrid vigour in optimising productivity. The maternal value of Black Simmental has been validated by the recently released report of the US Meat Animal Research Centre (MARC) Clay Centre, Nebraska. Not only has it continued to prove that Black Simmental is the number one Euro breed for economically important traits but that the Black Simmental cow has a mature cow weight 34kg lighter than her Angus counterpart. Further proof of the efficient maternal value of the Black Simmental cross cow.
The herd is QA accredited and is protected with an annual vaccination program, including 7 in 1, Vibrio, Long Range (Botulism) and Pestiguard. Bulls are also treated with Rhinoguard and those destined for Queensland are vaccinated for 3-Day Sickness and Tick Fever.
Whole herd genetic performance utilises Simmental Australia’s International Genetic Solutions (IGS) which will continue the path delivered by the American Simmental Association’s Genetic Evaluation. All calves are weighed at birth and calving ease recorded. All calves are weighed at weaning (200 days) and docility scored, weighed at 400 days when they are ultrasound scanned for Eye Muscle Area, Rib & Rump Fat and Intramuscular Fat (Marbling). All bulls have scrotal measurement taken as a measure of fertility. Mature Cow Weight and Hip Height measurement are also recorded to provide data relative to female production efficiency.
This is underpinned by whole herd Genomic testing providing DNA verified pedigrees for all animals in the herd and Genomic Enhanced genetic evaluation (Genomic Enhanced EPD’s). This program is delivered via Simmental Australia. Through our original alliance with Altenburg Simmental Ranch in Colorado, which now continues with Triangle J Simmentals, Nebraska and the fact our entire herd is based on USA genetics, we have unprecedented linkage to the world’s largest multi breed genetic evaluation. Willie Altenberg continues to play a pivotal role in securing new sires and liaising with Darby Line at triangle J Simmentals. The annual supply of elite embryos will continue with the alliance we now have with Darby and Anette Line’s Triangle J Simmentals.
