Tools and resources

Beef Progeny Test Outcomes

Curious about the impact of Body Condition Score on breeding success or how genetics influence it? Wondering if genetics can enhance marbling without excessive external carcase fat?

The answers to these questions can be found in our Beef Progeny Test Outcomes series. As part of her PhD, B+LNZ Geneticist Franzi Weik, meticulously analysed data from the five commercial beef operations involved in the original B+LNZ Genetics Beef Progeny Test.

Spanning from 2014 to 2019, the Progeny Test compared bulls under New Zealand farming conditions. Steers and cull heifers were assessed on their carcase traits, while replacement heifers were tracked for their maternal characteristics. Utilizing a mix of internationally-sourced and New Zealand semen, the Beef Progeny Test aimed to uncover vital insights for the industry.

Franzi's in-depth analysis has culminated in a series of insights tailored for stud breeders and farmers.

Informing New Zealand Beef Podcast Series

Episode 1: An introduction to the B+LNZ Informing New Zealand Beef programme: what you need to know
Dan Brier (B+LNZ's General Manager – Farming Excellence) and Gemma Jenkins (Genetics Programme Manager at B+LNZ Genetics) provide an overview of the programme’s five key projects and how it will benefit New Zealand’s beef industry.

Episode 2: How Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef programme will supercharge farmers’ genetic gains
Anna Boyd (Beef Genetics Operations Specialist at B+LNZ Genetics) shares what they’re doing in that space and why it’s important.

Episode 3: What cattle traits are most important to New Zealand farmers?
Dr Jason Archer (B+LNZ Genetics Livestock Specialist) and Sam Harburg, consultant at AbacusBio, discuss the findings of a survey into what cattle traits were important to New Zealand’s beef farmers, and how the survey will inform the development of a genetic evaluation system for the industry.