CHAROLAIS BREED POLICY
Breeding Goals
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The
main objective with Charolais breeding is to establish and build
an economic efficient breed, under SA pasture conditions, which
will on these conditions, make the Charolais as a much sought
after beef breed with commercial producers.
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The
second goal is to further the breed’s unique potential in the
cross breeding with the proviso that it will have no effect on
the economic efficiency of the female herd.
Breeding Policy
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Selection on appearance;
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Selection on the animals own performance;
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Selection on breeding values;
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Selection on breeding values of its ancestors (Progeny proven
bulls)
Selection Criteria for Female Animals
Reproduction Qualities
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Minimum standards for number of calves
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Cows
which do not conform to these standards will automatically be
culled (Refer to Annexure B 1.3)
Age first calving (AFC)
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The
Maximum AFC is 39 months. Heifers that neither did nor calve on
39 months will automatically be culled.
Cow/calf weight relation at birth not more than 9.
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This
is temporary optional, but may at a later stage be recommended
as a selection goal.
Production Criteria
100 day weight
●
This
is optional but is strongly recommended as a selection tool for
milk production.
Phase A: Wean Indexes
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Bull
calves: Minimum 90*
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Heifer calves: Minimum 90*
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Calves without the minimum index will not qualify for recording.
Phase B: 1 year and or 18 month indexes*
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Heifers Minimum 90 maximum 130
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Heifers with an index of 130+ may only be inspected if they are
functional efficient and display female features.
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One
of these measures are compulsory for registration. It remains
the choice of the breeder. Both measurements should however be
taken to be able to calculate the breeding values.
Conformation Qualities
The criteria for conformation qualities are specified in the
standard of excellence and in the inspection regulations. To
qualify for registration the animals have to comply to these
standards. Strict discrimination measures are implemented on too
big, excess muscling, too late maturing or too small animals.
Selection Criteria for Bulls
Selection criteria for bulls are vested on Phases A, B, C and D.
Phase B testing is compulsory for all bulls. For AI bulls Phase
C (FCR) or an intensive Phase D (Kleiber ratio) compulsory.
An extensive Phase B is recommended for commercial bulls
although Phase B data will suffice. BLUP breeding values are
valuable.
Minimum Standards
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ADG/ADA
indexes of at least 90 for Phase A,B,C and D. Minimum
indexes of 90 is compulsory for feed conversion (Phase C) and
Kleiber ratio (Phase D)
Conformation and maturity
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The
criteria for conformation qualities are listed in the standard
of excellence and inspection regulations. For registration the
animals have to qualify on these standards.
Reproduction qualities
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Scrotum circumference measured in relation with weight /and or
age. Any morphological diversity is a disqualification.
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Bulls under 12 months are not measured although thy may have the
correct weight.
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The
following minimum standards are applicable for bulls between 12
and 36 months.
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Refer to minimum Breed Standards.
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Sheath size and form - Discriminate /disqualify against over
size or abnormalities.
Qualities to be measured by breeders for performance testing
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Cow
weight (Mass)
a) At weaning of calf
b) within 3 days after
birth*
*At present optional, but
highly recommended.
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Birth weight of calves.
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Weight on 12 and 18 months. |