World Hereford Genetic Linkage Project Outcome

Abstract

The main goal of the World Hereford Genetic Linkage Project was to generate genetic linkages across countries to gain a better understanding of how Hereford genetics performs in different environments and on different continents. The project was designed to establish genetic linkages between North America and Australia that could be further developed during the coming years. Four sires from each continent (two polled and two horned) were used to generate progeny in Australia and North America. Performance records on growth and scan traits were collected on all World Hereford progeny born in Australia, and submitted to BREEDPLAN. Additionally, temperament, feed efficiency and carcase data were collected for Australian steer progeny. The latest Australian Hereford BREEDPLAN EBVs for the eight sires will be available at the conference, and include all available data from Australian World Hereford progeny. Progeny born in North America have performance data for early growth traits recorded to date, and this will be included in future North American genetic evaluations, with updated EPDs available for all eight sires available at a later date.