YOUNG SIRE PROGRAM REVAMP

NOMINATION OF ELITE YOUNG SIRES REQUIRED

It is important to note that the YSP committee will not identify bulls of interest this year so it will be up to breeders to take the initiative and contact Bob Guest if they have a bull they would like to enter.

• Members interested in nominating a sire for the 2007 Young Sire Program are urged to contact Bob Guest by phone 02 49450989 or 0408891417 or email bob.guest@bigpond.com by Friday 12th January.
• Bulls should show outstanding genetic potential with EBVs in the higher percentile bands in the December 2006 Angus Group Breedplan analysis.
• Bulls may be nominated from the 2005 (A) drop, 2004 (Z) drop or 2003 (Y) drop.
• Carcase traits must have been measured by ultrasound and the EBVs generated must be reported in the Group Breedplan analysis.
• Bulls nominated will need to be available for a visual appraisal of their phenotypic traits during the latter half of January.
• Structural soundness must be of the highest order with only bulls scoring a 4, 5 or 6 on the Beef Class Structural Assessment system being accepted.
• Parentage verification, red gene and mannosidosis testing will be required.

PROGRAM CHANGES

• Breeders with smaller numbers of registered females will be encouraged to participate in the Young Sire Program in 2007 by becoming test herds.
• Smaller Test herds will be able to use as few as 15 doses of semen (one bull) in 2007.
• It is planned to have 2 intakes of bulls into the program in 2007. The first intake in January and a second intake in June following the mid-year Breedplan analysis, in order to better cater for spring calving herds.
• The January intake will therefore be reduced to 4 or 5 new bulls.

Further information on the Young Sire Program can be found on the Angus Australia website at http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/BA_YSP.htm or by contacting Bob Guest via the contact details listed above.