TWELVE of the best Charolais bulls in the country will be auctioned at Beef Expo next month.
The bulls are from the Charolais bull trial unit in Taihape and have gone through rigorous testing and scanning to ensure they are the best of the best.
Charolais are a major player in the terminal sire industry both in New Zealand and around the world.
The idea behind the Charolais bull trial, which is in its third year, was to allay farmer opinion that too high a proportion of led bulls sold at the expo looked good on the day but broke down when asked to perform in the farm environment.
Twenty bulls were taken from the comfort zone of their farm environment and merged with other bulls from around the country. The bulls have been carefully monitored and farmed allowing then to show normal genotypic growth.
The 2009 trial unit was held once again at Potaka, the property of Andrew, Matt and Wendy Totman at Omatane on the banks of the Rangitikei, south of Taihape.
This area is generally regarded as summer safe, with winters a little easier and some snow falls. The property’s total area is 734ha, consisting of 160ha of flat country with the balance of steep hill country, the flats being set up into cells as an intensive beef finishing unit.
The Totmans have always been keen on Charolais cattle and saw the potential of the growth and finishing in Charolais cross animals many years ago.
The trial bulls are run together as one mob on grass only.
The 2009 intake saw the 20 bulls arrive in Taihape in September, rather than June.
Trial unit liaison officer Liz Gwillim said the later date was for two reasons, one being the difficult season experienced around the country last year and the other giving breeders more time to assess the bulls for selection with the 400-day weight having been processed.
“Taking bulls later means breeders got to know the bulls a bit better, and got to do more homework when deciding which were best suited for the trial unit.
“When they go in June they’re not long off their mothers, but after drenching, handling, and seeing them in the pens, it’s easier to tell which ones would suit.”
The later time of entry to the bull unit has resulted in a better line of bulls, with fewer being expelled in the selection process.
Independent inspector Stu Robertson completed the structural assessments, muscle scanning, capacity and docility scoring.
This vigilant testing along with the feedback from purchasers for the previous crops gives potential buyers confidence that these bulls will go on and do the job they have been selected and bred for, Mrs Gwillim said.
Last year a significant amount of work was needed in the area of temperament which has flowed on to a great result this year, the bulls are a credit to the breeders, she said.
The Breeders who have put theses animals forward for sale have chosen carefully the bulls they feel will showcase and reflect the New Zealand Charolais breed.
“There are top stud potential bulls here and there are also some dam good commercial bulls that have had some of the guesswork removed.
“This is a good place to purchase quality bulls for sale along side many other breeds from around the country.”
Charolais breeders New Zealand president James Duthie said it was encouraging to see some new breeders supporting the trial and was pleasing to have those that have participated before, back again.
He hoped for a strong showing at Beef Expo.
“At a time when the world financial markets are in turmoil, let’s not forget that everyone has to continue eating.
“The red meat market is probably one of the more stable commodities around at the moment.”
“Everyone needs protein and what better way of producing this, than with top quality, fully recorded sires.”
bsavage@clear.net.nz
Email a friend