IN MOVES to debunk the theory that Charolais cattle have issues with calving ease, its UK breeders are continuing to make strides in delivering bulls leaving easier calved progeny.
The breeders’ response has also led to cattle which are increasingly efficient and high performing, according to the society’s latest Breedplan report for 2016.
Modern-day Charolais’ calving ease direct EBV has increased by 0.8% since 2007 since the breed society introduced its Breedplan genetic evaluation system. And, the closely related gestation length EBV has reduced over the same period by 0.2 days. Furthermore, there has been a continued improvement for each performance trait.
For example, 200-day and 400-day growth rates have increased by +4.0kg and +8.0kg, respectively (see Table 1).
 “Our breeders are using the Breedplan system to carefully select animals that will not only continue to improve growth rate and carcase characteristics, but also to tackle head on improving calving ease,” pointed out British Charolais Cattle Society chief executive, Peter Phythian.
“Genetic progress is both permanent and cumulative, and these latest genetic trends are clearly gaining momentum as more and more progeny come in to the system. They represent a meaningful step forward towards fulfilling one of the society’s key objectives.
“Our breeders are focused on supplying the market with genetics that strike a balance between those key traits which are destined to make a significant contribution towards efficient, profitable beef enterprises. And their selection processes will continue to meet future demand.
“Breeders are well aware that commercial livestock farmers are starting to gear up their enterprises for changes to the current payment system as CAP support comes to an end, Brexit begins and future profit comes under the microscope.
“All commercial producers can attempt to reduce costs and improve output efficiency, whilst influencing the marketplace is usually out of their control.
“However, investing in a modern Charolais terminal sire with high EBVs for calving ease, combined with performance traits, will help minimise labour requirements and accompanying costs, leaving calves that consistently achieve premiums in the marketplace.
“Those premiums are likely to persist as Charolais cross cattle continue to reach target finishing weight faster and more efficiently than all other crosses,” he said in the annual report.