The start of the second phase of the Beef Genomics Program (BGP2) has been met with great anticipation. BGP2 commenced in April 2024 and will extend for a period of three years. Further to Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, the grounds of the project are to assist beef breeds in Southern Africa in establishing reference populations including difficult to measure traits. The Simbra Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa is excited to present this opportunity to members and explore the objectives and desired outcomes of Simbra participation in BGP2. The focus areas of Simbra participation in the program include SNP genotyping, feed efficiency and carcass data collection.
The Simbra Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa has established a Breed Improvement Committee (BIC) to manage breed improvement in the region. The objectives of participation in BGP2 are part of a 10-year plan which includes the SNP genotyping of herd sires, the inclusion of emerging farmers in access to Simbra genetics and linkages to the national Simbra herd as well as the collection of trial carcass and feed efficiency data.
With the objectives in mind, the desired outcomes of participation in BGP2 include, but are not limited to, the improved selection response through progress towards genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), progress towards improved quality and quantity of phenotypic data recording and progress towards improved recording and understanding of Simbra carcass and feed efficiency traits through carcass data and NFI data collection, respectively. The funders of BGP2 have allocated subsidy amounts for each focus area of data collection, provided the eligibility criteria for the subsidy are met.
The SNP genotyping subsidy encompasses two parts, member and Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) SNP genotyping. All sires of calves born from 1 September 2022 qualify for the member SNP genotyping subsidy, provided all days to calving (DTC) data for the progeny’s dam is submitted. Additionally, bulls used in artificial insemination, influential animals and animals with comprehensive phenotypic data will qualify for the member SNP genotype subsidy, subject to BIC approval. The BIC will also develop a plan to include selective SNP genotyping of females with thorough DTC data to include female fertility data in the reference population.
Animals submitted for feed efficiency and carcass data collection will be eligible for the respective BGP2 subsidy provided the conditions of the relevant protocol/s and the BGP management group criteria are met. Animals submitted for NFI testing will be eligible for BGP2 feed efficiency subsidy, provided the minimum BGP management group criteria and the conditions of the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF) NFI protocol for test facilities with partial weighing or the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) NFI test protocol for test facilities without partial weighing are met. Animals submitted for carcass data collection will be eligible for BGP2 carcass data subsidy, provided the minimum BGP management group criteria and the conditions of the Simbra Cattle Breeders’ Society of Southern Africa carcass data collection protocol are met. As part of the carcass data collection, members have the opportunity to collect both physical and MEQ camera data, which include but are not limited to rib fat, eye muscle area, intramuscular fat and meat colour.
The scope of BGP2 increases the accessibility of SNP genotyping and data collection of difficult to measure traits such as feed efficiency and carcass traits. Members are encouraged to utilise these opportunities and participate in BGP2 over the next 3 years where possible. Thereby contributing towards the establishment of a robust reference population furnished with comprehensive performance data.