IN WHAT is believed to be a world first, Angus Australia will trial estimated breeding values for structure.
The new EBVs will provide users of Angus genetics with a tool for selecting cattle for leg and foot structure.
The five new traits are for front and rear feet angle, front feet claw set, rear leg-side view and rear leg-hind view.
More than 37,000 records were gathered from 9000 Angus cattle across 40 herds to generate the new EBVs, Angus Australia's breed development and information manager Carel Teseling said.
The new EBVs have been produced as a trial only, but are available on the Angus Australia website for animals that have been assessed by accredited assessors and have structure EBVs with an accuracy of 40 per cent or more, Mr Teseling said.
Data for structure EBVs can only be collected from 28 accredited scorers.
"Mobility is essential in beef animals and this can be compromised if legs and feet are not right," Mr Teseling said.
"If the ability to walk to water and feed in open grazing or to stand in feedlots is impeded, efficiency can be jeopardised, which affects profitability."
The new EBVs will be added to the figures already available for 17 traits covering calving-ease, growth, maternal, fertility and carcass.
