Greswick Angus breeding principles

Using industry-leading genetics, Greswick Angus position themselves as a 'seedstock multiplier', providing quality Angus genetics at an affordable price.

The breeding principles on the surface are quite simple, to produce well balanced easy care cattle with above average growth, superior fertility to get back in calf every year and to provide meat yields suitable for a range of markets. Behind the scenes though, a complex evaluation of each animal is undertaken so that the base attributes of the female are well matched to join to a performance-leading sire.

Breeding decisions begin with the core breeding unit, the female. She must produce a live calf unassisted each year and rear a calf to a suitable weaning age weight to remain in stud duties. Only the best matrons with a proven record of calf rearing are joined via artificial insemination (AI). Heifers with superior pedigree are also joined via selective artificial insemination. All other dams are mated to Greswick Angus bulls that are a direct result of earlier AI programs.

Keeping pace within the Angus seedstock industry, John selects leading semen sires each year that aim to advance genetic progress from the previous year, not simply replicate previous years experience. Semen sires are principally selected based on EBV’s for above average growth, top ranked for eye muscle area (EMA) and carcase weight. They must also be easy-doing, with neutral to positive fat cover and maternal characteristics within the pedigree are closely researched.

Many of these decisions are not made alone. John & Janelle owe a great deal of gratitude to Geoff Steinbeck, Excel Genetics Tamworth who understands their breeding program and personally inspects overseas semen sires regularly. His honest and open appraisal of AI genetics has reduced the number of mistakes that could have been made and allowed them to access only the best available genetics throughout the world.

To be as fully involved as possible, John conducts his own artificial insemination programs and resynchronises to improve joining percentages. But there are times when independent appraisals are necessary, such as the inspection of sale bulls for structural integrity and fertility. This is done by Dr Ian Gollan from Maitland Veterinary Hospital, who is also an Angus commercial breeder! Ian's feedback is crucial in ensuring animals offered for sale are sound functional animals that will provide longevity within client’s herds.

Greswick Angus uses the latest technology available to assist with making sound breeding decisions. All animals performance is recorded, stud animals are continually analysed in Breedplan, DNA typing is undertaken to identify recessive genetic disorders, health treatments exceed industry standards and home-grown bulls are used to evaluate genetic performance within their own herds.