British Charolais breeders’ rewarded for herd genetic

improvements

British Charolais breeders have been recognised for the genetic progress made to their herds during the last 12 months with the Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award 2011. The accolade was presented to four herds located throughout the UK’s four home countries by the Harman family, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, founding members of the breed society.

 

BCCS chairman, Martin Donaghy presents the recipients of the Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award 2011, from, left Gilbert Crawford, Jimmy Wilson and Tom Cox

Herd progress was measured by the greatest improvement in the Self Replacing Index (SRI) for the calves born in 2009, and recorded over the 2009/2010 recording years. All Breedplan recording Charolais herds with a minimum recorded 10 calves were eligible to enter.

 

The winning member in England is Tom Cox, Bakewell, Derbyshire (Bleaklow herd) with a 12 month SRI improvement from SRI +21.1 to SRI +27.4; Northern Ireland, Gilbert Crawford, Maghera, County Derry (Coolnaslee) SRI +19.5 to SRI +27.4; Scotland, Jimmy Wilson, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire (Ugie) SRI +28.8 to SRI +33.3; Wales, Kevin Thomas, Castlenewydd Emlyn, Carmarthenshire (Moelfre) SRI +25.1 to SRI +27.5.

 

Ben Harman commented: “The Harman Charolais Genetic Improvement Award is designed to recognise Charolais breeders both established and up and coming from across the United Kingdom, for their drive and enthusiasm achievements in using the Breedplan recording system to help select more accurately for commercial traits within their respective herds. Each of the four winners has demonstrated real improvement in their herd’s SRI indices in the last 12 months, which will in turn contribute towards not only to improving the genetics within their own herd, but also in turn enhancing the benefits of Charolais cattle in their customer’s herds.”

 

He adds: “Given the establishment and eminence of the winning herds, we are delighted that they recognise the assistance that Breedplan can provide in increasing the rate of genetic progress.”