Why is performance testing important?
It is a fundamental principle of any breeding - from evolution, to modern cattle breeding, that progeny of a mating are all individuals with different characteristics. Performance testing using Breedplan allows farmers and processor generated information in many areas to be analysed and create EBVs that predict how progeny will perform in real life.
This EBV data can be used to compare individuals within our herd with the Wagyu population in Australia. For example, imagine we have a heifer with an IMF EBV of 2 and a mature cow weight EVB of +10. If the breed averages are around 1 and 20 respectively, our heifer is exceptional for IMF but predicted to be smaller than average. We combine these forecasts with our own data based on IMF scanning and weight gain to decide what sire to use. If she qualifies for our elite breeding program in other areas, we might use a bull that is higher on growth, even if we sacrifice IMF.
Our perspective is that breeding without performance testing is like driving at night without headlights - while nothing will give you complete data, headlights allow you to go faster, with a greater chance of reaching your destination.
However, if our own performance monitoring doesn't agree with EBVs, we remove animals from our breeding herd.