Executive Summary
Limousin compares extremely favorable to other breeds in the across breed cattle evaluation . Weight traits , calving ease , birthweight , docility and stayability all rank Limousin very well in breed comparisons .
Another success story that you as Limousin breeders should be proud of is the docility EPD . Because Limousin breeders began addressing this issue over 20 years ago , Limousin ranks number 1 in docility in the breed comparison data for docility . Yes , you will see your cattle lower on the new BOLT docility score as the breed average for Limousin shifts from 19 to 12 , yet , this is a base shift that comes with the shift to BOLT and Limousin still ranks above the crowd because of the work you have done for the last 20 years . Now that you have selected for it and fixed it , we just need to advertise and promote your advancement .
Apply that same approach to marbling to your mating ’ s with the advent of genomic testing and the new BOLT EPD system and we can move the needle fast on the marbling trait to make Limousin cattle one of the most desirable choices to utilize in a crossbreeding program . Marbling is a highly heritable trait and genomic testing can give you the equivalency of having up to 33 progeny on the ground before a single mating is made to get you there faster . This is not to say we need to make ourselves “ Angus ”, and single trait select . This is to eliminate commercial buyers from not having a reason to walk away from us .
Limousin still needs to focus on the traits that make it excel in terms of muscle , feed efficiency , stayability and superior females , but it also needs to address the last piece of the puzzle in a market that retailers and consumers are paying for in the U . S . market today and are paying substantial premiums for . Combine that with your advantages in the other major economic traits of importance where you excel in feed to gain conversion and cutability of actual retail product and you are setting yourselves up for success not only for your operation but the generation that is coming right behind you .
Thank you for your support of the Limousin breed and dedication to moving the needle forward , your board and staff look forward to working for you . I
10 | SEPTEMBER 2018