Breeding of Charolais from Wakefield Charolais
Wakefield Charolais specialise in commercial breeding of Charolais, Charolais shorthorn bulls and Charolais Angus. The aim of Wakefield Charolais is to breed cattle with good growth, calving ease and with acceptable EBV values. Charolais were introduced into the Wakefield herd in the year 1970. Charolais fitted into the production programmes of Wakefield Charolais because of their extra growth and carcass traits.
Wakefield Charolais follow a zero tolerance policy to identify cattle with bad feet, poor leg structure, bad temperament and poor conformation. Wakefield Charolais have used bulls from Europe, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia in their breeding programme. Sires, from any country, with traits as per the Wakefield Charolais standards are also used in the breeding programme.
Along with the traditional scanning method, Wakefield Charolais also use the Genestar testing to determine traits for marbling, tenderness and feed efficiency. Genestar testing helps to judge an animal by the genes it carries and not by the colour of the coat.
The cattle at Wakefield Charolais are Charolais or Charolais cross and they breed composite Charolais bulls, replacement heifers and steers aimed at the feedlot markets. The emphasis on commercial cattle production has made Wakefield bulls popular wherever they are used.
11-Sep-2008