bulls on the market? The answer is no, there is much more involved in improving locomotion than just these traits. Although looking at bulls that transmit superior locomotion is a step in the right direction it is important when breeding not to focus on one single trait to the detriment of others. Locomotion is strongly infl uenced by the overall structure and balance of the animal. Being structurally correct through the rump, thurl and spine is vital as this is the hinge from which the rear legs operate. While being correctly structured through the front legs and shoulders as well as being balanced through the chest and heart give the shape from which the stride is formed. Take for example chest width, an animal may have great shape to it’s rear legs, with great bone quality and the ability to fl ex it’s legs well, but if the front end is not built correctly for the rear end to follow then the animal will still struggle with it’s locomotion.
It is important when correctively mating
Higher Locomotion Linear score:
Increased Lifetime Yield Increased Yield per day Increased longevity Aim for extreme of 9
for locomotion to understand the structure of the animal you are working with. Classifi cation is the best way to focus on structure, which in turn marries accurate, independent information collected on the female with the transmitting ability of the sire. The data contributing to the predicted transmitting ability (PTA) is made up from the same data collection strategy. Therefore, the best way to improve any trait on a cow is not necessarily just about picking a bull that is a strong transmitter, but more concentrating on the faults of the cow and applying the right bulls in the right places.
Profi tability: 1ppl profi t
£169 for 1 v 9 /cow £33,770 /200 cows
Assuming the average value and ‘Top 25%’ profi t per litre as 1 pence
‘
Being structurally correct through the rump, thurl and spine is vital as this is the hinge from which the rear legs operate
’ THE JOURNAL JUNE 2015 45
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