Simmental

ABRI announces the launch of Single-Step BREEDPLAN for Simmental Breeders in Australia and New Zealand

by Post

The BREEDPLAN team at ABRI (Agricultural Business Research Institute) has worked collaboratively with Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU), Australian Simmental breeders and the Simmental Cattle Breeders’ Society of New Zealand to launch Simmental Single-Step BREEDPLAN. This major upgrade was implemented in the October 2023 Simmental BREEDPLAN evaluation.

The Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation utilises pedigree, performance, and genomic information simultaneously. The evaluation takes account of the actual genomic relationships among all the genotyped animals in the Simmental population and how those genotypes relate to the performance records collected by breeders.

“To ensure the unique structure of the Simmental population would be modelled correctly, some novel methods were developed by AGBU. These new methods were developed, validated, discussed with the clients, and then implemented in the Simmental Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation” explains Dr Brad Crook, BREEDPLAN Manager Genetics Research & Development.

An important feature of the Single-Step BREEDPLAN approach is that complete use is made of the high density of genotypes recorded by Simmental members.

  • Single-Step BREEDPLAN retains the maximum available SNP information (between 50,000 – 100,000 per animal) and uses all of this in the analysis.
  • The science underpinning BREEDPLAN is always at the cutting edge of genetic evaluation services world-wide.
  • BREEDPLAN developments are regularly reviewed by a technical committee of independent scientists.
  • Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluations are validated scientifically, demonstrating improved accuracy of prediction compared to pedigree-based evaluations.

“When the goal of beef breeding is to make more accurate selection decisions and achieve greater rates of genetic gain in traits of economic relevance, then the inclusion of genomics via Single-Step BREEDPLAN will contribute even more towards achieving that goal” said Brad. 

Ultimately, the implementation of Single-Step BREEDPLAN for Simmental breeders in Australia and New Zealand, provides them with greater returns on their investment in the genotyping of seedstock cattle.

1200 x 900

The Future of Breed Registry

by Post

ABRI is excited to announce the redesign of our International Livestock Registry (ILR) suite of products. With a history spanning back to the 1980’s, ILR 2, ILR Online and Internet Solutions has been a steadfast companion to seed-stock farmers and Breed Societies around the world. As technology progresses and industry needs evolve, it is time for a new chapter. 

Mark Christian, our Chief Product Officer has been meeting with clients and facilitating workshop discussions on the future of our software. This has resulted in an intensive 12-week design phase that commenced this month with the support of Datacom, a New Zealand-based consultancy firm with an extensive experience in agricultural technology transformation.   

To lead this effort, we have recruited several key staff. Our new Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Colby Funnel brings decades of experience in leading technology teams. Colby is responsible for our software development, IT and ILR2 support teams. Nik Sreedhar joins us the Product manager for breed registry software. He will ensure that what we build is fit for purpose, scalable and meets the needs of our clients globally. Lastly Christy Riley has joined ABRI as our new Customer Service Manager. Christy will be your main point of contact for your service-related needs and can be contacted on 02 6773 5377 or christy.riley@abri.une.edu.au

Key to the success of building the new generation of breed registry software is the involvement of our clients and users. We are actively seeking direct engagement with many of our clients to gather your invaluable feedback, perspectives, and insights. Moreover, we extend an invitation to connect with us and share any additional ideas you may have.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Nik Sreedhar 0414 557 157 or nikhil.sreedhar@abri.une.edu.au. We welcome your input and collaboration

Please download the flyer to share to your networks https://ausmfiletransfer01.blob.core.windows.net/ausmsnpextract01/ABRI_The_Future_of_the_Breed_Registry.pdf

Nikhil

The Breed Registry Manager – Nikhil Sreedar

by PostUncategorized

ABRI are excited to introduce Nikhil (Nik) who brings with him a wealth of experience to drive the transformation of the breed registry software. Based in Sydney, Nik boasts a diverse background spanning investment banking, technology and entrepreneurship.  

In his most recent role as a Venture Architect at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Nik advised ASX200 corporates on launching and scaling new technology ventures, including the successful launch of two agritech software ventures. One of these ventures, based in ABRI’s hometown of Armidale, ignited his keen interest in the agricultural sector. 

Nik is thrilled to be managing the breed registry project and building a world-class platform for cattle breeders that is fit for purpose, scalable and meets the needs of our clients globally.

Please don’t hesitate to reach to Nik 0414 557 157 or nikhil.sreedhar@abri.une.edu.au

calf-244031_1920

New Days to Calving Excel Templates Now Available

by PostUncategorized

We are pleased to announce the availability of four new Microsoft Excel templates that can be used to submit Days to Calving (DTC) information to BREEDPLAN. It is expected that these templates will assist beef producers in the submission of DTC information to BREEDPLAN. For more details on how to record DTC information, please see the Recording Days to Calving Information tip sheet.

The four new templates are:

1. Submitting DTC Information – Natural & AI Joinings

2. Submitting DTC Information – DTC Disposal Codes

3. Submitting DTC Information – Preg Test Results

4. Submitting DTC Information – ET Programs

All templates can be downloaded via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website. Short videos have also been developed for each template, and provide instructions on how to fill out each template.

Speckle-Park-International

Speckle Park International Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN Evaluation

by PostUncategorized

Speckle Park International (SPI) has worked collaboratively with staff at the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) and the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) to incorporate genomic information into the calculation of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) within Speckle Park BREEDPLAN, using a method known as Single-Step. This major upgrade was implemented in the July 2023 Speckle Park BREEDPLAN evaluation.

Single-Step BREEDPLAN uses analytical software developed by AGBU, a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and the University of New England (UNE), funded by Meat and Livestock Australia Limited (MLA). The Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation utilises pedigree, performance and genomic information simultaneously. The evaluation takes account of each animal’s actual genetic relationship with all other genotyped animals, including those in the reference population. The reference population is the set of Speckle Park animals that have genotypes (SNP data) and phenotypes (performance records) for each particular trait.

SNP data is now being used along with pedigree and performance data to calculate BREEDPLAN EBVs and accuracy “in one step”. This applies to all traits in a multi-trait model combining birth, growth, fertility and carcase traits. As such, SNP data provides additional information in these calculations by accounting for the true genomic relationships among animals and how the SNP information relates to the performance records for each trait in the analysis. An important feature of the Single-Step BREEDPLAN approach is that complete use is made of the high density of genotypes recorded by SPI members.

There are advantages that come with genomics and the Single-Step BREEDPLAN model. When young animals are genotyped at an early stage in life, they can achieve higher levels of EBV accuracy earlier in life – especially for traits expressed later in life – than is possible with a conventional (non-genomics) BREEDPLAN model. This equates to greater accuracy of selection decisions, at an earlier stage in the growth of animals, for members of  SPI. Furthermore, for breeders with small herds, accuracy levels are often limited by small contemporary group sizes even when pedigree and performance records are available. If calves are genotyped, however, they can accumulate additional information – and accuracy – via their relationship to the wider genotyped and performance recorded population.

An advanced algorithm for accuracy calculations was also implemented in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation provided to SPI. This algorithm represents a “world first” approach to modelling SNP effects in accuracy calculations, given the high density of genotypes that are used in the BREEDPLAN evaluation.

Utlimately, implementation of Single-Step BREEDPLAN for the Speckle Park breed provides SPI members with greater returns on their investment in the genotyping of seedstock cattle.

Untitled design (6)

HerdMASTER Announces New Support Portal

by PostUncategorized

The ABRI HerdMASTER team are excited to announce the launch of a new support portal for all HerdMASTER clients.  

The ABRI HerdMASTER support desk has updated the processes for contacting support to an online model. This ensures that our HerdMASTER clients receive timely response to their support tickets.  

  • Tickets can be logged 24 hours per day/ 7 days per week 
  • Visibility of all logged support tickets  
  • Prioritising urgent support requests 
  • Identification of reoccurring issues 
  • Timely response to logged tickets 

Please use the following link to contact the HerdMASTER support team to submit a ticket: 

Login – Jira Service Management (atlassian.net)

The ABRI HerdMASTER support team is committed to providing exceptional support, so we are improving the way that we do things to help our clients get more out of HerdMASTER. 

Calf

Dramatic Growth in the use of BREEDPLAN EBV’s

by PostUncategorized

FIFTY nine percent of Australian commercial cattle producers are now using BREEDPLAN EBVs in genetics decision-making, according to results from Meat & Livestock Australia’s latest Genetics Insight Survey.

A key outcome of the survey conducted by consultants Rob Sloane and Laura Walker (on behalf of MLA) was the dramatic growth in the use of BREEDPLAN EBV’s by commercial beef producers growing from 18% in 2016 to 59% in 2023. The stud sector also increased its use of genetic tools growing from 32% in 2016 to 56% this year.

Cattle producers tracked many measurements of genetic gains with the top three being fertility, temperament and calving ease, regardless of seedstock or commercial system.

Regardless of production type, cattle producers said that the best feature about BREEDPLAN is that it aids selection/decision making. Over the next ten years, the great majority of both seedstock and commercial producers consider reproduction/fertility to be the most important factor for their business, followed by cost of production/efficiency.

To read the full report please click HERE

ABRI Extension Services are a dedicated team available to provide technical support including BREEDPLAN workshops and herd consultations. Get in touch with the team today Extension Services

Murray Grey

New Selection Indexes Released for Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society

by Post

Five new selection indexes have been released for the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society as part of their July 2023 BREEDPLAN analysis.

These new indexes were developed by the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society in conjunction with staff from ABRI Extension Services.

The new indexes are the:

  • Vealer Terminal Index (VT)
  • Supermarket Index (SUP)
  • Heavy Grass Fed Steer Index (GF)
  • Northern Terminal Index (NT)
  • Breeder Replacement Index (BR)

Further information about the new selection indexes for Australian Murray Grey is available from the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website HERE

Computer Security

ABRI Computer Infrastructure Security

by PostUncategorized

ABRI has a dedicated team to oversee the security of the computer system infrastructure to ensure the safety of our customer data, minimise hacking and strengthen our security defences. This is a multi-faceted approach that ensures we have a modernised strategy that aligns with best industry practices and technology advancements. 

Cloud Based Back-up Procedures and Security 

  • A comprehensive backup solution that incorporates “Azure Backup’ for safeguarding our computer resources. 
  • Leveraging the PostgreSQL-native tool, we routinely orchestrate comprehensive database backups, thereby ensuring the continuity and consistency of our data environment.  
  • Advanced systems and tools to establish a comprehensive monitoring framework for our cloud assets to mitigate the risk of service disruptions and facilitate prompt issue resolution.  

ABRI Security Controls to ensure Data Security 

  • Network Security Groups (NSGs) are the key component of our security strategy. 
  • NSGs are employed to restrict access to our systems, permitting only IP addresses that are recognised by our organisation. 
  • Adhere to Microsoft’s best practices for cloud systems through regular audits of our Azure tenant. 
  • Proactively identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities to ensure the ongoing and resilience of our infrastructure. 
  • We are currently evaluating Azure Sentinel as a possible Security Information and Event Management solution to enhance our threat detection and response capabilities.  

The ABRI IT Systems team, under the leadership of Praneet Castelino is committed to adopting industry best practices and leveraging cutting-edge technology to create a robust and reliable security posture.