SEIFERT BELMONTS has the advantage of incorporating all the high EBV breeding stock of Dr George Seifert’s Montpelier herd contributing 37 years of uncompromising genetic selection for objectively measured traits of economic importance. Dr George Seifert is the geneticist who was in charge of the program at the CSIRO Belmont Research station from 1964 to 1987 which was responsible for developing the Belmont Red. The Montpelier herd produced growth Trait Leader Bulls in the 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 Belmont Group Breed Plan. Dr Seifert contributed Belmonts to CRC 1 and CRC 11 which has returned high accuracy generational data for the SEIFERT BELMONT herd.
SEIFERT BELMONTS are objectively measured using BREEDPLAN as well as being structurally and reproductively sound and visually appealing. Seedstock and sale bull and replacement female selection is prioritised according to the following objective and subjective criteria.
All males and females are objectively measured using BREEDPLAN with an emphasis on fertility traits and a preference for moderate to high growth EBV’s. 200D, 400D and 600D weights are recorded. Replacement females are scanned for EMA, IMF, P8 and rib fat in order to capture the information on her progeny and sire. Females are recorded for days to calving. All bulls are flight speed tested and pen score rated at weaning. This provides an objective measurement of temperament which also has a strong correlation with meat tenderness. Culling is stringent for poor temperament. Genestar testing may be used on selected bulls for additional carcass information and feed conversion.
Preference is given to polled males if all other criteria are equal. The SEIFERT BELMONT herd is recording 95% naturally polled at present. BBSE (bull breeding soundness evaluation) is performed annually and all bulls are guaranteed fertile. Animals are assessed for structural soundness.
Subjectively, bulls are selected that are phenotypically well muscled and with a good “butt profile”. They are uniformly dark or light red.
Bulls are mated to cows naturally which ensures high libido plus fertility under often harsh natural conditions, is passed onto their progeny. This has the added benefit of minimising costs related to artificial breeding and the use of ‘imp’ embryos. This cost saving is passed onto the buyer.
Mature bulls are mated with up to 60 females and are seasonally mated for 12 weeks only, in single sire of dual sire groups. In keeping with SEIFERT BELMONTS focus on fertility, yearling bulls (weaned in April – working in November) are used in the breeding program every year with up to 40 females. Cows are Pregnancy tested annually and culled if empty.
SEIFERT BELMONTS achieved 92% and 89% PTIC rates (vet tested) in 2010 and 2011 respectively despite drought conditions in the mating period of 2009 and below average rainfall of 2010 on our light forest country.
Breeders, replacement heifers and breeding bulls are not substitute fed. Despite persistent drought until recently, SEIFERT BELMONTS remain fertile and productive in the paddock with only urea supplementation during winter. Seasonal temperatures can be extreme, ranging from -6c in winter to +40c in summer. Roslyn is light forest country with decomposed granite soils over a clay base. It has no improved pastures. Buying SEIFERT BELMONT stock ensures hardiness and survivability wherever they go.
2009 saw the first forays of SEIFERT BELMONTS into the cattle ‘show scene’. 2010 and 2011 saw a shift to highly successful field days. SEIFERT BELMONTS can be found annually at Farmfest (Toowoomba) Primex (Casino) and Agrow (Emerald). Sale and ‘display’ bulls grow out on forage crop at ‘Sylvia Vale’ and may be given access to an off the shelf ration if deemed necessary.
SEIFERT BELMONTS are never dipped for ticks (unless to be cleared to clean country) nor treated for buffalo fly. Weaner calves are immunised twice with 5 or 7in1, are vaccinated with tick fever vaccine and wormed once only. Bulls are vaccinated against vibriosis and BEF.
Buying SEIFERT BELMONTS is a low cost sound investment in genetics that will permanently boost the productivity and economic performance of your herd.
SEIFERT BELMONTS are proudly Australian made tropically adapted Bos Taurus. Highly adaptable and hardy, they are real cattle for real conditions.