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DCBS
offers members two important tools to help them reach the
ultimate goal of breeding Red Ruby Devons with good looks and
good performance:
The
Breed Improvement Committee in collaboration with the Devon
Improvement Group are working towards the continuous improvement
of the breed. Performance recording currently using Signet Beef
Breeder provides independent performance data based on
contemporary groups adjusted for the breed population resulting
in Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) which can be used to
assess the genetic performance ability of an animal as part of a
breeding programme.
The
last 15 years has seen the breed make good genetic improvement
in important economic traits including milkiness, growth rates
and retail meat yields.
The
Breed also has a Type Classification scheme, probably the only
beef breed to be currently operating such a scheme. The system
is a tailor made type scoring system which measures skeletal
conformation, mobility and breed character to produce a Final
Score. Animals are classified as Moderate(M), Good(G), Good
Plus(GP), Very Good(VG) or Excellent(EX). The scheme uses an
independent classifier and seeks to assist in breeding the ideal
type animal.
More
information about DIG and the DCBS Classification Scheme can be
obtained from the Secretary. |
