News


Major Enhancements Implemented for Angus Australia and New Zealand Angus

December 2023 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE)

A number of major enhancements have been implemented in the December 2023 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) for Angus Australia and the New Zealand Angus Association. These are outlined below:

  • Increased weighting on SNP genotype information in Single-Step BREEDPLAN: The relative emphasis g…
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A Multi-Country Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analysis Released for the Limousin Breed Across the Southern Hemisphere

The BREEDPLAN team at the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is pleased to announce the release of a multi-country Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis for the Limousin breed across the Southern Hemisphere, released as the November 2023 Southern Limousin BREEDPLAN analysis.

The Southern Limou…

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Release of a Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analysis for the Brahman Breed Across Southern Africa

Brahman breeders across Southern Africa now have access to BREEDPLAN EBVs that include genomic (DNA) information, following the release of the November 2023 Brahman BREEDPLAN analysis for Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This significant enhancement uses a methodology known as Single-Step.

The in…

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Australian Brangus Cattle Association Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN Evaluation

The Australian Brangus Cattle Association (ABCA) has become the next Australian breed society to incorporate genomic (DNA) information into their BREEDPLAN genetic evaluations, using a method known as Single-Step. This major upgrade was implemented in the November 2023 Brangus BREEDPLAN evaluation.

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Australian Red Angus Release New Selection Indexes

Three New Selection Indexes Available

Three new selection indexes for the Red Angus Society of Australia have been released in conjunction with the November 2023 Red Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Sustainable Breeder Index (SB) Supermarket Index (S) Northern Steer Index (NS) The three new selection indexes will rep… Read More...

Beyond the Black Box eBulletin Now Available

Edition 5 | October 2023

The October 2023 edition of the ABRI Extension Services eBulletin, Beyond the Black Box, is out now. Keep up to date with BREEDPLAN here. Read More...

Droughtmaster Australia Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN

Jap Ox Selection Index also released

Droughtmaster Australia 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 Droughtmaster BREEDPLAN, using a… Read More...

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

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 …

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Key Learnings from the 2023 AAABG Conference

BREEDPLAN & ABRI Extension Personnel Present

The 25th Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics conference was held in Perth, WA on 26-28 July. This international conference attracted approximately 200 individuals from around the world, including breeders, livestock scientists and other service providers, to discuss curre… Read More...

Beyond the Black Box eBulletin Now Available

Edition 4 | September 2023

The September 2023 edition of the ABRI Extension Services eBulletin, Beyond the Black Box, is out now. Keep up to date with BREEDPLAN here. Read More...

Congratulations to 5 Star Completeness of Performance Herds

2023 Herds from Australian Breed Societies

Congratulations to the following herds who have achieved a 5 star Completeness of Performance (COP) rating for 2023. This achievement indicates that these herds are recording a large amount of pedigree and performance data for the majority of their calving drop.

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New Days to Calving Excel Templates Now Available

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 re… Read More...

Speckle Park International Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN Evaluation

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, …

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Australian Murray Grey Release New Selection Indexes

Five New Selection Indexes Available

Five new selection indexes for the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society have been released in conjunction with the July 2023 Murray Grey BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Vealer Terminal Index (VT) Supermarket Index (SUP) Heavy Grass Fed Steer Index (GF) Northern Terminal Index (NT) Breeder R… Read More...

Beyond the Black Box eBulletin Now Available

Edition 3 | July 2023

The July 2023 edition of the ABRI Extension Services eBulletin, Beyond the Black Box, is out now. Keep up to date with BREEDPLAN here. Read More...

The BREEDPLAN Edge

500,000+ Reasons to Celebrate

500,000+ genotypes are now passing through BREEDPLAN evaluations each month

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Beyond the Black Box eBulletin Now Available

Edition 2 | May 2023

The May 2023 edition of the ABRI Extension Services eBulletin, Beyond the Black Box, is out now. Keep up to date with BREEDPLAN here. Read More...

Steve Skinner, Manager International Beef Recording Scheme, Announces Retirement

30+ Years of Service to Beef Industry

After 30 years of extraordinary service to the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and the wider international beef industry, our Chief Operating Officer, and Manager of the International Beef Recording Scheme (IBRS), Steve Skinner has decided to retire. 

Mr Skinner commenced with ABRI a…

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BREEDPLAN Example Sale Catalogue Notes Now Available

28 Australian & New Zealand Breed Societies

Now available for a number of Australian and New Zealand breed societies, these example sale catalogue notes have been designed to assist those of you who wish to provide an overview of BREEDPLAN information to your bull buying clients. They include a description of available BREEDPLAN EBVs and Sele…

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Beyond the Black Box eBulletin Now Available

Edition 1 | March 2023

The ABRI Extension Services team are pleased to introduce our new eBulletin, Beyond the Black Box, which we plan to circulate at regular intervals throughout the year. Here you will find a variety of articles outlining the latest new and technical advice for BREEDPLAN and related genetic technologi… Read More...

Introducing ABRI Extension Services

The Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) is pleased to introduce ABRI Extension Services. The newly formed ABRI Extension Services provides technical support and extension initiatives supporting the use and understanding of BREEDPLAN® and related genetic technologies. ABRI Managing Direct… Read More...

Major Upgrade for South African Simbra BREEDPLAN

Software Upgrades, NFI EBVs and Three New Selection Indexes

A number of significant BREEDPLAN enhancements were implemented in the February 2023 South African Simbra BREEDPLAN analysis. These enhancements include:

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United Kingdom South Devon Release New Selection Indexes

Two New Selection Indexes Available

Two newly revised selection indexes for the South Devon Herd Book Society (United Kingdom) have been released in conjunction with the February 2023 South Devon BREEDPLAN analysis. These are the: Quality Beef Index Suckler Replacement Index The two revised selection indexes will replace the previo… Read More...

Hereford Cattle Society Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analysis

Additional Enhancements Also Released

The Hereford Cattle Society (HCS) has become the next breed society in the UK to incorporate genomic information into their BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. This represents one of several significant enhancements delivered to the HCS with the release of their January 2023 BREEDPLAN analysis.

Members of…

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Australian Brahman Release New Selection Indexes

Two New Selection Indexes Available

Two new selection indexes for the Australian Brahman Breeders Association have been released in conjunction with the December 2022 Brahman BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Production Index Live Export Index The two new selection indexes will replace the previous Australian Brahman sel… Read More...

New Accuracy Calculation Software for Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analyses

Implementation December 2022 – January 2023

As the volume and density of genomic information used in BREEDPLAN evaluations continues to grow, it has highlighted the need for a more efficient way to better account for SNP effects in the calculation of EBV accuracy. An advanced algorithm for accuracy calculations has now been developed. This is…

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Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analyses Released in Europe and UK

Hungarian Charolais and UK South Devon Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN Analyses

The National Association of Hungarian Charolais Cattle Breeders (Magyar Charolais Tenyésztôk Egyesülete) and the South Devon Herd Book Society (SDHBS) have recently become the first beef breeds in Europe and the UK, respectively, to incorporate genomic (DNA) information into their BREEDPLAN genetic …

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Major Enhancements Implemented for Angus Australia and New Zealand Angus

December 2022 Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis

A number of major enhancements were implemented in the December 2022 Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis as provided to Angus Australia and New Zealand Angus. These are outlined below:

  • Updated adjustment factors and genetic parameters: A complete re-estimation of genetic parameters for traits reported i…
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Wagyu Society of South Africa Release New Selection Indexes

Three New Selection Indexes Available

Three new selection indexes for the Wagyu Society of South Africa have been released in conjunction with the August 2022 Wagyu SA BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Cow Calf Producer Index (CCP) Long Fed Terminal Index (LFT) Short Fed Terminal (SFT) The three new selection indexes were d… Read More...

BREEDPLAN Team Welcomes Fiona Higgins

BREEDPLAN are pleased to have welcomed Fiona Higgins to the team in July 2022. Fiona has recently completed her studies towards a Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England. She grew up on Curracabark Herefords and Angus stud, located west of Gloucester in the uppe…

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Australian Charolais Release New Selection Indexes

Two New Selection Indexes Available

Two new selection indexes for the Charolais Society of Australia have been released in conjunction with the November 2021 Australasian Charolais BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Northern Maternal Index (NMI) Domestic Terminal Index (DTI) The two new selection indexes will replace the p… Read More...

Belmont Australia Release New Selection Indexes

Two New Selection Indexes Available

Two new selection indexes for Belmont Australia have been released in conjunction with the October 2021 Belmont Red BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Self-Replacing Index Terminal Index The new selection indexes will replace the previous Belmont Australia selection indexes and were deve… Read More...

Second Round of 'Recording for BREEDPLAN' Short Videos Released

7 New Videos Now Available

The Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS) and Tropical Beef Technology Services (TBTS) projects are pleased to announce the release today of seven short videos for the ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ video series. Ranging from three to six minutes in length, each video gives a short overview of the met… Read More...

Santa Gertrudis Implement Single-Step BREEDPLAN

The Santa Gertrudis Breeders` (Australia) Association (SGBAA) 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) wi…

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New Zealand Hereford Release New Selection Indexes

Three New Selection Indexes Available

Three new selection indexes for New Zealand Herefords have been released in conjunction with the March 2021 Hereford BREEDLAN analysis. The new selection indexes are the: Hereford Prime Index Beef Heifer Index Dairy Beef Index. The three new selection indexes will replace the previous New Zealand… Read More...

Brangus Society of South Africa Release the Beef Selection Index

BREEDPLAN and the Brangus Society of South Africa are pleased to announce the release of the Beef Selection Index in the February 2021 South African Brangus BREEDPLAN analysis. The calculation of a selection index is a new development for the Brangus Society of South Africa and will assist breeders… Read More...

Australian Limousin Release New Selection Indexes

Four New Selection Indexes Available

Four new selection indexes for the Australian Limousin Breeders’ Society have been released in conjunction with the November 2020 Southern Limousin BREEDPLAN analysis. The new indexes are the: Domestic Maternal Index Export Maternal Index Northern Export Index Yearling Prime Index The four new sel… Read More...

New Zealand Angus Release New Selection Indexes

Three New Selection Indexes Available

Three new selection indexes for the New Zealand Angus Association have been released in conjunction with the September 2020 Trans-Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. These are the: Self Replacing Index AngusPure Index Heifer/Dairy Terminal Index The three new selection indexes will replace the previou… Read More...

‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ Short Videos Released

12 New Videos Now Available

The Southern (SBTS) and Tropical (TBTS) Beef Technology Services projects are pleased to announce the release of 12 short videos for the ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ video series. Ranging from two to six minutes in length, these videos give a short overview of the methods and considerations when record… Read More...

Hungarian Charolais Release Selection Indexes

BREEDPLAN and the National Association of Hungarian Charolais Cattle Breeders (Magyar Charolais Tenyésztôk Egyesülete) are pleased to announce the release of three selection indexes for Hungarian Charolais. Selection indexes are a new development for Magyar Charolais Tenyésztôk Egyesülete and will a… Read More...

Performance Herds Australia Release New Selection Index

MSA-B2 index for the heavy domestic MSA food service & Japanese B2 export markets

A new Performance Herds Australia selection index has been released with the July 2020 Performance Herds Australia BREEDPLAN analysis results. The new index is the MSA-B2 index and was developed by Performance Herds Australia in conjunction with staff at the Agricultural Business Research Institute… Read More...

Major upgrade to Droughtmaster BREEDPLAN

Significant software enhancements, along with the addition of extensive research data

A number of significant BREEDPLAN software enhancements, along with the addition of extensive research data, will occur for the April 2020 Droughtmaster BREEDPLAN evaluation and then be included in subsequent analyses. These enhancements include: Upgrade to BREEDPLAN version 6.2 – The Droughtmaster… Read More...

South African Simmentaler Release New Selection Indexes

Two New Selection Indexes Available

Two new South African Simmentaler selection indexes have been released in conjunction with the February 2020 South African Simmentaler BREEDPLAN analysis. These are the: Simmentaler Breeders Index Simmentaler Profit Index The two new selection indexes will replace the previous Simmentaler selectio… Read More...

ABBA Introduces Gestation Length EBV

New BREEDPLAN EBV Released for Brahman

Good news for Brahman BREEDPLAN members with the introduction of a Gestation Length EBV into the Australian Brahman BREEDPLAN analysis in the November 2019 BREEDPLAN run. Gestation Length EBVs provide an estimate of genetic differences between the period from the date of conception (i.e. when the co…

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BREEDPLAN & SBTS Staff Present at the 23rd AAABG Conference

Three technical papers presented

Over a six day period in October 2019, Armidale played host to the 23rd Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) Conference. A 220-strong crowd consisted of livestock scientists, industry service providers, educators, students and breeders from nine countries (Australi… Read More...

Herefords Australia Releases New Selection Indexes

Four New Selection Indexes Available

Four new Herefords Australia selection indexes have been released in conjunction with the October 2019 Hereford BREEDPLAN analysis. These are the: Southern Self-Replacing Index (SSR) Northern Self-Replacing Index (NSR) Southern Baldy Maternal Index (SBM) Northern Baldy Terminal Index (NBT) These f… Read More...

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) Genetics Hub Released

‘How-To’ Videos Highlight Use of EBVs in Beef and Sheep Operations

A range of short ‘how-to’ videos to help beef producers get started using breeding values in their herds is part of the suite of genetics resources being rolled out by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). The animated tutorials have been produced for tropical cattle, temperate cattle, prime lambs a… Read More...

Full Crossbred Analysis Implemented for Blonde d’Aquitaine

The BREEDPLAN analysis has several different ways in which performance data from crossbred animals can be
handled, with different breed societies implementing different analysis types. These are:

  1. Purebred analysis: No crossbreds are included. Only performance data from purebred animals is included i…
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BREEDPLAN Enhancements for Santa Gertrudis

Inclusion of Northern Multibreed Research Data

A number of significant BREEDPLAN software enhancements and the addition of a large amount of research data occurred in the February 2019 Santa Gertrudis GROUP BREEDPLAN evaluation, and will then be included in subsequent analyses. This included data from Northern Multibreed Research Database as wel…

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Australian Wagyu Association Releases New Selection Indexes

Three New Indexes Available

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has announced the implementation of its three new BreedObject Selection Indexes. This is a significant step forward for Wagyu breeders to achieve faster rates of genetic gain and selection for profitability in Wagyu. The AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh affirmed that… Read More...

Completeness of Performance Videos

Two Short Videos Now Available

Confused about how to interpret your BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance report? Not sure how the BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance star rating system works? Or simply trying to improve the amount of performance data you collect in your herd? Then head to the SBTS & TBTS YouTube channel wh… Read More...

Enhancements to Brahman BREEDPLAN

Inclusion of Northern Multibreed Research Data

A number of significant BREEDPLAN software enhancements and the addition of a large amount of research data will occur for the August 2018 Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN evaluation, and then in all subsequent analyses. This included data from Northern Multibreed Research Database as well as the transition …

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Speckle Park & Senepol Upgrade to ILR2 Software

Across-herd BREEDPLAN Genetic Evaluations Now Available

In 2018, both Speckle Park International and the Australian Senepol Cattle Breeders Association upgraded the software used to manage their pedigree and performance database to ABRI’s new generation of breed registry software known as ILR2.

A consequence of the upgrade to the new software is the tran…

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Australian Wagyu Association Implements Single-Step BREEDPLAN

Genomic evaluation released for the Wagyu breed

Australian Wagyu producers are now armed with genomic-based data enabling more robust selection decisions with faster gains and higher accuracy through a shift to a new own-breed genetic analysis model.

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has announced Single-Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN will be publishe…

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BREEDPLAN Staff Attend the 2018 World Congress for Genetics Applied to Livestock Production in Auckland, New Zealand

Opportunity to gain insights from worldwide livestock research

In February, a team of BREEDPLAN and SBTS extension staff headed to Auckland, New Zealand to attend the 11th World Congress for Genetic Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP). This congress is the premier event for researchers, extension and other industry personnel involved in the genetic improve… Read More...

It’s a World First! Multi-Country Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis for the Hereford breed

Single-Step BREEDPLAN for the Hereford breed in Australia, New Zealand and Namibia

BREEDPLAN is pleased to announce the release of a world first: a multi-country Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis for the Hereford breed, released as the mid-October 2017 Hereford GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis. “This will allow the Hereford breed in Australia, New Zealand and Namibia to take advantage of cut…

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Introduction of Single-Step to Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN

Publication of the first Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis and release of Intramuscular Fat and Percent Normal Sperm EBVs

Exciting times ahead for members of the Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association with the introduction of significant changes to the BREEDPLAN software used to calculate EBVs for Australian Brahman animals.  These changes were applied in the April 2017 Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis and is now inc…

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