As breeders, ensuring that your herd calves unassisted improves calf survival, herd fertility, and reduces costly interventions. It's essential for both the health of the herd and financial outcomes.
At Elite Poll Herefords, we prioritize selecting bulls with superior Calving Ease (CE) traits. These traits are passed on,
providing long-term benefits for future generations.
Reduced veterinary costs, improved calf growth, and higher herd productivity —
Unassisted births mean more efficient, profitable herds.
As commercial breeders, our success depends on two key factors: the number of calves born and their weight at sale. One of the most critical fertility traits in breeding is ensuring that females can calve unassisted, leading to a higher number of vigorous, live calves.
Why calving ease matters?
Research shows that unassisted births are essential for maximising herd productivity. In fact, a study sponsored by MLA identified dystocia (calving problems) as the 4th most costly disease for cattle, and the 2nd in temperate areas.
While using sires with low birth weight or high CE Direct can improve individual calving ease, the key to long-term success lies in selecting for high CE Daughters. Why? Because these traits are passed down, improving the calving ability of future generations without sacrificing growth potential.
The benefits of selecting for CE Daughters include:
Shorter gestation periods
Consistent unassisted births
Long-term improvements in herd productivity
At Elite Poll Herefords, we prioritise Calving Ease Daughters in our breeding strategy. By selecting sires with high CE Daughter EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values), we ensure that the genetic ability for unassisted calving is embedded across our entire herd. This approach not only increases calving success but also boosts overall herd health and growth potential.
Why Choose Sires with High CE Daughters?
Using sires with high CE Daughter EBVs across your entire herd offers numerous advantages, such as:
Fewer birthing complications
Reduced veterinary costs
Lower calf mortality rates
Enhanced calf growth and survival
Improved animal welfare
Increased dam fertility for rejoining
Long-term peace of mind for breeders
As the influence of CE Daughters grows, it can even offset environmental and management factors that impact calving ease, creating a more resilient and productive herd.
Long-Term Impact on Your Herd
Sires influence your herd for generations. Since their daughters typically remain in the herd for at least 7 years, the genetic benefits of Calving Ease will have lasting effects. By prioritising CE Daughters, you can secure long-term productivity gains that benefit your entire operation.
Start Improving Your Herd’s Calving Ease Today
At Elite Poll Herefords, we are committed to helping breeders optimise their herds through strategic genetic selection. By focusing on Calving Ease Daughters, we provide breeders with the tools they need for long-term success.
Learn more about our breeding strategy
Ignoring the genetic factors behind calving ease is a missed opportunity. By selecting sires that prioritise CE, you are making a long-term investment in the health and productivity of your herd. As we often say, a high-growth bull may have “grunt,” but if he lacks CE, it’s his daughters who will be doing the "grunt" work in the birthing pen.
Interested in Calving Ease?
To find out how Elite Poll Herefords can help you improve calving ease in your herd, contact us today. Our team can help you select sires with the right balance of growth, carcass traits, and calving ease to meet your specific breeding goals.