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Stud breeders

Stud breeders are collectively responsible for effecting genetic change in the commercial (producer) herds. To do this stud breeders record animal performance and sell (primarily) male progeny to commercial herds to generate the next crop of offspring.

Key points

Different production systems have differing minimum trait recording requirements within DEERSelect. For venison traits, the primary focus is on animal growth and carcass traits. For velvet production the primary focus is on velvet antler yields by age. 

Unlike a commercial herd, where the majority of their genetic gain is from the selection of sire stags, half of the genetic gain of stud breeders comes from the hinds.

Standard model
Breeding programme
How many sires
Parentage
Selection of replacement hinds

More resources

To view the Deer Select manual, click here >>

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