Selecting for high performance is simple acknowledgement that the producer in the beef business gets paid for weight and sometimes quality. Fortunately, Devon cattle produce high quality meat from pasture and feedlots, so there is no conflict with the need to maximise weight.

Seedstock from Devon Genetics Australia relies on information technology. The traditional tools of the cattleman are used with the modern tools of the cattle industry. Traditional tools rely on observation, comparison, experience and the innate skill to select a superior animal (and discard an inferior one). The modern tools use data from measurement and observation to make comparisons within a group of animals and across past seasons or against competitors' herds.

DGA uses a world acclaimed system that gives information about the genetic value of cattle . This system allows insight into the performance of sires and dams and gives a prediction of the performance of progeny.

The Devon breed has undergone dramatic change since the first performance information was published. The following graph of the progress of the breed is illuminating.

Since the mid 1980's there has been constant increase in all growth traits. The obvious outward signs of this have been larger and heavier Devon steers. Not so obvious has been the change in the shape of the cattle. Typically, Devon cattle were large in the forequarter to fit their role as beasts for work. The demand for higher quality beef cattle started in the early 1980's and the Devon breed responded by selecting higher performing cattle to better fit market demands.

The modern Devon steer is well balanced with more high quality portions coming from the carcase. There has been little impact on the size of calves at birth.

The Performance of Cattle from Devon Genetics Australia

Seedstock offered by DGA have been measured for performance since 1988. Cattle in the herd are assessed for structure, conformation and performance. Reliance on performance information implies that cattle are fit and healthy and have passed tests of fertility, movement, temperament and visual indicators of growth.

Accurate records are dependent on precise identification of all stock. Calves are positively identified from birth. Identification of each animal is many fold; ear tags, ear marks of their distinctive number, tattoos and individual electronic devices.

All cattle are measured for growth and carcase traits throughout their life. Progeny remain in their peer groups for most of their lives. These peer or “management” groups increase information about comparative performance over the life of each animal.

Throughout their life, all progeny are weighed at least four times. The herd is subjected to ultrasound scanning at 12—18 months on all progeny. Live scanning of cattle gives information about the quality and quantity of beef before the animal is sold or sent to slaughter.

Cattle from DGA have achieved some remarkable results. Many of the sires and dams are in at least the top 5% of the breed over a range of traits.

The graphs below are an uncomplicated view of the performance of the herd in re lation to the Devon breed.