Principle:

Evaluation of the genetic potential using the feature measurements made in the station

NON-GENETIC EFFECTS ARE CONSIDERED FROM THE TIME OF ARRIVAL

The cattle are divided in two groups according to age, with a maximum difference of 40 days within each controlled lot, in conformance with the protocol of the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA)-Cattle Raising Institute (IE).

The evaluation period as such will only begin after a preliminary phase of "adaptation" whose goal is to diminish the effects of their raising and of the environment with respect to the weight at weaning.

THE ANIMALS ARE THEN EVALUATED IN CONDITIONS AS IDENTICAL AS POSSIBLE TO THOSE FOUND IN A STATION

The effects of the environment are controlled and similar for all the calves, beginning

with the feed:

• Systematic annual analysis of all the types of hay purchased and a calculation of the rations

• Rations based on hay (the only fodder distributed) calculated for an Average Daily Weight Gain of 1,100 gr./day

• Control of calves made over a period of 120 days (INRA-IE protocol)

The calves are relocated in the manner most commonly used by the cattle raisers, stabled on screens and without hay (selection of leg strength).

The differences in the qualities observed originate above all in the genetic potential of the calves and not in the environment.

Very strict sanitary regulations

During the time they are present in the station, the calves are subject to multiple controls, vaccinations, and prophylaxis.

This is done in order to offer for sale future reproducer bulls who represent the best sanitary guarantees, to eliminate the negative characteristics caused by disease and to reduce the propagation of these diseases: mucous membrane disease, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Brucellosis, Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), etc.

Adoption of a recognized system for quality evaluation

The goal is to measure a maximum of criteria on objective and reliable bases.

To determine with the greatest precision possible the genetic potential of the calves evaluated (Determination Coefficient = 0.3). This precision is obtained thanks to the following measurements:

• Detailed evaluation of 29 points of morphology, made upon arrival at the station and also at the end of the control.

• Detailed measurement of 11 areas, pelvimetry.

• Monthly weighing, and weighing upon arrival and at the end of the control.

A complete range of information

The maximum level of service and quantity of information is offered for each calf evaluated:

• There are various "open door" days for the owners of the calves evaluated and for all those interested.

• During the open door days and the days for cattle sales a catalogue of origins (4 generations) is offered for sale that includes the qualities measured in the station, where the following details are included:

• Basic indexes and then combined indexes on the breed qualities, the functional aptitudes, the growth during the control period and the weight at the end of the control period, the evaluation of the muscular and skeletal development.

• A page of individual analysis for each calf evaluated. (Reproduction qualities and index of parents and grandparents, various calf indexes, etc.)