2024 Bridgewater Angus Sale Catalogue

FRIDAY JULY 26TH 2024, 1PM

OPEN DAY: FRIDAY JULY 19TH 11AM - 2PM

WELCOME TO THE BRIDGEWATER ANGUS 2024 BULL SALE

Dear Cattle Breeder

Welcome to our seventh on property Bull Sale. After a very worrying dry start to spring we had to resort to getting the feed wagon in operation once again and had to feed through until November. We were very relieved to receive some good rainfall in the first few months of this year, which enabled us to get our crops of Rye grass and oats planted, on which this year’s cohort of bulls have been grazing since March. Thankfully the rain has continued to fall and the Bulls are doing exceptionally well on the crops and we are pleased we do not have to supplementary feed this season.

This year we have 40+ rising two year old bulls on offer comprised of some outstanding genetics, 15 of these are suitable for Heifers. Our aim is to consistently improve on docility and foot soundness and we continually cull any stud females who don’t present with these attributes. We had Liam Cardile from LRC Livestock assess this year’s lineup in April and he commented on how quiet the bulls were to handle.

We have 11 sons by Shacorrahdalu New Ground R17, whom we purchased in 2021. He is in the top 1% of the breed for EMA, Scrotal and top 2% for RBY. They are an even line of sons with good muscle and sound feet, high docility, calving ease and growth. His daughters are a standout in our herd with excellent rib and P8, ensuring a highly fertile animal with do ability.

We have 5 sons by Baldridge 38 Special. He has it all calving ease, growth, scrotal, IMF and milk, which has made him a very popular choice in Australia with having over 2000 progeny on the ground at present.

We have a few sons by Pathfinder Quest Q1357 who was used in the Angus Benchmarking program Cohort 12. He is a Rennylea L519 son with Docklands on the dam side producing large framed bulls with plenty of growth.

We have two sons by Rennylee P559 a son of the very popular Rennylea Edmund E11 both with good IMF.

We also have 8 sons by Booroomooka President P22 all structurally sound bulls. He was the highest priced bull in the Booroomooka 2020 Sale. He has tremendous growth and Structure.

All our bulls are ready to work and have been DNA tested so buyers can feel confident about the pedigree of the bulls in this Bridgewater Sale. We have no doubt that you will find a bull here that will be an asset in your breeding operation.

SALE LOCATION

Bridgewater Angus is situated 6km in off the New England Highway 30km north of Armidale and 12km south of Guyra at 278 Toms Gully Road, Black Mountain. If travelling north turn left at the BP Black Mountain Road House into Black Mountain Road proceed through the village of Black Mountain and across the old railway line which becomes Toms Gully Road. Myola is situated 2.8km on the right (stone entrance).

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

Photos and video footage of all the bulls will be available on our website www.bridgewaterangus.com.au and on AuctionsPlus approximately two weeks prior to bulls sale.

INSPECTION

The bulls can be inspected at our Open Day, Friday 19th July between 10am and 2pm and at any other time by contacting Roger Flower 0407 958 224 OR Armitage & Buckley Armidale: Tom Piddington 0429 525 797 or Luke Heagney 0458 044 447

On the morning of the sale the bulls will be penned and ready for inspection from 10am.

REBATE

2% rebate to agents introducing clients 24 hours prior to sale and settling their account under Armitage & Buckley trading terms.

METHOD OF SELLING

The sale will be conducted under open auction in conjunction with Auctions Plus. Please remember to register with Auctions Plus at least 24 hours prior to the sale and log in early if bidding online. Your livestock agent will assist with this and phone bidding is available if you prefer (please contact one of our agents to organise this).

Roger receiving his award from Scott Wright CEO of Angus Australia in recognition of his 25 year commitment and Service to Angus Australia.

REFRESHMENTS

Once again we shall have our local Barista Chris from Bean Travelin on site from 10am. Morning tea and a BBQ lunch will be provided on the day of the Sale

INSURANCE

It is our recommendation that insurance is taken out for all purchases. An insurance agent from Nutrien will be available on the day

HERD HEALTH

All bulls have been ear notched tested free of Pestivirus. They have a full vaccination history since birth have been given a Zoetis 7 in 1, 2 doses of Vibrovax, 2 doses of Pestigard and have been drenched with CattleMax injectible they have also had Selovin LA and a Multimin. The bulls have been semen tested by Dr Leisa Brown, Guyra District Veterinary Clinic and a sample has been sent off for morphology testing. The Bridgewater Herd has a J-BAS score of 7. All bulls have been structurally assessed by Liam Cardile from LRC Livestock Holbrook.

NUTRITION

The bulls have been grazing on crops of rye grass and oats since March.

DNA PARENT VERIFICATION

Buyers can feel confident about the pedigree of the bulls in this Bridgewater Sale, as the bulls have been verified to their sires. The suffix displayed at the end of each animal’s name indicates the DNA parentage verification that has been conducted by Angus Australia.

We look forward to welcoming you to our open day, Friday 19th July and to our seventh on property Bull Sale. Roger, Geralyn and James

PV: both parents have been verified by DNA

SV: the sire has been verified by DNA

DV: the dam has been verified by DNA

#: DNA verification has not been conducted

E: DNA verification has identified that the sire and/or dam may possibly be incorrect, but this cannot be confirmed conclusively

All the bulls have all had genomic and DNA testing done through Neogen Australia.

NLIS AND ANGUS SOCIETY TRANSFERS

Bridgewater Angus will provide complimentary NLIS transfers (please ensure your PIC No is recorded on the Buyers Registration form). Please also indicate if you would like the registration of your bull transferred to you from the Angus Society.

GUARANTEE

Bridgewater Angus guarantees the structural soundness and fertility of their Sale Bulls for a period of six moths from the Sale date. The vendor must receive written notification together with a certificate from a registered veterinarian stating the nature of the infertility before the expiration of that period. Animals injured or lost as a result of accident, negligence, or any disease are not covered by this guarantee. Vendor liability relating to infertility claims will not exceed the purchase price of the animal and are limited to a credit equal to the purchase price less the salvage value, which may be utilized at a future Bridgewater Sale.

SAFETY

We select animals with traits of good temperament and ease of handling. However, all animals can be unpredictable, particularly if stressed. Visitors enter pens at their own risk.

- CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED IN PENS

- Do not overcrowd the pens

- Keep movement and noise to a minimum

- Be aware of your surroundings

DISCLAIMER

Every care has been taken in the compilation of this catalogue to ensure the accuracy of information supplied. However, no responsibility will be accepted for any errors which may have occurred.

TACE - MID MAY 2024 REFERENCE TABLES

* Breed average represents the average EBV of all 2022 drop Australian Angus and Angus-influenced seedstock animals analysed in the Mid May 2024 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation

PERCENTILE BANDS TABLE

BRIDGEWATER ANGUS 2024 BULL SUMMARY

ARMITAGE BUCKLEY

Armitage & Buckley is one of the New England’s most long standing and reputable Stock, Station & Real Estate Agents, with over 50 years of operation.

We have extensive experience in the Agency field, conducting sheep, lamb and cattle sales at the Guyra and Armidale saleyards. We also conduct our own Weaner Sale each year, participate in the Combined Agents Weaner Sales, AuctionsPlus Sales, Annual Bull and Ram Sales, and conduct Clearance Sales.

We regularly assist clients with assessment and marketing of livestock, both in the physical and digital space, assist clients with animal husbandry; joining advice; sourcing livestock and bulls; general compliance, and provide help in all matters relating to our client’s livestock enterprise.

REFERENCE SIRES

UNDERSTANDING THE TRANSTASMAN ANGUS CATTLE EVALUATION (TACE)

WHAT IS THE TRANSTASMAN ANGUS CATTLE EVALUATION?

The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation is the genetic evaluation program adopted by Angus Australia for Angus and Angus influenced beef cattle. The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation uses Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) technology to produce Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) of recorded cattle for a range of important production traits (e.g. weight, carcase, fertility).

The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation is an international genetic evaluation and includes pedigree, performance and genomic information from the Angus Australia and Angus New Zealand databases, along with selected information from the American and Canadian Angus Associations.

The TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation utilises a range of genetic evaluation software, including the internationally recognised BLUPF90 family of programs, and BREEDPLAN beef genetic evaluation analytical software, as developed by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), a joint institute of NSW Agriculture and the University of New England, and Meat and Livestock Australia Limited (MLA).

WHAT IS AN EBV?

An animal’s breeding value can be defined as its genetic merit for each trait. While it is not possible to determine an animal’s true breeding value, it is possible to estimate it. These estimates of an animal’s true breeding value are called EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values).

EBVs are expressed as the difference between an individual animal’s genetics and a historical genetic level (i.e. group of animals) within the TACE genetic evaluation, and are reported in the units in which the measurements are taken.

USING EBVS TO COMPARE THE GENETICS OF TWO ANIMALS

TACE EBVs can be used to estimate the expected difference in the genetics of two animals, with the expected difference equating to half the difference in the EBVs of the animals, all other things being equal (e.g. they are joined to the same animal/s).

For example, a bull with a 200 Day Growth EBV of +60 would be expected to produce progeny that are, on average, 10 kg heavier at 200 days of age than a bull with a 200 Day Growth EBV of +40 kg (i.e. 20 kg difference between the sire’s EBVs, then halved as the sire only contributes half the genetics).

Or similarly, a bull with an IMF EBV of +3.0 would be expected to produce progeny with on average, 1% more intramuscular fat in a 400 kg carcase than a bull with a IMF EBV of +1.0 (i.e. 2% difference between the sire’s EBVs, then halved as the sire only contributes half the genetics).

USING EBVS TO BENCHMARK AN ANIMAL’S GENETICS WITH THE BREED

EBVs can also be used to benchmark an animal’s genetics relative to the genetics of other Angus or Angus infused animals in Australia. To benchmark an animal’s genetics relative to other Angus animals, an animal’s EBV can be compared to the EBV reference tables, which provide:

· the breed average EBV

· the percentile bands table

The current breed average EBV is listed on the bottom of each page in this publication, while the current EBV reference tables are included at the end of these introductory notes.

For easy reference, the percentile band in which an animal’s EBV ranks is also published in association with the EBV.

CONSIDERING ACCURACY

An accuracy value is published with each EBV, and is usually displayed as a percentage value immediately below the EBV.

The accuracy value provides an indication of the reliability of the EBV in estimating the animal’s genetics (or true breeding value), and is an indication of the amount of information that has been used in the calculation of the EBV.

EBVs with accuracy values below 50% should be considered as preliminary or of low accuracy, 50-74% as of medium accuracy, 75-90% of medium to high accuracy, and 90% or greater as high accuracy.

DESCRIPTION OF TACE EBVS

EBVs are calculated for a range of traits within TACE, covering calving ease, growth, fertility, maternal performance, carcase merit, feed efficiency and structural soundness. A description of each EBV included in this publication is provided below.

CEDir % Genetic differences in the ability of a sire’s calves to be born unassisted from 2 year old heifers.

CEDtrs % Genetic differences in the ability of a sire’s daughters to calve unassisted at 2 years of age.

GL days Genetic differences between animals in the length of time from the date of conception to the birth of the calf.

BW kg Genetic differences between animals in calf weight at birth.

200 Day kg Genetic differences between animals in live weight at 200 days of age due to genetics for growth.

400 Day kg Genetic differences between animals in live weight at 400 days of age.

600 Day kg Genetic differences between animals in live weight at 600 days of age.

MCW kg Genetic differences between animals in live weight of cows at 5 years of age.

Milk kg Genetic differences between animals in live weight at 200 days of age due to the maternal contribution of its dam.

DtC days Genetic differences between animals in the time from the start of the joining period (i.e. when the female is introduced to a bull) until subsequent calving.

SS cm Genetic differences between animals in scrotal circumference at 400 days of age.

CWT kg Genetic differences between animals in hot standard carcase weight at 750 days of age.

EMA cm2 Genetic differences between animals in eye muscle area at the 12/13th rib site in a 400 kg carcase.

Rib Fat mm Genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the 12/13th rib site in a 400 kg carcase.

P8 Fat mm Genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the P8 rump site in a 400 kg carcase.

RBY % Genetic differences between animals in boned out saleable meat from a 400 kg carcase.

IMF % Genetic differences between animals in intramuscular fat (marbling) at the 12/13th rib site in a 400 kg carcase.

NFI-F kg/ day Genetic differences between animals in feed intake at a standard weight and rate of weight gain when animals are in a feedlot finishing phase.

Doc % Genetic differences between animals in temperament.

Higher EBVs indicate fewer calving difficulties in 2 year old heifers.

Higher EBVs indicate fewer calving difficulties in 2 year old heifers.

Lower EBVs indicate shorter gestation length.

Lower EBVs indicate lighter birth weight.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier live weight.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier live weight.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier live weight.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier mature weight.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier live weight.

Lower EBVs indicate shorter time to calving.

Higher EBVs indicate larger scrotal circumference.

Higher EBVs indicate heavier carcase weight.

Higher EBVs indicate larger eye muscle area.

Higher EBVs indicate more fat.

Higher EBVs indicate more fat.

Higher EBVs indicate higher yield.

Higher EBVs indicate more intramuscular fat.

Lower EBVs indicate more feed efficiency.

Higher EBVs indicate better temperament.

Foot Angle score Genetic differences in foot angle (strength of pastern, depth of heel). Lower EBVs indicate more desirable foot angle.

Claw Set score Genetic differences in claw set structure (shape and evenness of claws). Lower EBVs indicate more desirable claw structure.

$A $ Genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. This selection index is not specific to a particular market end-point, but identifies animals that will improve overall net profitability in the majority of commercial, self replacing, grass and grain finishing beef production systems.

$A-L $ Genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a typical commercial self replacing herd using Angus bulls. This selection index is not specific to a particular market end-point, but identifies animals that will improve overall net profitability in the majority of commercial, self replacing, grass and grain finishing beef production systems.

The $A-L index is similar to the $A index but is modelled on a production system where feed is surplus to requirements for the majority of the year, or the cost of supplying additional feed when animal feed requirements increase is low. While the $A aims to maintain mature cow weight, the $A-L does not aim to limit the increase in mature cow weight as there is minimal cost incurred if the feed maintenance requirements of the female breeding herd increase as a result of selection decisions.

Higher selection indexes indicate greater profitability.

Higher selection indexes indicate greater profitability.

GENETIC POSITION OF BRIDGEWATER DAMS IN INVENTORY

THE AVERAGE EBVS OF THE BULLS IN THIS SALE

200 DAY MILK (KG)

SCROTAL SIZE (CM)

CARCASE EMA (SQ.CM)

Ag minded

Specialising

Guyra District Vet

207 Falconer Street

South Guyra, New South Wales 2365

Ph: 02 6779 1173

Email: reception@guyradistrictvet.com.au

Date: 28-05-2024

This is to certify that, Leisa Brown of Guyra District Veterinary Services carried out a complete breeding soundness evaluation on each bull listed in the 2024 Bridgewater catalogue.

This included:-

A physical examination - to ensure structural soundness

Examination of the reproductive organs - rectal palpation to examine the secondary sexual organs, measurement of scrotal circumference, palpation of the testicles and full examination of the penis and prepuce

Semen collection and assessment of gross motility - using an electroejaculator and assessment of motility using iSperm technology

Semen morphology - samples were sent for assessment by a UQSMSP accredited morphologist at AVetSM. Semen morphology is an essential part of the veterinary bull breeding soundness evaluation. It is used to assess individual sperm cells for defects that can impact the fertility of the bull and conception rates in your herd.

To achieve optimal fertility in a herd, an individual bull needs to achieve a pregnancy rate of 65% per cycle. The ultimate aim of a bull breeding soundness evaluation is to identify any problems/risk factors that may compromise this. Each bull listed in the 2024 Bridgewater catalogue has been found to pass the requirements set by the Australian Cattle Vets Association bull breeding soundness examination.

Signed: Leisa Brown Date: 28-05-2024

STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT

HOW TO USE:

The Beef Class Structural Assessment System uses a 1-9 scoring system for feet and leg structure:

· A score of 5 is ideal

4 and 6 show slight variation from ideal, but this includes most animals. Any animal scoring 4 and 6 would be acceptable in any breeding program

3 and 7 shows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, however seedstock producers should be wary

2 and 8 are low scoring animals and have been culled

Front Feet Claw Set Scoring Range 1 - 9: 1 - open divergent; 5 - good; 9 - extreme scissor claw

Rear Feet Claw Set Scoring Range 1 - 9: 1 - open divergent; 5 - good; 9 - extreme scissor claw. Reference: Shape (primarily curl) and evenness of the claw set.

Rear Feet Angle Scoring Range 1 - 9:1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel

Front Feet Angle Scoring Range 1 - 9: 1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel.

Reference: Strength of pastern, depth of heel and length of foot.

Rear Legs Side View Scoring Range 1 - 9: 1 - straight (post legged); 5 - good; 9 - sickle hocked.

Reference: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

Rear Leg Hind View Scoring Range 1 - 9: 1 - bow legged; 5 - good (parallel) ; 9 - cow hocked.

Reference: Direction of the feet when viewed from the rear.

TEMPERAMENT

Reference: 1-5 (half scores permitted) using yard test scale below:

1. Docile - The animal is easily held in the corner and the handler can get close enough to put their stick on the animal.

2. Restless - The animal can be held in the corner but exhibits some restlessness and flicking of the tail. The handler cannot get close enough to put their stick on the animal before it moves away.

3. Nervous - The animal is not easily held in the corner even when the handler is some distance back from the animal, continual movement and tail flicking.

4. Flighty (wild) - The animal cannot be held in the corner, frantically runs the fence line and may jump when penned individually, exhibits long flight distance.

5. Aggressive - Similar behavior to score 4 but is also aggressive towards the handler, stares at the handler and threatens to charge or charges (Handler is advised to exit the yard before the animal actually charges).

MUSCLE SCORE:

Scoring Range A - E (includes + and - )

A+ = Double-muscled | A = Extremely heavy muscle | - pronounced creasing between muscles

B = Heavily muscled | - well rounded hindquarter

C = Average muscle | - hindquarter slightly rounded

D = Poor muscle | - narrow concave hindquarter

E = Extremely poor muscle | - angular

Reference: Primarily hindquarter roundness or convexity, width across the stifle and width of stance. Also width and muscle expression across the back, particularly behind the shoulder and in the loin. Jump muscle (about the P8 site) and forearm bulge may be taken into consideration.

SHEATH AND NAVAL SCORES

Scoring Range 5 - 1:

5 - extremely clean/ tight to body;

1 - extremely pendulous

ANGUSPRO NZ

“Everyone in the industry knows that profitability within the cattle system can be improved by making educated predictions with factual data. Its scientifically proven. While ensuring cattle are of sound structure and are quiet in nature, the additional use of science and genomics can assist in viewing what’s under the skin of an animal, providing an insight into what future progeny will look like, grow like, breed like and essentially eat like” www.AngusPro.co.nz

BUYERS INSTRUCTION SLIP

FRIDAY

JULY 26TH 2024

On Property “Myola” 278 Toms Gully Road, Black Mountain

* No verbal instructions will be accepted

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Purchase Property Identification Code (PIC):

BILLING DETAILS

Please send the account direct to me

Please send the account to my agent, who is:

LOTS PURCHASED:

Transfer of Bull Registration/s Required:

Yes No TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS:

Email:

SIGNATURE OF PURCHASER OR AGENT

Name:

Signature:

SPECIAL NOTE TO BUYERS

Phone:

Date:

In the interest of buyers, and to prevent the occurance of mistakes, all instructions concerning the delivery and trucking of stock must be given in writing and signed by the buyer or their representative.