Simmental strength shows through in Beef Progeny Test
Supplied by Beef + Lamb New Zealand
Simmental breeders have long recognised the value their cattle bring to commercial farming, and results from Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s across-breed Beef Progeny Test reinforce that strength once again.
The across-breed Beef Progeny Test (BPT) is a cornerstone of the Informing NZ Beef (INZB) programme and builds on the data gathered from the original Beef Progeny Test. Hosted at Pāmu’s Kepler farm (Te Anau) since its first mating in 2020, it is fundamental to a multi-breed evaluation, linking different breeds and using New Zealand-collected data to accurately estimate hybrid vigour.
Originally focused on Angus and Hereford sires, the across-breed test expanded to include Simmental genetics through Lochinver Station, which joined as a second host farm with matings carried out between 2022 and 2024. At the Lochinver site, Simmental bulls were used across Angus cows. Although the station has since transitioned out of the programme, the team continues to collect measurements on the progeny born there, ensuring valuable data is captured right through to processing.
As one of the first breeds to contribute data to B+LNZ’s nProve platform, Simmental has also played an important role helping to put practical, genetics-based tools in the hands of farmers – helping them select the animals that best match their breeding goals.
A major step forward for nProve Beef has been the development of the New Zealand-designed beef selection indexes: NZ$Maternal, NZ$Terminal, and NZ$BeefxDairy. These indexes provide farmers an economic value for key genetic traits, tailored to New Zealand’s unique farming systems.
Together, nProve and the BPT create a powerful link between genetic evaluation and real‑world performance.
Results from the BPT’s recent Growth, Ultrasound Muscle Scanning and Carcase Traits report reinforce Simmentals performance across commercially important traits.
Growth traits continue to be a defining strength for the breed.
- At 200‑day weight, 7 Simmental bulls ranked in the top 20, with 4 inside the top 10.
- At 400‑day weight, Simmental sires led the way with 10 bulls ranked in the top 20, and the top 3 overall rankings all belonging to Simmental.
- At 600‑day weight, 12 sires ranked in the top 20, 7 of which were in the top 10 – including the #1 and #2 bulls.
Carcase and ultrasound muscle scanning traits also showcased the breed’s balance.
- In eye muscle area, 8 sires featured in the top 20 and 5 were inside the top 10, including the #1 and #3 ranked sires.
- In intramuscular fat (IMF), 2 Simmental sires ranked in the top 20, and both were in the top 10.
- For carcase weight, the breed achieved 5 top‑20 sires, with 4 of these inside the top 10.
- Additional highlights included 4 sires in the top 20 for dressing percentage (two inside the top 10), as well as top‑20 placements for ossification and fat depth.
These results reflect not only the traditional attributes of Simmental in terms of growth and yield, but also the breed’s performance across carcase and eating quality traits.
At the same time, the across-breed BPT continues to highlight the valuable variation that exists both within and across breeds – and the opportunities this presents for ongoing genetic improvement.
For more detailed information on specific sires and their rankings in these traits, refer to the Beef Progeny Test reports on blnzgenetics.com/progeny-tests