FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE NEW ZEALAND CATTLE
Can progeny from these sires be recorded in the American Angus Association Herd Book?
Yes, AI certificates will be available when needed at $35 per certificate. (except Pinebank Waigroup 41/97, which is $50)
Are the Waigroup cattle tolerant of endophyte infected tall fescue?
The predominant grazing forage in New Zealand is perennial ryegrass which contains endophytes similar to those present in our Tall Fescue. There is also fescue present in the Waigroup pastures, through not as a monoculture.
How will these “grass selected cattle” perform in a commercial feedlot?
They will do extremely well…it just won’t take nearly as much corn nor the cost to produce premium quality beef. Your feeder needs to be aware that these cattle will be Yield Grade 4’s and 5’s before the mainstream genetics are finished.
What do the Waigroup bulls bring that US Angus cattle don’t have?
Short answer – feet and fertility. Waigroup Angus is the only seedstock operation with which we are familiar that offers a four year guarantee for feet on the bulls they sell. The Waigroup Angus cowherd is run as commercial cattle at high stocking densities with sheep. They have a 42 day breeding and all opens are culled and have been for 40 years.
I’ve never used 1/4 cc straws before. Why is New Zealand processed semen packaged in 1/4 cc straws and is there any special requirement for their use?
Most semen processed in the world today is put in 1/4 cc straws primarily for efficiency purposes. Twice as many 1/4 cc straws can be stored/transported as 1/2 cc straws. A 1/4 cc straw gun is required and can be obtained from the people that service your semen tank. Both 1/4 cc and 1/2 cc contain the same amount of sperm and we’ve received numerous reports of higher conception rates achieved using our semen. Click here for a discussion on the differences in the two size straws.
Why are we different than the other AI companies?
All of our bulls have been selected from minimal input seedstock operations. All of our bulls are sourced from programs built around sound, fertile cows. Reproductive longevity is our highest priority. The dams of our bulls must have calved at two years of age and must maintain a 365 day calving interval. We have a great appreciation for teenage cows as some of our bulls are from cow families that produced into their teens and beyond.