Santa Gertrudis
Seven decades of genetic excellence and balanced breeding.
Built Over Seventy Years
A major expansion of the stud has evolved over the last 70 years. 500 stud females are currently single sire mated to elite Poll Santa Gertrudis sires, and since 2002, 61 outside bred additional stud sires have been introduced to the Yulgilbar gene pool.
A significant addition to Yulgilbar genetics eventuated in 2008 with the landmark purchase of "The Lakes" Santa Gertrudis stud, owned by the Bolster family. The female portion of this widely recognised and established stud was purchased, marking the merger of these two major stud operations. Yulgilbar now stands as the largest Santa Gertrudis stud cattle operation in NSW.
Significant AI programs are also conducted utilising the best available genetics. An Australian record at auction ($80,000) was paid in 2007 for Warenda Sahara (poll) — a record that stood until 2015.
Balance Over Extremes
Yulgilbar advocates balanced assessment criteria for cattle selection. This combines visual appraisal for structural soundness, temperament and overall conformation with prudent use of raw measurement data — frame score, weight, daily weight gain, actual scrotal measurements, eye muscle area and fat scans.
Selection of extremes should always be treated with caution. Yulgilbar supports the Santa Gertrudis classification system, and Santa Gertrudis group BREEDPLAN provides estimates of breeding values that also assist in making choices. Single trait selection for any characteristic is believed to be dangerous and lacks balance in any breeding program.
Use of a combination of the many available "tools" for selection in the industry today is valuable, and allows the discerning cattle person to be far more informed about their livestock selections than ever before.
Building the Next Generation
Talk Genetics
For more on the breeding program, sire selection or semen availability, contact the Yulgilbar team.