World’s largest stud breeder at Aldam Stockmanschool

By AndriesGouws (Landbouweekblad)

Kliek vir Afrikaans

America's largest stud breeder whom sells more than 1000 bulls per year at his production sale will be one of the international speakers at this year's Aldamskool. The school will be held from the 19th to 21th of October 2011 at the Aldam resort between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein.

In addition to the lectures that he will be presenting, Mr. Lee Leachman will be available for private discussions about his particular approach to breeding and the contribution he made in America to use genetics that significantly increases profitability in the herd.

In the nineties he was very involved in a progeny test study to determine the profitability of bulls with different genetic characteristics. He found the difference to be as much as $100 per head.

In October 2003, Leachman founded the Leachman Cattle of Colorado-based company that provides breeding material to the industry. His duties include determining the genetic targets, financial planning and overall management of the company.

The company is widely seen as a world leader in terms of objective selection criteria. He is also a pioneer in determining the profitability of traits such as cow size, fertility, growth, feed efficiency and carcass traits.

Prof. Roger Hunsley, also from the USA will again give his popular lecture titled “what is under the hide”. This is practically illustrated in the evaluation of live animals and carcasses from the same animals after they are slaughtered. Those whom have previously attended "Doc" Hunsley’s lecture will be able to attend a lecture on animal nutrition with practical examples describing the rumen of cattle under different feeding regimes.

Many of the leading animal scientists, nutritionists and animal experts from South Africa will once again be involved at the school. The cost to the school is R4500 (early bird registration) and includes accommodation. People who booked before the end of July will receive a discount of R500. Reservations can be made with Charmaine Alberts email: palberts@telkomsa.net or 051 8211783.