BYE-LAWS OF THE S A HEREFORD BREEDERS' SOCIETY

Transcription

1 BYE-LAWS OF THE S A HEREFORD BREEDERS' SOCIETY Amended 28 July 2004 Amended 30 May 2006 Amended 25 August 2010 Amended 04 February 2011 Amended 30 May 2011 Amended 8 August 2012 Amended 17 April 2013 Amended 15 October 2013 Amended July & 2 May

2 INDEX Page Herd Book Appendix Register Herd Book Proper Guidelines for re-classification of Full blood to stud book proper Prefix and Herd Designation Mark Identification Names Notification of Births Confirmation of Parentage Requirements and Application and Cancellation for Registration Registration Certificates Herd Assessment Transfer of Animals Refusal of Applications The Breed Standards and the General Conformation Features Functional Efficiency and Fitness Adaptability Carcass Quality Fertility/reproduction Gestation and Intercalving Periods Conformation in Relation to Fertility Growth Ability Conformation Features and Growth Ability Service and Insemination Certificates and Joint Ownership of Sires Rules Governing Artificial Insemination Importation and Exportation of Animals, Semen and Ova Importation of Semen Rules Governing the Collection of Ova/Embryos & Inovulation of and Embryo Transfer (E.T.) 26 Inspection and Performance Requirement 26.1 Minimum Standards 26.2 Inspections and Duties of Inspectors 26.3 Linear Classification Codes Traits and scores 26.4 Inspection reasons 26.5 South African Hereford Linear Classification and Selection Manual 26.6 Kleurstandaarde 27 Sales 28 Provincial and National Shows 28.1 Dress code at National and Provincial Championship Shows 28.2 Judges Guide for Herefords 28.3 Hereford National Championships 28.4 Point System 28.5 Nomination for the Special Performance Test Class Show classes 29 Amendments to the Bye Laws 30 Procedure for the Processing and Collection of Outstanding debts 31 Fixed dates for Herefords

3 32 Regional Club pro-forma Constitution 50 3

4 BYE-LAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE S.A HEREFORD BREEDERS SOCIETY NOTE: In the case of any contradictions or ambiguities the Provisions of the Constitution take precedence. 1. HERD BOOK 1.1 The Society shall ensure that the Association keep a record of all registered Hereford cattle and that the record-keeping shall be divided into two divisions, namely the Proper Hereford Division and the Pureblood Hereford Division. The Proper Hereford Division will accommodate only Herd Book Proper Herefords and the Pureblood Hereford Division will make provision for Full blood, AppendixA and Appendix B animals. Integration of animals of the Pureblood Division with animals of the Proper Hereford Division is not allowed. These two divisions shall each be divided into two sections namely the Horn Section and the Poll Section In the Horn Section shall be registered an animal that was classified horned at inspection and that has a five-generation pedigree that contained only ancestors that were designated as horned animals. The abbreviation H will be used in the Herd Book to identify these animals In the Poll Section shall be registered an animal that was classified polled at inspection and that has a five-generation pedigree that contained only ancestors that were designated as polled animals. The abbreviation P will be used in the Herd Book to identify these animals In the Heterozygous Section shall be registered an animal that was either Horned or Polled at inspection but does not have a five-generation pedigree of ancestors of the same designation. The abbreviation HP will be used in the Herd book to identify Horned animals that have Polled ancestors, and the abbreviation PH will be used in the Herd Book to identify Polled animals that have Horned ancestors. 1.2 Appendix Register Appendix A Any female which originates from a herd of which the breeder can give proof of origin and has the desired genotype cum phenotype characteristics of a Hereford and complies with the minimum breed standards as determined by the Council from time to time shall be eligible for registration as an Appendix A female in the Appendix Register of the Pureblood Hereford Division Appendix B a) The female progeny of an Appendix A female of the Pureblood Hereford Division mated with a Full blood or Herd Book Proper Hereford sire, which comply with the breed standards and in respect of which all other registration requirements have been met shall be eligible for registration as an Appendix B female in the Appendix Register of the Pureblood Hereford Division. 4

5 b) Females which comply with the breed standards and of which the breeder can, even though the parents are not registered, supply the extended pedigree in respect of Appendix A ancestors shall be eligible for registration as Appendix B animals in the Appendix Register of the Pureblood Hereford Division Full blood The progeny of an Appendix B or Full blood female of the Pureblood Hereford Division mated with a Full blood or a Herd Book Proper Hereford sire or the progeny of a Herd Book Proper female of the Proper Hereford Division mated with a Full blood Hereford sire, which comply with the breed standards and in respect of which all other registration requirements have been met shall be considered as a Full blood animal and be eligible for registration in the Full blood Proper. 1.3 Herd Book Proper The progeny of Herd Book Proper sires and dams of the Proper Hereford Division must comply with the breed standards and all registration requirements in terms of the Constitution and conform to the minimum performance requirements as may be determined by the Council. 1.4 Guidelines for re-classification of Full blood to stud book proper It is important to note that the proposal for re-classification of Full Blood to Stud book Proper was approved for Herefords already registered as Full Blood with the required pedigree and at least Phase A2 performance data (weaning weight compulsory) as recorded in the current National beef performance testing scheme. These animals must adhere to Hereford breed standards. Please note that no provision is made for upgrading from FB to SP. It is recommended that breeders with Full Blood cattle interested in registering animals as Studbook proper must submit the following data to the Hereford Breeders Society: 1. A list with the individual identification and registration numbers of the animals 2. List of bulls use in these herds for past 10 years (indicate registered stud / imported bulls or home bred) 3. Indicate if pedigree records are available 4. Indicate if Animal recording Phase A2 (weaning) data is available with weaning weight recorded for the specific animals to be reclassified. 5. A fee of R per animal will be levied to cover the costs of the investigation. The list of animals should then be processed by SA Studbook via the Society to trace the relevant animals as far as Herd book volume 13 (which in our case is more or less 1974). A report should then be submitted to the council for approval. 5

6 2. PREFIX AND HERD DESIGNATION MARK 2.1 No animal shall be accepted for birth recording or registration unless the breeder has previously, through the Society, registered with the Association for his exclusive use, a prefix by which all animals bred by him and eligible for birth recording or registration shall be designated, and a herd designation mark by which such animals shall be identified. 2.2 No prefix shall exceed 18 characters, and the name of a city, town or post office in the Territory shall not be accepted for registration as a prefix. 2.3 The herd designation mark registered with the Association for the breeder's exclusive use shall not exceed four spaces and shall consist of letters. 2.4 Application for the registration of such prefix and herd designation mark shall be made to the Breed Manager and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed from time to time by the Council or by the Association. 2.5 No transfer of a prefix or herd designation mark shall be allowed from one breeder to another, except under such conditions and to such persons as are provided for in the Bye-laws to the Constitution of the Association. 3. IDENTIFICATION 3.1 All live animals of which the births are notified and all animals offered for registration must bear permanent identification marks which shall include a herd designation mark, year number and a sequence number, and any animal which does not bear the approved identification marks shall not be accepted for the recording of its birth or for subsequent registration by the Association. 3.2 Ear tattooing shall be the Society's official system of marking for the uniform and permanent identification of all animals submitted for registration in the Herd Book and in the records of the Association. 3.3 All calves retained for registration shall be tattooed in the LEFT EAR only with the breeder s herd designation mark, year number and sequence number within three months after birth. Should the dam of a calf die or be transferred such calf shall be tattooed immediately. 3.4 The herd designation mark shall be tattooed in the top line and the year number and sequence number in the bottom line. 3.5 Every calf must be weighed three days after birth and must be identified by the breeder within three months after birth. 3.6 The year number shall consist of a single number indicating the year of birth. 3.7 The birth sequence number shall not exceed four spaces. The sequence numbers of calves, irrespective of sex, will start at one in any particular year. 3.8 In the event of a breeder making a mistake when identifying a calf, or in the event of a tattoo mark in the left ear become illegible, the owner of the animal may rectify the matter by 6

7 effecting the correct tattoo markings in the right ear, and shall forthwith report the fact to the Breed Manager. 3.9 Should re-tattooing in the right ear take place after due registration of the animal, the owner shall likewise return the registration certificate to the Society for correction by the Association Under no circumstances an attempt shall be made to deface, obliterate or over-tattoo any tattoo markings without prior permission by the Council Save for the possible compulsory branding of animals as regulated by legislation or the voluntary branding of animals registered in the Herd Book Proper section with the registered brand of the Association, the branding of any other brand whatsoever on an animal, by the breeder or owner or his agent, is strictly prohibited and the registration certificate of any animal so marked shall be invalidated and may be cancelled No animal shall be transferred unless clearly tattooed Identification of Performance Tested Bulls (Phase C) Performance tested bulls (Phase C) that have met the laid down requirements with regard to growth, feed conversion, functional efficiency and breed standards will be branded by the Agricultural Research Council s Animal Production Institute with a V mark. The V brands on the left fore-quarter shall have the following meanings with the base of the V pointing down for Herefords that have achieved a Gold Certificate of Merit; with the base of the V pointing towards the head for Herefords that have achieved a Silver Certificate of Merit; upside down for Herefords with performance less than mentioned above (i.e. ordinary certificate). 4. NAMES 4.1 In addition to the identification marks referred to in Bye-law 3, all live animals of which the births are notified and all animals offered for registration, must be explicitly named. The Council shall have the right to refuse any application in respect of an animal which in its opinion cannot be clearly identified or is misleadingly named. 4.2 The name shall include the prefix registered in favour of the breeder, and inclusive of the prefix, shall not exceed four words, and exclusive of the prefix, shall not exceed 20 spaces. 4.3 The name of any animal, once accepted for recording of its birth, shall not thereafter be changed or amended, except when the name reflects an obvious error, in which event it shall be permissible to amend the name only to the extent of correcting the error. 5. NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS 5.1 The breeder of an animal born from a registered dam or one eligible for registration shall notify 7

8 the Society within 90 days after birth, whether it be born dead or alive or retained for registration or otherwise. 5.2 All birth notifications shall be made by a means approved by the Association, and copies thereof shall be kept by the breeder concerned for inspection and checking at all reasonable times by officers of the Society. 5.3 Birth notifications received by the Breed Manager more than 120 days after birth may subject to these bye-laws be accepted for registration, provided that the breeder pays a penalty fee over and above the prescribed fees. Births notified after such period shall under no circumstances be accepted for registration unless approved by council. 5.4 In the event of the birth notifications being endorsed NOT FOR REGISTRATION, the animals to which such birth notifications relate shall under no circumstances be accepted for registration. 5.5 In the event of multiple births the breeder shall in addition to the particulars ordinarily required also record on the birth notification form the number and sex of the other twin, triplets, etc., as the case may be. 5.6 Records shall be kept by the Association in the name of each breeder of all animals born, whether born dead or alive, whose births have been duly notified by the relevant breeder, and of such other details as may be determined by the Society. 5.7 The birth notification shall be subject to the breeder accepting sole responsibility to ensure that the pedigree, breeding particulars and permanent identification marks of the animal or animals described in the birth notification are correct and that all the requirements of the Constitution and Bye-laws relating to birth notifications, have been complied with. 5.8 A birth notification shall also be accompanied, in the case of an animal imported in utero, by the necessary certificates confirming parentage, endorsed by the herd book society in the country of origin to the effect that (a) the identity of the sire, as indicated by the said documents, is correct; and (b) the sire conforms to the registration requirements as may be determined by the Council. 5.9 No birth notification will be accepted for registration unless the sire is on record with both the Society and the Association as having been officially DNA profiled. 6. CONFIRMATION OF PARENTAGE 6.1 In order to confirm the parentage of an animal registered or eligible for registration, the Society shall at any time have the right to insist on a DNA or any other proven scientific method of confirming parentage (a) of all herd sires; (b) as a routine procedure, on a basis to be determined by the Association from time to time; and (c) in cases of doubt and all calves are born as a result of multi-sire matings must be DNA Profiled at the age between 3 and 12 months to confirm the correct sire. 8

9 6.2 In respect of the confirming of parentage referred to in Bye-law 10.1(a) the owner shall bear the costs of the DNA tests required. 6.3 In respect of Bye-law 10.1(b) the owner shall bear the costs of the DNA tests required from the second test onwards. 6.4 In respect of the confirming of parentage referred to in Bye-law 10.1(c) the owner or the society, as may be determined by the Council, shall bear the costs of the DNA profiling required. 7. REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION AND CANCELLATION FOR REGISTRATION 7.1 Inspection shall be a prerequisite for the registration of South African bred or imported animals and except by special permission of the Council no application for registration received by the Society later than 12 months after the birth of an animal shall be accepted. 7.2 Except as provided for in Bye-law no application for registration of a South African bred animal shall be considered unless -(a) details of its birth have been duly recorded or were accepted for recording in terms of Bye-law 9, and (b) both its parents or, in the case of an animal imported in utero or resulting from imported semen, its dam have been registered with the Association. 7.3 Applications for registration received by the Society more than 12, but within 18 months after such event, shall be accepted for registration if accompanied by the prescribed penalty fee. If submitted after the expiry of the 18 months aforementioned it must be accompanied by a penalty fee as determined by Council. 7.4 No animal, which does not comply with the breed standards, shall be eligible for registration. 7.5 Any animal of which the particulars supplied on the birth notification or accompanying certificates are open to question may in the discretion of the Council be debarred from registration. 7.6 The method of application shall -(a) be laid down by the Association; and (b) be endorsed by the Society to the effect that all the requirements of the Constitution in respect of registration have been met. 7.7 No female from a mixed multiple birth shall be eligible for registration unless her ability to breed has been confirmed either by parturition or by means of a DNA parentage control test. 7.8 An imported animal or one resulting from imported semen or an imported embryo shall be eligible for registration provided the requirements of the Act and of the Constitution have mutatis mutandis been complied with. 7.9 An animal imported into the Territory shall be eligible for registration provided that application for registration is made within three months from the date of arrival of the animal and the application for registration is accompanied by : (a) a certificate of registration or an authentic export certificate reflecting a two generation 9

10 extended pedigree issued by a herd book society in the country of origin; (b) evidence to the effect that the animal concerned conforms to the registration requirements as may be determined by the Society from time to time; and (c) a report of the inspector confirming that the animal bears the permanent indelible identification marks appearing on the registration and/or export certificate Registration certificates shall be issued by the Association in respect of imported animals. 7.11Animals resulting from the transfer of imported ova in respect of which the provisions of the Constitution have mutatis mutandis been complied with, shall be eligible for registration: Provided that such imported ova: (a) were collected by a competent body in the country of origin (approved by the Director: Animal Health of the National Department of Agriculture) from an animal which complies with the minimum requirements for registration determined by the Council; and (b) if fertilised, such ova shall have been fertilised with the semen of an animal which likewise complies with the minimum requirements for registration as determined by the Society The birth notification must, subject to the relevant provisions of Bye-laws 23 and 24, also be accompanied by a certificate issued by a competent body in the country of origin, recognised for this purpose by the Society and the Association: (a) of the names, identification and registration numbers of the ovum and semen donors; (b) of the date and place of the collection; and (c) of the number of viable ova collected from the donor concerned As from a date determined by the Council after consultation with the Department no animals shall be recommended for registration unless: (a) the breeder concerned is a participant in the National Beef Cattle Recording Improvement Scheme (Phases A and B) or such other scheme in operation in the Territory as the Council may determine to be of equal standing; and (b) the animal concerned has been inspected by an inspector or inspectors nominated by the Council. All such records shall be available for inspection by a person or persons appointed thereto by the Council Registration of all females older than 40 months, that have not calved, will be cancelled forthwith. 8. REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES 8.1 Original Certificates Registration certificates to be issued in respect of animals may with the consent of the Association, be in the form desired by the Society. Data in respect of performance measured in the National Beef Cattle Recording Improvement Scheme, classification or other information may appear on the registration certificate or an accompanying classification or 10

11 performance certificate. 8.2 Alterations or Additions to Registration Certificates Any alteration or addition to the essential information or particulars officially recorded on any registration certificate, which has not been initialled by the General Manager of the Association, or any unauthorised endorsement or remark on such registration certificate bearing upon the essential information or particulars contained therein, shall render such certificate invalid. 8.3 Duplicate or Replacement of Birth Notification or Registration Certificate The Association may upon written application, accompanied by a statement by the applicant setting out all the relevant circumstances, issue a duplicate or replacement of any registration or birth notification certificate issued by the Association, which has been mislaid, mutilated or lost: Provided that such application shall be made by the person in whose name the animal concerned was last registered and upon payment of such fee as may be determined by the Council from time to time. 8.4 Cancellation of Birth Notification or Registration Certificates and Reinstatement of Animals The Council may direct the Breed Manager to apply to the Association for the cancellation of the registration of any animal which has (a) been registered by mistake; (b) been registered on the strength of false or fraudulent information supplied by the owner; (c) been registered after the owner has failed to comply with any relevant Bye-law; or (d) which failed to meet minimum breed standards as may be determined by the Council from time to time; and to notify the breeder or owner accordingly A birth notification or registration certificate of an animal issued by the Association shall be returned to the Society who will submit it to the Association for cancellation and/or endorsement within 60 days after its death, sale for slaughter, culling, castration, spaying or other circumstances requiring the certificate's cancellation or endorsement in terms of the Constitution of the Society or that of the Association All documents so returned for cancellation shall be suitably endorsed and kept by the Association for a period of six months, where after it shall be destroyed In the event of the birth or registration certificate of an animal having been cancelled, such animal may be reinstated in the records of the Association only on recommendation of the Society: Provided that the application for the reinstatement is made by the person who applied for the cancellation of the birth or registration certificate. The reinstatement of any such animal shall be effected upon payment of such fee as may be determined by the Council from time to time No progeny of an animal of which the registration has been cancelled shall be registered The Breed Manager shall notify the owner in writing at least 30 days prior to the cancellation of a registration certificate A member may apply to the Secretary for a certificate of extended pedigree in respect of an 11

12 animal and the Secretary shall apply to the Association to issue such a certificate. Every such an application shall be accompanied by the requisite fee as may be determined by Council from time to time. 9. HERD ASSESSMENT 9.1 Every member shall at the end of each calendar year furnish the Society with a record reflecting the number of animals at the age of 12 months and older registered in the member s name as at that date, reflecting details of names, registration numbers and tattoo marks of such animals. 9.2 A herd assessment fee in respect of each animal referred to in Bye-law 9.1, shall be levied and shall become due and payable annually as laid down by Council from time to time. 9.3 Should any member fail to timeously furnish the Society with the information as contemplated in Bye-law 9.1 the Council shall be entitled to calculate the fees to be levied on the basis of the number of animals of the relevant age registered in his name, and once such assessment has been communicated to the member by post or electronically the member shall be obliged to pay the full amount thereof for that particular year. 9.4 The Society shall not render any service in respect of an animal nor accept any of her progeny for registration for as long as the herd assessment due as long as the herd assessment is in arrears. 10. TRANSFER OF ANIMALS 10.1A change of ownership shall be deemed to have taken place when (a) an animal is sold, exchanged or donated; (b an animal is inherited; (c) a partnership of two or more persons collectively being a participant, is dissolved. (d) a male animal is registered jointly in the names of more than one owner and any one (or more) of such owners disposes of his share in the animal so registered or recorded or relinquishes his interest in the said registration or recording for any reason whatsoever Any seller who transfers sole ownership of an animal, or part ownership in a bull, shall within 30 days of the date of such transfer, furnish (a) the Society with the birth notification certificate or registration certificate of the animal concerned, with the details of the transfer duly completed on such certificate; and (b) the Society with the prescribed fee as may be determined by the Council from time to time: Provided that should such application be received by the Society more than 30 days, but within 60 days, or more than 60 days, but within 90 days after such transfer, the fees payable in respect of such transfer shall be respectively double and treble the prescribed transfer fee. Any application for such transfer received by the Society more than 90 days after such transfer, shall be accepted and dealt with by the Society subject to the payment of such fees as the Council may from time to time determine For the purpose of this Bye-law the date of transfer shall be deemed to be the date on which the animal left the possession of the seller or transferor. 12

13 10.4 If the animal to be transferred is: (a) a pregnant female, the seller shall furnish the Society with a certificate specifying the name, identification number and registration number of the bull by whom she was served together with the service date/s, or of the bull with whose semen she was inseminated, and the insemination date/s, whichever the case may be. The seller shall in addition furnish the buyer with a copy of such certificate; (b) a recipient dam, the application for transfer shall be accompanied by the pre-printed birth notification referred to in Bye-law 5.2 issued by the Association and other certificates in compliance with Bye-law Should for any reason whatsoever the seller or transferor completely fail or refuse to take any steps to effect such transfer, including failing or refusing to deliver the original birth notification certificate or registration certificate and should the buyer or transferee be willing to pay such fees as may be laid down by the Council, the Council may take such steps as it deems fit in order to effect the transfer No alteration to an already recorded transfer date, shall be effected unless an application to that effect, duly signed by the seller concerned, is made to the Association. 11. REFUSAL OF APPLICATIONS 11.1 In the case of progeny begotten from a dam mated to different males or inseminated with semen from different males at consecutive oestrus periods within 28 days, the Society shall request the Association to refuse registration unless the male parentage is confirmed by means of a DNA proven scientific method for confirming parentage accepted by the Association The Society may request the Association to refuse to accept applications from any person who has intentionally supplied false, inaccurate or misleading information or who has negligently failed to supply any information or particulars which it was his duty to supply within a reasonable time Whenever the Association has refused to accept applications from any person, the Society may, in addition, request the Association to cancel any or all previous entries made in the Herd Book on behalf of such person The Society shall not take any action under Bye-laws 11.2 and 11.3 except after an investigation by a commission consisting of the President and/or Vice-President and two other members appointed by the Council, and in accordance with the recommendation of that commission. 12. THE BREED STANDARDS AND THE GENERAL CONFORMATION FEATURES The Hereford is a fast growing, fertile beef breed of distinctive colour and markings. Breed standards identify the priorities of the Hereford and continuously aim at the long term improvement of the breed through effective breeding and selection policies which are regularly up-dated. The Hereford seeks its excellence in total functional efficiency. Conformation in the breed is 13

14 important in the sense that certain anatomical features are directly related to functional efficiency and economically viable traits. Amongst these traits the traditional colour and markings and the general conformation of the breed present the Hereford as a unique producer of beef and an excellent selling product. Functional efficiency of the Hereford is attained by the following priorities which are presented in order of importance together with the corresponding requirements and conformational features The colour of the Hereford is a special and distinctive feature. The coat is bright to dark red with a white head, brisket, underline, crest and switch and legs below the knees and hocks. Pigmentation around the eyes is very strongly favoured while albinism of the eyes and muzzle is undesirable The forehead of the Hereford is wide and symmetrical with the nostrils big and clean. The eyes are alert but not prominent and set well apart under a strong brow. The horns are oval and bend slightly down with a waxy texture and of greyish appearance but never dull white. Poll animals should have a prominent poll In males the shoulders and neck are heavy and muscular and wide between the scapulae (shoulder blades) with wide and deep front quarters and ample width in the sternum (brisket) region. The back is wide, strong and muscular in bulls and the ribs are well sprung. Bulls that are flat bodied with high and wide hips are strongly discriminated against In cows the abdominal capacity is large and the croup is wide and broad between the thurls with the pins slightly lower than the hips for easy calving. Cows are never fat and muscular. The scapulae are free moving along the dorsal spines of the vertebrae and this area is never heavy and fleshy The Hereford is not a sloping rump type and the tail setting which is free from fatty humps hangs straight between the hocks. In cows the tail switch is fine and silky but with coarse well developed hair in bulls All known heritable defects in the Hereford are listed and rigidly avoided. Included are dwarfism, short cannon bones and all degrees of compactness of the head together with defects like wry face, wry tail, over or undershot jaws, hernias, prolapses, defects of the genitalia etc., and particularly defects of the legs and hips. Defects of the sheath, prolapsed sheath, deviation of the penis, shortening of the penis and 14

15 incomplete protrusion in bulls are serious defects. In cows prolapse of the genitalia, horizontal or underdeveloped vulva and functional disturbances are serious defects. Udders are well developed and symmetrical and teats of normal size and shape. 13. FUNCTIONAL EFFICIENCY AND FITNESS To improve fertility and growth ability Hereford cattle are required to be fit and functionally efficient. This entails the ability to walk comfortably and with rhythm and ease even over long distances. Sound legs and feet and a strong back are highly desirable for these purposes. Splayed hoofs, corns, straight hocks, cow hocks, sickle hocks, weak pasterns or fetlocks, swollen joints or any deviation of front or hind legs during standing or during walking are undesirable. Front and hind legs are to be parallel and correctly placed when viewed respectively from the front or the back. 14. ADAPTABILITY The Hereford is exceptionally well adapted to intensive systems and feedlot production and it is known to be an excellent forager on more extensive range conditions. The temperament of the Hereford makes it ideally suited to trouble free management and it is a breed that takes readily, with little time to adapt, to all types of feed and range supplements. Climatologically Herefords have always been exceptionally well adapted to temperate regions and even to extremes of low temperature, while, in warmer and more tropical regions Herefords respond well to acclimatisation. The Hereford, therefore, can be employed in cross-breedings in most regions of the country. It is well documented and accepted that in Herefords, like in all other cattle breeds, sleek and smooth coated ness have positive adaptive significance in terms of environmental temperature and resistance to external parasites. Smooth coated ness and early hair shedding are therefore highly desirable characteristics in the Hereford. Pigmentation of the hide and hair again, protects against radiation and it is therefore strongly encouraged particularly in exposed and sensitive areas around the eyes, the hoofs etc. 15. CARCASS QUALITY The Hereford is an early maturing breed in which cognizance is duly taken of consumer demand for carcasses of low fat content. High cutability is required and consequently signs of wastiness are undesirable. These include full flanks, a heavy brisket and a fatty tail setting. The state at which carcass maturity is reached is consequently somewhat delayed to a higher age. This also brings about that adult size of the Hereford is somewhat increased. These adaptive changes are accepted in the Hereford as desirable. However, they are not to be pursued as primary objectives and particularly not at the cost of higher priorities of fertility, growth 15

16 ability and general functional efficiency. Good muscling and particularly muscular definition in bulls are highly desirable features of the Hereford. Reference points for muscling are well developed forearms and outer thighs below the patella (Stifle joint). Hereford females are not heavily muscled because it is known that well muscled and heavy females are rarely regular breeders. The thurls and brisket region are wide and hind and front legs are straight. 16. FERTILITY/REPRODUCTION 16.1 Heifers are required to calve early according to the respective environments where herds are kept. They are also expected to conceive during a shorter breeding season than adult cows so that heifers of low fertility can be identified A Heifer must calve before or at the age of 39 months (1187) days for the first time All cases of dystocia (difficult birth) are to be recorded against the animals concerned Optimal birth weights to avoid dystocia are to be identified for the Hereford breed and are not to be exceeded in stud bulls Mature Hereford cows are expected to calve annually, without assistance and to produce and rear strong and healthy calves The minimum number of calves a cow must produce by a certain age is noted in the table below Age of dam 3 years 3 months Min. No. Calves 1 Max. Average ICP (Days) 5 years 3 months 6 years 3 months 8 years 3 months years 3 months 11 years 3 months 12 years 3 months 14 years 3 months 15 years 3 months 17 years 3 months A cow must rear at least two of any three consecutive calves up to weaning. (For this purpose, a weaning weight recorded on Intergis will serve as proof that a calf was reared up to weaning) Any calving interval may not exceed 26 months (790 days) A cow may wean not more than two calves with a weaning index below 90. Once a cow has 16

17 weaned three (3) calves with an index below 90 she will be culled. 17. GESTATION AND INTERCALVING PERIODS 17.1 The gestation period shall be 283 days. The minimum acceptable gestation period shall be 262 days, and the maximum period shall be 304 days The minimum period between the dates of birth of two successive calves out of one cow (intercalving period) shall be 266 days Any gestation or intercalving periods outside these ranges shall not be recognised unless the parentage of the calf concerned is confirmed by a DNA profile Calving interval may not exceed 26 months (790) days maximum. 18. CONFORMATION IN RELATION TO FERTILITY Obesity (over fatness) and oversize in heifers and in cows are to be avoided. Cows are expected to be feminine in appearance without fleshiness in the neck and withers. In females good capacity in terms of abdominal circumference is desirable so that the body profile (with points (a), (b) and (c) in mind) is distinctly wedge shaped towards the front. Early hair shedding at the beginning of summer and sleekness of the coat are highly favoured characteristics in the Hereford. It is an indication that animals thrive well in their particular environment and on their nutritional regime and that normal hormonal and metabolic functions are in operation. Visual sexual characteristics in both cows and bulls are strongly favoured. In cows a feminine appearance, slim forequarters free from fleshiness and excessive fat deposits in the brisket and over the withers are favoured together with a clean tail setting and good capacity and a wedge shaped body profile. Bulls should exhibit strong masculine characteristics with well defined muscling, heavy in the neck and forequarters with strong well conformed legs and feet and they should be fit, alert and active. Over fatness in bulls should at all times be avoided. All bulls are required to have good libido, to produce fertile sperm and to be able to serve cows with comfort. Testicles are to be well developed, absolutely symmetrical and normal on inspection. Minimum scrotal circumference is to be identified for age and taken into consideration in the selection of bulls. Hypoplasia (under development) of the testicles, twisted testicles, asymmetry, hardening or softening with or without enlargement of the testicles or epididymi or any form of abnormality of the penis or sheath are to be discriminated against very strongly. Every effort should be made to select only bulls that were strong at birth and that were born without assistance. In addition bulls that sire calves that are heavy at birth should be identified and used with great discretion. Males and females that are born with difficulty are to be regarded as undesirable. 19. GROWTH ABILITY Growth ability is the second most important priority in the standards of excellence of the 17

18 Hereford. Growth ability cannot be identified with any degree of accuracy by conformational features of sires, dams or calves. Records consequently are employed to identify this important trait in the Hereford. No animal shall be accepted for registration or recording if it has been treated with hormonal growth stimulants. Such practices shall be considered prejudicial to the interests of the Society. Calves are to be strong and healthy at birth and they should attain desirable weaning weights and/or indexes. This indicates milking ability of the dam as well as the inherent growth ability of the calf. The latter is inherited in equal proportions from the sire and the dam of the calf. Selection for desirable weaning weights therefore improves these traits but this is not to be sought at the expense of fertility. Weaning weight, twelve month, and/or 18 month weights are to be recorded as important parameters of growth ability. Likewise ADG, ADA and FCR are highly important parameters and all breeders are expected to be acquainted with the relative importance and with the improvement of bulls and particularly stud bulls in their herds. Wean Indices are required for the purpose of inspection. The entire remaining group must be inspected together. The wean index is compulsory for all groups and for individual animals unless a valid reason, as accepted by Council, is provided. In such cases the year and 18 month indices must be presented. In cases where the animal was not weighed at the age of 12 months, the wean and 18 month indices will be acceptable HEIFERS In cases where heifers are inspected before the age of 18 months, the wean and 12 month indices will be acceptable. The minimum indexes for heifers are : Minimum wean index of 85 Minimum 12 month index of 85 Minimum 18 month index of BULLS Bulls tested in Phase B : Minimum weight of 300 kg at time of inspection Minimum wean index of 85 Minimum 12 month index of 85 Minimum 18 month index of 85 The scrotum circumference of Phase B bulls is not officially measured. The inspector may measure the scrotum circumference and use the standards below as guidelines. (A breeder may measure bulls' scrotums at 18 months of age and submit measurements together with 18 month old weights) 18

19 Minimum scrotum circumference : Body weight Minimum scrotum circumference 300 to 349 kg 29cm 350 to 399 kg 30cm 400 to 449 kg 31cm 450 to 499 kg 32cm 500 to 549 kg 33cm 550 kg and over 34cm Bulls tested in Phases C1, C2, C3, D1, D2 and D3 : Minimum wean index of 85 Minimum ADG (Average daily gain) index of 85 Minimum feed conversion ratio index of 85 (Phase C only) Minimum scrotum circumference : Bodyweight-corrected (to standard of 425 kg body weight) scrotum circumference of 305mm. All rejected bulls from Phases B, C & D as well as bulls not submitted for inspection, must be castrated or slaughtered immediately TRAITLEADERS Bulls complying with requirements as set by the Breed Society, which can be used to improve certain traits in the herds. Roughly 10% of bulls are Trait Leaders. To qualify as a trait leader, animals should comply with the limitations as in the table. Trait leaders for proven sires as well as young bulls are identified. Requirements for trait leaders : Trait leader for : Birth direct Wean direct Wean maternal Yearling weight 18 Months weight ADG FCR Kleiber Height Length Scrotum EBV <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 EBV >11 >11 >8 >8 >8 >8 >8 >8 >8 >8 >8 EBV for Trait >15 >13 >15 >80 <-47 >200 >20 >25 >3 20. CONFORMATIONAL FEATURES AND GROWTH ABILITY All Herefords, males and females are to be entirely free from heritable defects. Optimal growth rates are to be attained through balanced feeding but not at the cost of over fatness. Over fatness 19

20 predisposes to fertility problems and erosion losses and is consequently to be avoided. Good muscling and weight are desirable characteristics in bulls but not in females. It has been proven beyond any doubt that mature cows that are fertile and calve regularly and that wean calves of desirable weaning indexes are never heavy and muscular. Body reserves, even at high or optimal body condition that is required for the maintenance of fertility and desirable levels of milk production. 21. SERVICE AND INSEMINATION CERTIFICATES AND JOINT OWNERSHIP OF SIRES 21.1 Service or Insemination Certificates If a pregnant animal, registered or eligible for registration, is sold, the seller shall supply the buyer with a service (natural mating) or an insemination certificate (artificial insemination) Such certificate must state the name and registered number of the sire, the name and registered number of the dam concerned, and the date of service or insemination In the case of the exact service date being unknown, the service certificate must state the period during which the dam concerned was running with the sire indicated and further that such dam could not have been served by any other sire during such period. 21.2Joint Ownership of Sires In the case of joint ownership of sires the full name and address of each joint owner must be on record with the Association If a breeder allows the use of his sire or sires by a fellow breeder, the applicable stipulations in the Act and( this Bye-law) the Bye-laws shall be adhered to. 22. RULES GOVERNING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION Artificial insemination (A.I.) is the process of collecting sperm cells from a male animal and manually depositing them into the reproductive tract of a female. The Society will control the practice of A.I. in Hereford herds in accordance with the stipulation of the Livestock Improvement Act of All Herefords which have been legally begotten through artificial insemination shall be eligible for registration: Provided that all requirements of the Constitution and the Bye-Laws have mutatis mutandis been complied with BULLS LICENCED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SEMEN SALES OR TRADING Nominated bulls, with acceptable genetic potential, will be researched by the Breed Advisory Committee appointed by the Council in respect of: Own performance Ancestral performance General performance 20

21 Progeny performance, where applicable Percentile Table Bulls must be registered as AI bulls by Council if their semen is sold, traded or donated Irrespective of the provisions of Bye-law 22.1, where different sires are used for the supply of semen for the artificial insemination of the same female at two consecutive heat periods less than 28 days apart, no resultant progeny shall be eligible for registration unless the male parentage has been confirmed by a DNA proven scientific method of confirming parentage The Society reserves the right through its officers to supervise and/or inspect the keeping of records in connection with the practice of artificial insemination by its members The Society and the Association reserve the right to refuse to register the progeny resulting from artificial insemination should any of these rules or the provisions of the Act not be fully adhered to Breeders domiciled in those countries outside South Africa who enjoy the privileges of registration of animals under the provisions of the Constitution, may apply for registration of progeny begotten by artificial insemination: Provided that the semen is obtained from a source approved by the Society, and provided further that the collection of semen, the handling thereof, the insemination of the animals and the maintenance of records shall be effected in such a manner as may be duly approved by the Society from time to time The Society confirms that, subject to the provisions of the Act, breeders shall have the right to collect the semen of their own sires for use on their own or other animals, and progeny resulting from the use of such semen shall be eligible for registration: Provided that (a) complete details of the sire concerned and the sale of the semen have been submitted to the Society; and (b) the official DNA laboratory number of the sire has been submitted to the Society The following table depict the minimum reproduction standards for the dam of an AI bull : Age of dam successive calvings 3 years Min. No. Calves Max. ICP (Days) between 1 4 years 3 months 5 years 6 months 6 years 9 months years 9 years 3 months 10 years 6 months 11 years 9 months 13 years 14 years 3 months

22 The minimum BLUP breeding values of the candidate AI bull for traits of economic importance will be governed by the Breed Percentile Table and will be as follows : Trait EBV Birth weight (direct) Percentile (top) 60 (lighter) Weaning weight Direct 50 (Heavier) Weaning weight Maternal 60 (Heavier) Yearling or 18 Month weight or ADG 60 (Heavier) +16.4(18); 42 (ADG) Mature weight 5-95 Scrotum Circumference 60 (bigger) Values on Nov kg +8.9kg +1.0kg (Y); between -11 and +45kg 2.1mm Evaluation procedure for A.I. Bull Step 1 : Breeder Step 2 : Office Step 3 : Office Step 4 : Selector Step 5 : Step 6 : Step 7 : Step 8 : Step 9 : Step 10: Step 11: Step 12: Office Breeder Centre Office Office Office Office Centre Identification of potential A.I. bull. Application for registration to the Breeders' Society office. Collates necessary information. Information forwarded to the Breed Advisory Committee Chairman. Appointment of Selectors. Furnish Selectors with necessary performance data and breeding values. Visual inspection of bull on the farm. Discuss differences/recommendations with breeder. Advise breeder if process may continue. AI Centre/Vet/Technician compiles reproduction report. Reproduction report is forwarded to office. Technical Committee evaluate result of report. Approval as AI bull by Committee. Flag all traits outside guidelines. Approval is confirmed with AI Centre. Semen may be collected. 23. IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF ANIMALS, SEMEN OR OVA 23.1 Applications to import or export animals, semen or ova shall, in terms of the Livestock Improvement Act of 1998 as amended, be submitted in duplicate, on forms available from the Registrar, to the Society, together with the prescribed fee and the Society shall forward one copy together with its recommendation thereto, and the required documents reflecting the details referred to in Bye-law 23.2,to the Registrar The Council shall determine minimum performance, other requirements and conditions for the importation and exportation of animals,semen and ova in terms of clause 9(bb) of the Constitution, and no such importation or exportation shall be recommended to the Registrar by the soceity, unless the said requirements are complied with. 22

23 Applications for the importation of semen, which are strictly limited to the stud breeders, must be certified by the breeder and,if applicable, by the mandated importing organisation, to be used exclusively in stud herds. All documentation must full fill the requirements as defined in Clause 23 of the Bye-laws and any other conditions laid down by Council from time to time. 24. IMPORTATION OF SEMEN Bulls, to be nominated as possible semen importation candidates for stud breeding purposes, with acceptable genetic potential will be researched by a committee appointed by the Council in respect of : Own performance Ancestral performance General appearance Progeny performance where applicable EBV s Percentile table Hypotrichosis negative (bovine hairless) Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE) negative must be genotype In order for such a bull to qualify as AI bull for the importation of semen to be used in South Africa the percentile tables of the country of origin shall be used as a means to consider his suitability. The same minimum percentile criteria used in terms of the local AI bulls will serve as the guideline. Traits considered will be the same as those measured (defined) in South Africa or similar (eg 200 days weight for weaning weight; "milk" for wean maternal, etc.). The importation of semen for commercial use is closed but will be reconsidered on an annual basis EXCEPTIONS With written motivation on the inspection (or applicable) form animals that do not meet the requirements of Minimum Breed Standards/AI and semen importation requirements may in exceptional cases be approved by the inspector/council PROGENY The Breeders' Society may cancel the registration of an AI bull or withdraw the import permit of a bull if the performance of the progeny is not satisfactory. 25. RULES GOVERNING THE COLLECTION OF OVA/EMBRYOS AND INOVULATION OF HEREFORDS AND EMBRYO TRANSFER (E.T) 25.1 All Herefords which have been legally begotten as result of inovulation in accordance with the Livestock Improvement Act of 1998 as amended shall be eligible for registration provided that 23

24 The Constitution has mutatis mutandis been complied with; Parentage has in each instance been verified by DNA or by a scientific method for confirming parentage accepted by the Association; All the following documents are submitted within 90 days of inovulation the duly completed certificate of inovulation (Document 2291); the certificates reflecting the DNA laboratory numbers of the ovum donor and semen donor (Document 2291); and a certificate by a veterinarian to the effect that the collection of ova and the inovulation was done in accordance with the Act as amended (Document 2291); the birth notification of the resultant progeny is accompanied by a certificate reflecting the DNA laboratory numbers of both the ovum recipient (document 2291) and the progeny; and confirming that the stated ovum and semen donors qualify as parents of the progeny; both the semen donor and the ovum donor had been approved for such purpose by the Society, who shall also have the right to limit the number of Herefords to be eligible for registration or recording, resulting from the ova of any one ovum donor; the registration or recording of progeny resulting from inovulation shall be subjected to any requirements of the Society for the time being in force, regarding inspection and/or performance DONOR COWS Application must be made in writing to the Breeders' Society, submitting ID numbers of prospective donor cows, which must conform to Minimum Breed Standards and have a good visual point and have an above average performance record RECIPIENT COWS Permanent identification is compulsory as well as complete records of cows and their foster calves. Hereford-type cows are recommended. Breeders should endeavour to have recipient cows calve during normal calving season PROGENY The Society reserves the right through its officers to supervise and/or inspect the keeping of records in connection with the practice of collecting ova or inovulation. Breeders resident in those territories outside the RSA who enjoy the privileges of registration of Herefords under the provisions of the Act, may apply for registration or recording of progeny begotten as result of inovulation, provided the fertilized ova are obtained from a source approved by the Society from time to time. If a Hereford from which ova have been collected for the purpose of inovulation, is sold, the seller of such Hereford shall furnish the new owner thereof with a certificate in which 24

25 shall be indicated that ova of such Hereford have prior to such sale been so collected, and he shall also furnish the Society with a copy of such certificate. The Society reserves the right to refuse to register or record the progeny resulting from inovulation should any of these rules not be fully adhered to IMPORTED OVUM/EMBRYOS The birth notification of progeny resulting from an imported ovum/embryo must, also be accompanied by a certificate issued by a recognised competent body in the country or origin of the name, identification and registration numbers of the ova and semen donors; of the date and place of the insemination and collection; 26. INSPECTION AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS 26.1 Minimum standards Minimum inspection and performance standards, as prerequisites for registration, shall be determined by the Council from time to time. Visual Appraisal The emphasis is on the functional appearance of the animal. The inspector will determine whether the defect warrants culling the animal. Animals with congenital defects must be culled. Type and Colour Animals must conform to the standards approved by council from time to time Inspections and Duties of Inspectors All animals should be inspected for registration subject to the breeder concerned, being a participant in the National Beef Cattle Recording Improvement Scheme (Phases A & B) or such other scheme in operation in the Territory as the Council may determine to be of equal standing. The inspector will be nominated by the Council Council will appoint inspectors to inspect all animals eligible for registration and shall satisfy themselves that the age, identification, and other details as appearing on the said application or certificate are correct and correspond with the animal offered for inspection. Furthermore, they shall satisfy themselves that the animal conforms in all aspects to the minimum inspection and performance standards as determined by the Council All animals must be inspected and approved between the ages of 12 and 36 months in order to be eligible for registration, except in the case of imported animals where no age limit shall apply. During an inspection all young bulls or heifers of the same age and same performance tested group must be placed before the inspector simultaneously as a group. The inspectors are empowered to use their discretion in holding any particular animal over for inspection during their next visit in which case the maximum age referred to above shall not apply Inspectors acting on the instructions of the Council may at any time, without previous notice, carry out a general inspection of any breeder's herd. 25

26 Any breeder dissatisfied with an inspector's decision may lodge a written appeal to the Breed Manager within three weeks after the inspection. Such appeal must be accompanied by a deposit of an amount as prescribed by Council from time to time. A board of appeal appointed by the Council shall then re-inspect the animal or animals in question, and if the appeal is upheld, the relevant deposit shall be refunded less expenses incurred by the Council Except in cases referred to in Bye-law , timeous notice shall be given to breeders of an intended visit by an inspector Special inspections can only be carried out by permission of the Council if such inspectors are available and if the applicant agrees to pay the fees payable in respect of special inspections as laid down by the Council from time to time Inspectors may in addition to the inspections referred to above, perform other duties with the approval of the Council, including: (a) classification or grading of animals upon application by the breeder concerned at a fee determined by the Council from time to time; and (b) demonstrations and lectures at farmers' days or judges' courses Inspectors employed by the Society may not accept instructions from members or nonmembers to negotiate the buying or selling of animals nor may they accept any commission arising from sales or purchases of animals: Provided that breeders who are appointed as inspectors shall not be subject to this rule No breeder shall act as an inspector of his own animals A R50-00 breed promotion levy will be applicable on all successful classifications Invoicing for inspections will be as follows: The breeder selects the inspector of his choice, the inspector submits his account to the S.A. Hereford office.( mileage travelled and number of animals inspected). The office adds 10% to the amount (for the Society), and the amount per kilometre (R3.50). The office pays the inspector and recovers the fees from the breeder. If an inspector s account did not reach the office within 30 days of inspections, the inspector s claim is forfeited LINEAR CLASSIFICATION - TRAITS AND SCORES SKIN & COAT 1. HAIR COURSENESS (Note: Season sensitive trait) Definition: The average coarseness of the hair of an animal. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely course 2 Very course 3 Moderately course 26

27 Slightly course Intermediate Slightly fine Moderately fine Very fine Extremely fine 2. SCROTUM PIGMENTATION Definition: The degree of pigmentation of the scrotum skin. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 None (0%) 2 Very poor (±13%) 3 Moderately poor (±25%) 4 Slightly poor (±38%) 5 Intermediate (±50%) 6 Slightly good (±63%) 7 Moderately good (±75%) 8 Very good (±88%) 9 Complete/overall (±100%) 3. EYELID PIGMENTATION RIGHT EYE Definition: The general degree of pigmentation of the right eye s eyelids. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 None (0%) 2 Very poor (±13%) 3 Moderately poor (±25%) 4 Slightly poor (±38%) 5 Intermediate (±50%) 6 Slightly good (±63%) 7 Moderately good (±75%) 8 Very good (±88%) 9 Complete/overall (±100%) 4. EYELID PIGMENTATION LEFT EYE Definition: The general degree of pigmentation of the left eye s eyelids. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 None (0%) 2 Very poor (±13%) 3 Moderately poor (±25%) 4 Slightly poor (±38%) 5 Intermediate (±50%) 6 Slightly good (±63%) 7 Moderately good (±75%) 27

28 8 9 Very good (±88%) Complete/overall (±100%) HEAD 5. EYEBROW-RIDGE PROTRUSION Definition: The distance the eyebrow-ridge protrudes over the eye. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely small/flat 2 Very small 3 Moderately small 4 Slightly small 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly large 7 Moderate large 8 Very large 9 Extremely large/overhanging 6. EYELASH ANGLE Definition: The angle formed by the eyelash and a horizontal line. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely upwards 2 Very upwards 3 Moderately upwards 4 Slightly upwards 5 Intermediate/level 6 Slightly downwards 7 Moderately downwards 8 Very downwards 9 Extremely downwards FRAME & MUSCLING 7. FRAME SIZE Definition: The vertical distance from the top of the hip bone to the ground surface. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely small/dwarf 2 Very small 3 Moderately small 4 Slightly small 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly large 7 Moderately large 8 Very large 9 Extremely large 28

29 8. OVERALL MUSCLING Definition: The degree of overall muscling of an animal, using the forearm muscle, vatus lateralis ( skilpadspier ) and eye muscle as reference points. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely poor 2 Very poor 3 Moderately poor 4 Slightly poor 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly good 7 Moderately good 8 Very good 9 Extremely good/over-muscled LEGS & HOOVES 9. FRONT LEGS FRONT VIEW PERPENDICULARITY Definition:The front legs perpendicularity as viewed from the front. The vertical line extending from the tip of the shoulder to the ground must divide all leg areas in half. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely twisted outwards/bandy legged 2 Very twisted outwards/bandy legged 3 Moderate twisted outwards/bandy legged 4 Slightly twisted outwards/bandy legged 5 Intermediate/Perpendicular 6 Slightly twisted inwards/x-legged 7 Moderate twisted inwards/x-legged 8 Very twisted inwards/x-legged 9 Extremely twisted inwards/x-legged /knock knees 10. HOCK ANGLE (side view) Definition: The angle formed between the upper and lower limbs of the hind leg at the hock, viewed from the side of an animal. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely straight hocks 2 Very straight hocks 3 Moderate straight hocks 4 Slightly straight hocks 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly sickle hocks 7 Moderate sickle hocks 8 Very sickle hocks 9 Extremely sickle hocks 29

30 11. HOCKS ALIGNMENT (rear view) Definition: The horizontal angle formed between the centre lines of the hind legs (hocks), viewed from the rear of an animal. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely toed out/cow hocks 2 3 Very toed out 4 5 Moderate toed out 6 7 Slightly toed out 8 9 Parallel feet/no toe out 12. PASTERNS ANGLE Definition: The angle formed between the back wall of the hoof and the ground surface. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely upright 2 Very upright 3 Moderate upright 4 Slightly upright 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly sagging 7 Moderate sagging 8 Very sagging 9 Extremely sagging 13. BODY CAPACITY/ BARREL VOLUME (Please note: This is a combined, non-linear trait) Definition: A combination of a number of traits, including sprung of ribs/barrel width, barrel depth and barrel length, describing an animal s barrel volume. SCORE DESCRIPTION Extremely small 2 Very small 3 Moderate small 4 Slightly small 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly large 7 Moderate large 8 Very large 9 Extremely large 30

31 14. CONSTITUTION/ADAPTEDNESS (Please note: This is a combined, non-linear trait) Definition: A combination of a number of traits, including relative condition, describing how well an animal is adapted to the environment. SCORE DESCRIPTION 1 Extremely poor 2 Very poor 3 Moderate poor 4 Slightly poor 5 Intermediate 6 Slightly good 7 Moderate good 8 Very good 9 Extremely good/excellent 26.4 INSPECTION* REASONS: * Please Note: Inspection Reasons can be recorded for any animal, irrespective if the animal was rejected or approved. (This is the reason why it is called Inspection Reasons and not Rejection Reasons). A maximum of 5 Inspection Reasons can be recorded per animal. CODE DESCRIPTION SCROTUM FRAME PIGMENTATION EYELASHES EYEBROW FORE LEGS (FRONT VIEW) COAT SCROTUM PIGMENTATION HIND LEGS (REAR VIEW) HIND LEGS (SIDE VIEW) PASTERNS MUSCLING CONSTITUTION CAPACITY OFF TYPE MASCULINITY FEMININITY TEMPERAMENT HOLLOW BACK (SWAY-BACK) UNDERSHOT JAW 31

32 SKEWED FACE LONG SHEATH BAD UDDER DEVIL S-GRIP 26.5 SOUTH AFRICAN HEREFORD SELECTION MANUAL i. Hind Legs (side view) Correct hind leg set is of the utmost importance to prevent the premature end to the productive life of a bovine. Too much set to the hocks (sickle hocks) and the hooves will wear unevenly resulting in long toes, not enough set (post legged) and the shock absorbing quality of the hocks is adversely affected resulting in excessive strain on the pasterns and other joints making the animal more prone to arthritis and laminitis later in life. The bull needs adequate set to his hocks to prevent the hocks from hyper extending during the final thrust in the joining process and needs to be able to move freely to cover as much ground as possible following cows during the breeding season without breaking down. In turn the cow needs to be able to support the weight of the bull during mating as well as carry the extra weight during pregnancy while raising a calf and hustling for forage. Correct set to the hocks will result in a free moving flowing gait while too much set will result in the hind feet overstepping the tracks of the front feet often causing the animal to walk with a roach back. In the case of post legged animals the gait will be short and awkward with the hind feet stepping short of the tracks made by the front feet. Obviously body length of the animal will also play a role in this regard. On the intermediate scale correct set to the hocks will score 5, if there is too much set the score will be higher in the direction of 9, while post legged animals will get a lower score in the direction of 1. ii. Hind Legs (rear view) Correct hind legs when viewed from the rear have the hocks pointing directly backwards, if the hocks point to each other it is called cow hocks and when the hocks point outwards away from each other the animal is bandy legged. Incorrect hock angles make the animal more prone to hip and stifle injuries and can shorten the animal s productive life. The condition of the animal also plays a role in this regard and animals in lean condition and especially lean, growing, yearling heifers have a tendency to be slightly cow hocked. If this condition was caused by low body condition the animal will outgrow it with added weight and condition. If the problem is structural the animal won t outgrow the condition and it will get worse with age and weight. Correct hocks will score a mark of 5 while cow hocks will get a higher mark in the direction of 9. Bandy legged animals will get a lower score in the direction of 1. 32

33 iii. Front Legs (front) When seen from the front the front legs must come from the corners of the body straight to the ground with the hooves pointing directly forward. If the front legs have an X-shape the hooves will tend to splay outwards. If the front legs are bandy shaped the animal will tend to be pigeon toed. Incorrect front leg structure is usually the result of a structural fault higher up, most likely in the shoulders. Correct front legs get a score of 5 on the intermediate scale with X-legs getting a higher score in the direction of 9. Bandy legs get a lower score in the direction of 1. iv. Pasterns (rear and front) Correct pasterns are essential in the shock absorbing quality of the bovine when walking. If there is too much set to the pasterns (weak pasterns) the hooves won t wear correctly resulting in long toes and added strain to other joints. Too little set will result in lower shock absorbing ability and blocky hooves, again adding strain to other joints. The angle the structurally correct pastern form with the ground is approximately 45 degrees. On the intermediate scale the correct pastern score a mark of 5 while the weak pastern score a higher mark in the direction of 9. Very upright pasterns score a lower mark in the direction of 1. 33

34 c. Quantifying Traits i. Scrotum Circumference The scrotum circumference is measured in the free hanging scrotum at the widest point. The minimum measurement at 12 months is 28 cm. ii. Frame The frame of the animal is measured by measuring the distance from the ground to the top line of the animal at the hip. iii. Pigment (scrotum) The percentage pigment on the scrotum is estimated. iv. Pigment (eyes) The percentage pigment around each eye is estimated individually and recorded. v. Weight A current empty stomach weight is recorded. 34

35 2. Selecting and Culling a. Bull i. Masculinity The level of testosterone in the bloodstream determines to which extent secondary masculine traits are expressed. High levels of testosterone is highly correlated to scrotal circumference, sperm count and -quality and thus also to bull fertility as well as the age of puberty in the bull s daughters. By selecting highly fertile, masculine bulls you are indirectly also selecting for early puberty and fertility in the heifers retained for replacements. A bull should have a broad masculine head expressing breed character with a wide muzzle for efficient grazing, a thick well extended neck with a prominent crest (neck vein) and vertical skin folds on the neck with darker hair coloration on the forequarter and neck and lower hindquarter. Show ring standards of yesteryear also suggested that the distance between the eyes should be equal to the distance from the level of the eyes to the top of the poll and also from the level of the eyes to the muzzle. The shoulders must be masculine, but not coarse. A bull calf should express masculine traits from an early age and should not look like a steer. 35

36 ii. Conformation The modern SA Hereford bull is a well muscled medium- to medium early maturing animal free of excessive fatty waste. He is long bodied with medium bone and a medium frame. The muscle should be a soft, long, high yielding muscle carrying down low to the gaskins with a well developed loin and a strong level top line ending in a long hip with just a slight slope from hooks to pins. The bull should have good spring of rib and capacity with a deep wide chest floor carrying the width from end to end. When seen from behind the bull should be wide between the pins with a wide stance with the widest point at the stifle. The outer and inner thighs must be well developed with the bull resembling an upside down horseshoe when seen from behind. The legs should be on the four corners of the body and structurally sound. The hair coat should be soft and slick and not curly and coarse. 36

37 iii. Testes and Sheath The testes should be symmetrical with well developed epididimi at the bottom. The testes should be free from twists and of good size and should hang on the same level. The scrotum should have a strong attachment with a prominent neck and a fine silky hair cover. Pigmented scrotums are preferred over non-pigmented scrotums. The sheath should be small and tight to the body at a forward angle. The sphincter at the opening of the sheath must be strong and the bull should have control over his prepuce. A lazy dangling prepuce should be discriminated against as grass seeds or burrs that make their way in between the penis and the sheath can cause a severe infection usually ending the reproductive life of the bull. iv. Bone The SA Hereford is a medium bone breed, excessively heavy bone should be avoided as it may lead to dystocia. Fine bone should also be avoided as it lacks the surface area for muscle attachment. The same apply for cows. 37

38 26.6 Kleurstandaarde Kleurpatrone en raskarakter van Herefords Dit het onder die raad se aandag gekom dat daar al meer diere gebore word wat nie die tradisionele kleurpatrone en Hereford raskarakter vertoon nie. Indien daar van die af-tipe diere op veilings aangebied word sal dit onnodige kontroversie veroorsaak en sodoende die integriteit van SA Hereford onder verdenking plaas. Afwykings van die tradisionele kleurpatrone en raskarakter is moontlik as gevolg van seleksie druk vir meer oogpigment of moontlik as gevolg van n invloed van buite die ras, (wetend of on-wetend). Dit is dan juis die laasgenoemde wat n probleem veroorsaak en die ras se integriteit skade kan aandoen en selfs regsimplikasies kan hê. Na baie navorsing gedoen is oor presies wat die rasstandaarde in terme van kleurpatrone behels, beide in Suid-Afrika en oorsee, is die volgende riglyne saamgestel vir keurders en telers. Kleurstandaarde van SA Herefords Die konsensus uit die huidige rasstandaarde, asook verskeie ander publikasies is dit eens dat die Hereford is n middelrooi bees met n witkop, -onderlyn, -voete, -stertkwas en nek van net agter 38

39 die kroon tot by die skouers, is. n Vlek in die gesig, swart hare en n gespikkelde neusspieel, is ongewens, maar nie noodwendig n diskwalifikasie nie. Die aanwesigheid van die diluter- geen word gesien as n genetiese defek en is wel n diskwalifikasie. Die kleurpatrone in die onderstaande diagram dui moontlike variasies aan soos deur die jare aangeteken en gedokumenteer. 39