NBGEN BREEDING PROGRAM

At NBGen, our breeding program is built around one clear goal: producing practical, high-performing cattle that work in real Queensland production systems.

We breed cattle that calve easily, grow efficiently and meet market specs, without asking for extra inputs or special treatment. Everything we do is focused on commercial performance and long-term profitability for our clients.

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Our Approach

We don’t chase extremes or short-term trends. Instead, we focus on:

• Proven genetics

• Measured performance

• Structural soundness

• Fertility and longevity

We continually assess what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements can be made. Only genetics that perform consistently under commercial conditions make it through our system.

Trial work stays in the stud. Only proven bulls go into commercial paddocks.

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A Whole-of-Chain Focus

While we breed bulls for cow/calf producers, we keep the entire production chain in mind, from joining right through to carcase performance. That means making decisions that balance:

• Calving ease

• Growth and efficiency

• Feed conversion

• Carcase yield and quality

Not every producer runs the full chain, but genetics that perform at every stage tend to perform well anywhere.

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Phase 1: Genetic Selection

Genetic selection is where everything starts, and where mistakes are hardest to undo.

We place a strong emphasis on discipline at this stage. Decisions are measured, reviewed and backed by data, but always checked against what we see in the paddock. Bulls must prove themselves here before they’re ever offered for sale.

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Phase 2: Cow/Calf Performance

For cow/calf producers, the most important measure is simple: live calves on the ground.

NBGen bulls are selected for:

• Calving ease

• Moderate birth weights

• Early growth

Once the calf is on the ground, we want them growing quickly and efficiently. Our aim is strong 200-day growth, with calves capable of reaching around 300kg under commercial conditions.

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Phase 3: Backgrounding

Through the backgrounding phase, the focus remains on:

• Consistent weight gain

• Efficient feed conversion

The aim is to have cattle reaching 450–500kg by around 400 days, setting them up for whichever market they’re headed toward.

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Phase 4: Feedlot Performance

Where cattle enter a feedlot program, we want them arriving young, settled and ready to perform. Genetics are selected with the capacity to convert feed efficiently and finish on time, rather than chasing weight late.

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Phase 5: Carcase Outcomes

At the end of the chain, performance must still stack up.

We focus on genetics that deliver:

• Strong dressing percentages

• Minimal trim

• Reliable carcase quality

From a meat science perspective, we place value on cattle that prioritise intramuscular fat deposition. This supports eating quality while avoiding unnecessary waste and inefficiency.

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The Cow Herd Matters

Our breeding program only works if our females perform.

Cows are:

• Joined on a tight 60-day joining window

• Expected to re-join promptly after calving

• Culled if they don’t meet the standard, no exceptions

Milk is managed carefully. We aim for moderation, ensuring cows can raise a good calf without carrying unnecessary maintenance costs.

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Structure, Soundness and Experience

All bulls are independently structurally assessed. Any issues are removed from the system.

Beyond the data, generational experience plays a major role. Some traits can only be recognised through years of breeding, handling and watching cattle perform in different seasons and conditions.

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Always Learning, Always Improving

Like any good cattle operation, we keep our eyes up. We know there’s always more to learn, and we’re constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, fertility and performance, without losing sight of what works on the ground.

That mindset is what drives the NBGen's breeding program forward.