J.O

A.G of 23/11/2009:

Extracts from the cattle census of Groupe Gascon

Easy calvings at 99%

Calving graph

99% of all calvings and 98% of heifer calvings were unaided or had minimal assistance. These result show good management of the MH gene within the breed, which has not affected the progressive improvement in the average DM (Muscular Development) of the bulls assessed each year. Choosing bulls which have good conformation but do not carry the MH gene is a priority for breeders.

Review Gascon-plus

Sales resume a normal throughput with over 500 breeding stock of which over 80% were "Gascon Plus".

Destinations; 50% were exported, mainly to Spain and the Czech Republic. Locally, Ariege is the main destination, followed by Aude and Tarn.

Despite the crisis, the average sale price for bulls from the station has increased by 3% - the quality generates demand.. 

More than 320 farm visits

were made by Groupe Gascon during the last season. This priority of a presence on farm will be strengthened in 2010. The employees and the Administrative Council discussed and defined the priorities for action (cf. Morale report).

Storage ands analysis of DNA

The Administrative Council voted to pay for the entire cost of DNA storage and analysis. The breeder does not bear the cost (cf. genomique p. 4)

Obituaries

(GB)

Robin GAMBLE, well-known English Gascon breeder left us on 18 December. Groupe Gascon shares the grief of his family and the breeders of the Gascon Cattle Society.