Wimbledon against Danone if I summarizedMorzine seems more affected by the crisisand the departments concerned work employmentA case that will have 15 years to developBanks still maintain thousands of tradersThe market for Chinese banks is about to closeThis option should help reduce the number of claimsIt also wants to plead for a relaunch of the Doha roundToday three quarters of the French roll lessProducts of the season at optimum maturityThey are where the big bulls "According to a regular at the Salon of agriculture, it is the most frequently asked question and each year, the heavier animals are without doubt"the"pole of attraction of the porte de Versailles. Measurements of bovine animals intended for meat production, it is true, what attract the attention of the more blasé: 1.9 per tonne for the bulls of the race red meadows, and about 1.50 m at the withers. Fans lose them from tomorrow, until March 1, in the central ring among the animals selected for General agriculture fair competition. Carefully washed, brushed, the hair on the body, tondu horns shredded to accentuate the whiteness on the head, because it is also a beauty contest.
All representatives of the Red of the surroundings do not flirt with 2 tons, but on average they are the heaviest of the French herd. Of other breeds, such as the Charolaise, more familiar to the public and more widespread in the French farms, are quite exceptional elements. Champion of this race to recognizable to its cream dress meat, Ronaldo charged 1,649 per tonne on the toggle to 1.61 m at the withers when it was sacred champion in 2008. Aged eight, he returned this year expose his powerful muscles to the delight of the spectators.
The big bonus...
Always larger, always more muscular, the bulls are now twice heavier than they were in the 19th century, with continuing advances in genetics, that allows to select the best animals. The daily capacity to take the weight is one of the criteria that will determine the view competition paramount to meat breeds. "From the age of three, a bull that has claims of champion must be able to 1.7 kilo per day", says Jean-Luc Kress, Manager of KBS Genetic, a private group specialized in the genetics of race Limousine.
The judges, who are generally farmers or technicians, are very attentive to the conformation of the animal: width of shoulders, basin, strength of the conformation, as indicators of the ability to support exceptional muscles. With the key, many steaks and roasts potential... However, the weight is no longer, as in the past, "an end in itself," observed Jérôme Sagné, Director of the Organization of selection of the Charolais. Two years ago, the heaviest and largest Charolais, 1.7 ton and almost 1.70 metre at the shoulder, has not been award, he argued.
... and the old
Other criteria are decisive in the eyes of the judges. This is the case of the longevity of animals, which are easy to understand the importance. The bull ensures long reproductive function, more reports of money to its owner. The Limousine and the Aubrac, whose males "officiate" up to the age of eleven, are renowned for their longevity. Age is also a good indicator of the health of the animal and the lower risk of disease transmission. The quality of the meat comes also into account, but how to judge a simple look For Jérôme Sagné, the appreciation of the meat is indeed still largely "empirical". The connoisseur believes that "it to know more through Genomics". Jean-Luc Kress, for its part, satisfied with the many "international competitions won by the Limousine for its taste, its tenderness, its marbling".
Milk factories
For the dairy breeds, the things are not at all in the same way. Unlike meat breeds, they are rarely represented by their broodstock at the Salon of agriculture. "A dairy bull to judge the performance of his daughters", notes Maurice Barbezant, Director General of the National Union of cooperatives of livestock and animal insemination. For Philippe Monget, researcher in animal genetics at the national Institute of agronomic research (Inra), "it will be judged excellent if his daughters are 9.500(2) litres of milk per lactation. During the competition, these are "girls" who defend the colours of the Holstein, specimen, Norman and other Bretonne Pie black races. In their case, the prize will be awarded on criteria related to maternity. In this regard, the conformation of the cow plays an important role from the point of view of plant breeders. A wide basin is an indicator of the ability to give birth under good conditions. "If the cow at the birth, it gives less milk," says an expert. Milk it produces must be fat for the manufacture of butter and cream, but rich in protein for cheese. The cell rate is also important, as it reflects the State of the udder and informs about the risk of infection (mastitis). In addition to its ability to well take care of his calf, a cow must also, to be selected, proof of its fertility. An issue which becomes critical. "In twenty years, the fertility of cows in the world decreased by 30, is concerned about Philippe Monget.". There is a strong correlation between the increase of lactation and the loss of fertility.
Guaranteed pedigrees
The winners of the General of agriculture are not properly rewarded. In any case not in coin of the realm. On the other hand, gained fame paves the way for a rich source of income. An animal raised to the rank of champion on the large ring can be sold between 5,000 and 60,000 euros, according to Jean-Luc Kress. The Manager of KBS Genetic recognizes that such a takeover is not without risk and that it takes a little of the bet. Statistically, quality parents give birth to children in quality, but the genetic heritage is not always fully transmitted. Foreign customers, yet specific Jean-Luc Kress, require guarantees for three generations before signing important checks. Herd-books, stead of genealogical records are there to respond. Created by English breeders of the 18th century to enhance their breeding they certify the origins, the purity of the race, the number of projections and various performance.
Luxury flakes
Most breeders prefer to keep their award-winning animals and enjoy the notoriety acquired in the show. The girls of a dairy cow distinguished in the general competition sell up to 10 times more expensive that regular cows, 10,000 euros instead of 1,000-1,500 euros, according to Denis Biery, Director General of the Organization of selection of the Prim'Holstein. The seed of a champion Holy Bull, frozen in sequins and intended for artificial insemination of cows, is a report even more interesting. It is more valuable that others the price is a function of genetic performance of ascendant but a straw of seed invoice between 5 and 100 euros. Those of Joko Béné, a bull, quite exceptional Holstein, which has provided 1.5 million in eight years, traded 150 euro unit. The gain is impressive, but few farmers receive this kind of jackpot: by Maurice Barbezant, there is not more than a dozen animals of this kind in the world.
