Australian Standardbred Breeders Association held its AGM in Brisbane last weekend, the meeting was attended by representatives of state and NZ breeding organisations, and also present members of Harness Racing Queensland Board.
All states reported similar stories of declining foal numbers overall. The reasons were much the same: costs, lack of land, low returns financially, and the increasing age of breeders. Some states, such as Tasmania, have specific issues, as AI is difficult to access there and mares frequently travel to Victoria. Others, such as NSW, have a race series to encourage use of colonial stallions, and they have been patronised; also in West Australia has had good local numbers lead by Follow The Stars (84 mares servered).
The dominance of 4 or 5 stallions was noted again, and concerns were expressed about the limited gene pool. ASABA supports introduction of a rule to cap service numbers per stallion.
The costs of shuttling stallions for fresh semen is becoming a issue for studs, and in the future numbers may be reduced, with frozen semen being the alternative. Promotion of colonial bred stallions was hoped to be of increasing importance in future years, as popular sires eventually die, or shuttle costs soar.
New Zealand reported considerable progress in promoting and supporting breeding, thereby creating value for the breeder. The other delegates acknowledged their steps. New Zealand benefits from having one national body to oversee breeding, as opposed to 6 state bodies. The New Zealander’s also have a national position on embryo transfer and storage.
Thekiwis have also conducted research with University of Newcastle on agents improving semen transfer.
ASABA confirmed one(1) foal per mare per year, and is not in favour of more than 1 embryo being allowed to develop, and the best of resultant progeny registered. Such events have occurred.
Micro-chipping has been on the agenda for some time and was discussed, and while it is likely to be introduced, concern was expressed re extra costs, especially in remoter areas with few vets. The data on the chip is unknown.The chip could track the horse in the event of disease outbreak, and also monitor drugs given to the horses. If it just replaces the freezebrand, it may not offer a lot of benefit.
Training of AI technicians was discussed, as was the Australian Standardbred Breeding Panel report of 2011. The view at the table was that much of this report has NOT been acted upon.
The timely receipt of foaling certificates from the stallion stations was discussed.The general feeling was that some stations barely produce this paperwork prior to the next breeding season. Gathering of foal figures and stats is thus slowed.
The chairman of ASBA, Les Camarda, and Secretary, Flora Robson, will report to HRA. They will advocate for ASBA to have a greater role in liaising with state breeding bodies. There is agreement that strengthening the role and influence of ASBA could benefit the struggling breeding industry in Australia.
. FloraRobson and Les Camarda (president ASBA) will speak to Andrew Kelly HRA re this.The main areas for discussion will include:
- National breeding credits scheme, as outlined by Australian Standardbred Breeding Panel in 2011.(Chaired by John Bagshaw ) wentaround Australia, and were involved in producing the subsequent report on breeding (accessible from: http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=16473 ),
- Rehoming Standardbred schemes/policies. This is associated with horse welfare; an issue of increasing concern to the public, and one which is coming over the horizon.ASBA are determined to be proactive about this issue, as is HRA,
- Micro-chipping is another issue, which will come into the industry. Different areas will face considerable problems getting vets etc, and national solutions may be appropriate,
- State bodies seem to have little interest in breeding issues, and
- More mares races being “insisted” upon by all states.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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