All partial and full composite bulls produced by NAPCO undergo rigorous analysis and testing. The stringent bull selection process within both the Alexandria and Kynuna programs results in about 25 per cent being culled at weaning, another 25 per cent at eighteen months and a final 20 per cent prior to joining.
Regular performance trials at the Wainui feedlot assess growth while also using ultrasound scanning to measure for intramuscular fat, marbling, eye muscle area, and rib and rump fat. Up to 25% of bulls can be culled on the basis of these trials.
Estimated Breeding Values (EBV's) are available for both Alexandria and Kynuna Composite bulls. DNA sire tracing is used to determine parentage in both the Alexandria and Kynuna Top Stud herds. Gene Marker technology and a Progeny Testing Program combine to assist selection of elite sires.
Kynuna Composite sires are now being joined with Alexandria Composite females to produce progeny that retain all of the attractive traits of both composites. These terminal progeny are 9/16 Bos Taurus (British-Continental), 1/4 Bos Indicus, and 3/16 Bos Taurus (Sanga).
