Value of Your AMZA Membership
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The Value of Pedigrees AMZA provides many valuable services to their membership, one of the most important being the recording of ancestry, or pedigrees. Pedigrees are a valuable tool in livestock breeding because these ancestral records provide knowledge necessary for predicting progeny performance. More value can be added by recording performance records of each individual and its progeny. A permanent record of ancestors and their comparative production traits is an indispensable tool if breeders are to make wise breeding decisions that lead to improved production and efficiency. Pedigrees are of value to all segments of the industry. Breeding programs can be directed toward goals by selecting quality stock that excels in those traits for which the herds need improvement. Information contained as part of a registration certificate consists of individual animal identification, and parentage (sire and dam). With that knowledge and previous information stored in the breed association data bank, a pedigree or ancestral record can be produced for the breeder. The breeder provides every piece of raw data used in the production of pedigrees and records, bringing to surface the importance of breeder integrity. Few, if any, industries are more dependent upon individual integrity than the pedigreed livestock industry. Judge Certification Program AMZA conducts a judge’s certification program for individuals that desire to judge for AMZA. The 2½ day program consists of classroom, class placing, oral reasons and a final exam. The program is designed for individuals with prior livestock experience and/or strong knowledge of Zebu cattle. The program may be used as a good training course for all Zebu enthusiast. Each program is limited in size and typically held annually. AMZA Breed Standards The AMZA breed standard is a conceptual ideal of the perfect animal based on the best knowledge of the industry. The standard identifies desirable and undesirable traits with emphasis on production traits and those characteristics unique to Zebu . Standards are a yardstick by which the breeder may measure his advances toward an ideal animal .The breed standard may change over time as the demands of the industry change. Subscription to Nadu Zebu Journal Members receive the association's official publication. The Nadu Zebu Journal. is full of information on the latest AMZA news, events and programs, The Journal keeps zebu breeders on the inside track. The Jounal provides an opportunity for members to advertise and market their genetics. The Journal is available online to active members and may be mail for an additional fee. Voting Rights Each year the association conducts an annual meeting of the members to inform them on the activities of the association over the past year and to vote on items presented as motions from the membership.AMZA Governing Structure AMZA’s structure is based on the model used by top breed association in the horse, cattle, goat and hog industries. The AMZA board of directors’ role is to set objectives, provide vision and measure the progress of the association against the stated objectives.AMZA Sanctioned Show Program The AMZA sanctioned show program is a partnership between AMZA and some of the premier venues across the county. Over the past 6 years, AMZA has invested over 40,,000 dollars in show support. The AMZA sanctioned show program is the largest in the zebu industry with over 500 animals exhibited in 2009. Members of AMZA use the program to receive genetic evaluation of their animals by certified judges, to compete for show honors and to market their genetics to the industry. |