Angus Australia 2016 Summer Bulletin

ANGUS BULLETIN SUMMER 2016

in this issue Angus Bulletin Summer 2016

4 Black cattle are just more desirable in the market place, you’ll always get a premium for them.

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The Cohort 5 program was one of our largest to date based on sires entered, cows joined, cooperator herds involved and progeny produced.

1

From the CEO

2

Big enterprise brings what customer wants

3

Semex Kansas State University Scholarship awarded to Deepwater Angus breeder

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We have a wonderful situation where Angus cattle can fit any market.

15 Aspiring Angus Breeder Headed to the United States 16 Incorporation of GeneSeek GGP Genomic Predictions in Angus BREEDPLAN 18 Meating market demands at Tamworth

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Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN

20 The ASBP provides feed efficiency rankings for modern Angus sires

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Angus‌a breed well positioned to make the most out of artificial breeding

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Updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs Now Available

23 Trans Tasman Exchange Scholarship update

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ASBP Cohort 5 Calving Completed

24 New EBV Standard Error Graph

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ASBP Cohort 6 AI Program Completed

25 Around the shows

23 When viral is a good thing

10 Breeding for Improved Temperament

26 Angus females in demand

12 Abattoir Carcase Information Adds Value to Angus BREEDPLAN

28 Has the genetic improvement pipeline been effective?

13 Angus BREEDPLAN Technical Officer Appointed

30 Fodder crops a top option at Coolac

14 ASBP Cohort 3 Steer Processing and Carcase Grading Completed

32 Member services report 34 A record year for the Angus breed 36 K State so far........

37 Fewer cattle for more beef

Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6772 3095 Email: regos@angusaustralia.com.au Website: www.angusaustralia.com.au Search for Angus Australia 2

Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

FRom the ceo

Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer, Angus Australia

Another outstanding year for Angus 2015 has been another outstanding year for producers of Angus cattle. Along with increased commercial beef prices, healthy Angus premiums were maintained across all market categories. The year also saw the expansion of Angus branded products on the export, food service and retail markets, adding further to the demand for high quality Angus beef. Members of Angus Australia eclipsed all past records of calves registered, performance records submitted and genetic trends achieved in EBVs and Indexes, thereby further enhancing the value of Angus genetics to their commercial clients.

Angus Australia has continued to expand its services during 2015, along with a re-structure of key staff roles within the organisation to ensure the future success of our organisation. I wish to acknowledge the ongoing strong support from the Angus Australia Board during 2016, and the enthusiastic contributions from all staff, especially the following individuals who manage our key activities: Lee-Anne Turner (Member Services Manager), Diana Wood (Marketing and Communications Manager), Ron Bower (Administration Manager/Accountant), Andrew Byrne (Breed Development and Extension Manager), Christopher de Crespigny (Information Systems Manager) and Christian Duff (Strategic Projects Manager). I also acknowledge the contributions from Carel Teseling and Sonya Buck who departed Angus Australia during 2015 after several years of outstanding service in management roles within the organisation.

Board Meeting Report The Angus Australia Board met in Armidale on Friday 27th November 2015. Items addressed at the Board meeting included the following: • Approval of the proposed Angus Australia budget and business plans for 2016, including no change to Membership Enrolment fees or Herd Inventory fees. However, an increase in Angus BREEDPLAN enrolment fees to $165 per year (incl. GST) will be introduced in 2016 to contribute to the cost of fortnightly BREEDPLAN analyses planned for those months with high volumes of performance data input; • Approval of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan, incorporating feedback from members obtained during member consultation forums during 2015 along with input from staff and Directors. The plan can be viewed on the following website page: www.angusaustralia. com.au/images/StrategicPlan2016-2020.pdf; • Decision to conduct a National Conference in Albury on Friday 13th May 2016, with further details to be distributed to members in early 2016;

• Further promotion of Angus beef brands planned for 2016, along with the promotion of independent third-party breed verification to underpin the authenticity and integrity of Angus brands; • Use of funds from the Angus Foundation to support new Angus Youth scholarships and bursaries, plus plans for additional fundraising activities for the Angus Foundation in 2016; • Establishment of a World Angus Forum Committee in 2016 to commence planning for the Forum and associated events to be conducted in Australia during 2021; • Approval of the Board election schedule for 2016, including one state-elected Director from each of the states of NSW, Tasmania and WA, and two national-elected Directors to commence following 2016 AGM on Friday 13th May; • Decision to continue the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) Consultative Committee and to establish an Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee (initially for a 2 year trial) and an Angus Youth Consultative Committee (to replace the Angus Youth Management Committee). The Terms of Reference for these Consultative Committees will be circulated to members in the near future along with details of the nomination process to serve on these Committees; • Angus Australia Board meetings are scheduled for the following dates during 2016: 16th March (teleconf), 14th May, 15th July, 21st Sept (teleconf), and 25th Nov. The Board, CEO and staff of Angus Australia extend our best wishes to all members for the festive season. We look forward to another very positive year in 2016 for breeders of Angus cattle.

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Big enterprise brings what customer wants Amelia Williams, The Land Allowing for flexibility and following customer demand has been crucial to the success of the largescale cattle operation run by Karl Graham.

Mr Graham, with the help of Antony Glynn, runs two stations 800 kilometres apart.

Mr Glynn manages Champion Station, Blackall, Queensland, which is Mr Graham’s cross breeding operation consisting of about 3500 females.

A majority of the females are Brafords and Mr Graham said they were joined to Droughtmaster, Angus and Charolais bulls.

Mr Graham, with his son Jake, manages Jimbour Station, Jimbour, Qld, where they have 250 predominantly Angus females.

Eventually, Mr Graham said they would turn the herd at Jimbour Station into an all black herd to keep up with the market demand for the breed.

Jake Graham, with father Karl, manages “Jimbour Station”, Jimbour, Queensland, where they have 250 predominantly Angus females,

“Black cattle are just more desirable in the market place, you’ll always get a premium for them,” he said.

Seasonal conditions usually dictate which markets the Grahams target their cattle for, so Mr Graham said being able to be flexible has been an important part of the business.

Having the two properties has been a way for the Grahams to double their options when it comes to feed and marketing.

Mr Graham said if Champion Station was having a good season, cattle could be finished and sold there, or they were transported to Jimbour Station.

It wasn’t until six years ago that Mr Graham introduced Angus bulls into his crossbred operation.

Crossbreeding has been a cheap way to gain good growth for the Grahams obtained by the hybrid vigour the cattle produce.

Mr Graham said crossing the Angus cattle has kept the good growth they look for in their calves and assisted in making them more marketable.

“We’ve got to a point where we seem to have struck a good balance,” he said.

“Whatever colour they are, they seem to be performing fairly well.”

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Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

“We go for whatever we can sell and wherever we can sell, depending on the day.”

They have started selling their cattle through the feedlot trade, which Mr Graham said was a necessity because of the season.

Despite this, the cattle, which usually consist of steers and cull heifers, have been going really well in the feedlots and Mr Graham said it’s started to link them with direct markets.

“Because the cattle have been doing reasonably well with the feedlots, we’ve started to build relationships with feedlotters and companies who use certain feedlotters,” he said.

In the Royal National Agricultural (RNA) Ekka Feeder Steer competition, the Grahams entered two pens and placed 11th and 14th out of 88 entries and were mostly beaten by stud cattle.

The cattle were entered in the 100-day export class and put on 2.82kg a day.

“They did really well considering they were our second string cattle, the first cut of the year had already gone to feedlots,” Mr Graham said.

Because of the large scale of production at Champion, Mr Graham said the bulls were with the females all year round.

“We do two mustering rounds a year out there and when we muster, we do everything, including weaning, pregnancy testing and culling,” he said.

Having calves born at different times again assists the Grahams with being flexible with markets and feeding options.

With a much smaller operation at Jimbour, the Grahams run a controlled breeding program and join the bulls with their females during November.

The bulls stay in for three months, and Mr Graham said calves would be hitting the ground at the start of spring.

If the season permits, Mr Graham said when they’re calving was usually when the property

was at its best for feed with summer dominant grasses.

“If we’ve gotten September/October rain, calves would be hitting the ground with a fresh growth of grass,” he said.

Again, depending on the season, Mr Graham said they wean their calves in June or July onto oats.

From there they’d either bring them up to weight or sell them to whichever market was most suitable for their property’s condition.

When selecting bulls, Mr Graham said they look for a good, sound-framed animal able to travel.

He said he was a big believer in using estimated breeding values (EBVs) as a tool but doesn’t depend on them.

Mr Graham said it was hard to breed consistency in their herd, so obtaining good growth was the main aim.

When their pure black herd is established, Mr Graham said they would start looking at selecting bulls for traits they wanted to boost in their herd.

Semex Kansas State University Scholarship Awarded to Deepwater Angus Breeder Alice Lodge, Angus Youth Development Officer, Angus Australia Laura Hollingworth from Deepwater in New South Wales has been awarded the 2015 Semex Angus Youth Kansas State University Scholarship.

Chairman of Angus Australia’s Education Extension and Youth Committee, Brad Gilmour said, “The future of the Angus breed is in good hands. A very impressive group of young applicants presented for the Semex Angus Australia Kansas State University Scholarship.

Candidates came from diverse backgrounds ranging from hands-on to research based.”

“Laura Hollingworth was a standout in a strong field, with well-rounded background and knowledge in the beef industry. Laura’s passion for learning through Angus Youth and Future Farmers Network makes her an ideal candidate to benefit from this experience with the knowledge and skills she gains abroad set to benefit all Angus producers.”

Laura is a registered Nurse and Midwife, but is currently a Junior Farm Manager on her family’s

property Titibar Pastoral Company at Deepwater.

Laura has a passion for breeding cattle as well as training stock horses.

Sponsored by Semex Pty Ltd and Angus Australia, the Kansas State Scholarship provides a young beef cattle enthusiast with the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the prestigious Kansas State University in America.

This scholarship represents an amazing opportunity for Laura. Beef cattle are a key focus of study and research at Kansas State University.

With their own seed stock and commercial herd, feedlot, feed mill, brilliant teaching facilities and staff, the university offers an exceptional learning environment.

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Enhancements to Angus BREEDPLAN Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia A number of enhancements have been implemented in the December 2015 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.

These enhancements are part of the ongoing maintenance and improvement to the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. In most cases, the enhancements are not expected to have had any significant effect on the EBV ranking of animals.

Revisions to Calculation of Docility EBVs With over 70,000 animals scored for docility since the introduction of the Trial Docility EBVs in March 2011, the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU) have reviewed the calculation of Docility EBVs. Resulting from this review: • The heritability of docility has been reestimated and subsequently increased from 0.25 to 0.26; • The analytical model has been modified to enable the analysis of half scores (i.e docility scores of 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5); • The analytical model now pre-adjusts for age, age of dam and sex effects, in addition to contemporary group effect.

In association with the implementation of these revisions, the word “Trial” has been removed from the name of the EBV, with the Docility EBV now considered a standard EBV within the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.

Re-estimated Parameters for Incorporation of GeneSeek Genomic Predictions The Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit have conducted research to update the parameters that determine the emphasis placed on the genomic predictions calculated from the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler products (GGP-LD & GGP-HD) when incorporating this information in the calculation of Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs. Resulting from this research: • The number of traits for which GeneSeek GGP genomic predictions are incorporated into

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Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Angus BREEDPLAN has increased from 9 to 11, with genomic predictions now incorporated for Calving Ease Direct and Calving Ease Daughters.

• The emphasis placed on all GeneSeek genomic predictions within Angus BREEDPLAN has been revised for all traits.

The emphasis can be described as the accuracy of the EBV that would be generated if the EBV was calculated from only the genomic prediction (i.e. there was no other information recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN).

Inclusion of Additional Genomic Information In association with the updating of the parameters used to incorporate GeneSeek GGP genomic predictions, genomic predictions for any animals previously tested with the GeneSeek GGP-LD or GGP-HD products has now been included in the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.

This represents GeneSeek genomic predictions for over 4000 animals, predominantly tested within either the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program or previous Beef CRC genotyping projects.

Due to unexpected problems in the genotyping pipeline, genomic predictions from animals tested with the GeneSeek GGP products during 2015 have not yet been included in Angus BREEDPLAN. It is anticipated that these genomic predictions will be included in Angus BREEDPLAN early 2016 after they are received from the Animal Genetics Lab at the University of Queensland Revisions to Minimum EBV Accuracy Reportability Thresholds The minimum accuracy thresholds that must be met before EBVs are published within the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis have been considerably revised.

The previous minimum accuracy thresholds were quite complicated, with different thresholds utilised for different traits, and different thresholds

subject to whether an animal had either performance recorded or genomic information included in BREEDPLAN. Further, some EBVs were published as a block, where all traits were published if any of the traits individually met the minimum accuracy threshold.

EBVs across all traits will now be published within Angus BREEDPLAN if they have an accuracy value of 25% or higher.

This change will result in a greater range of EBVs being published for most animals. It is however important to be aware that EBVs will now be published with a lower accuracy than what would have previously been required.

Availability of EBV Standard Error EBV Graph A new graph has been made available when viewing animals within the EBV Enquiry facility on the Angus Australia website.

The new graph, known as the EBV Standard Error graph, provides an indication of the possible change in an animal’s EBVs for each trait.

The horizontal bar for each trait displays one standard error either side of the current EBV value, meaning that statistically, the animal’s true breeding value will fall within the EBV range displayed in the graph on 7 out of 10 occasions.

Updated EPD Information for Overseas Animals A revised set of EPDs has been included in the December 2015 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis for imported American and Canadian Black and Red Angus animals.

Protocols Established for the Inclusion of Abattoir Carcase Information Protocols have been established for the collection and submission of abattoir carcase information to Angus BREEDPLAN. The new protocols are available from the Angus Australia website and provide clearer guidance to members interesting in collecting abattoir carcase information for genetic evaluation.

Revised Protocol for the Inclusion of Birth Weight Information The protocols for the collection and submission of birth weight information to Angus BREEDPLAN have been amended.

Specifically, the protocols now explicitly articulate that the collection of birth weights using coronet band tapes are not suitable for Angus BREEDPLAN. All birth weights must be accurately recorded using appropriate weighing scales.

Updated EBV Standard Error Table The standard error table that provides an indication of the possible change in Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs at different levels of accuracy will be updated shortly.

Increase in Maximum Number of Search Results Displayed on EBV Search Facility Modifications have been made to increase the maximum number of results displayed when conducting searches on the EBV Search facility on the Angus Australia website from 300 to 2000 animals.

Specifically, standard errors will now be displayed for all traits, and for a greater range of accuracy values.

The increase in the maximum limit will provide greater flexibility to members when conducting searches.

The updated standard error table will be made available from the Angus Australia website.

Updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs The Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit has recalculated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs for animals with structural score information recorded on the Angus Australia database.

Further Information To further discuss any of the enhancements that have been implemented in the December 2015 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis, please contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or via email andrew@angusaustralia.com.au

Updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs for individual animals can be viewed on the EBV Search facility on the Angus Australia website.

Additional information regarding each enhancement is also available from the Angus Australia website.

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Artificial reproduction promotes the production of many calves of high genetic merit.

Trangie Agricultural Research Centre calves produced by FTAI during the 2014 Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (Cohort 5).

Angus‌a breed well positioned to make the most out of artificial breeding Dr Sophia Edwards, Technical Specialist Reproduction, Vetoquinol Australia The Angus breed is the most performance recorded beef breed in Australia. Not only are they the most recorded but recent advancements and use of genomic technologies and the investment in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project has increased the accuracy of the performance data. What this means for Angus breeders is that they are able to select sires and dams with traits that are aligned with their breeding objectives with a reasonable degree of reliability. But how does this relate to artificial breeding?

It is undeniable that the use of artificial breeding, be it Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI), Embryo Transfer (ET) or in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), speeds up genetic improvement by giving breeders the power to produce large numbers of genetically superior calves. When breeders identify candidate sires and/or dams through genetic technologies, often natural mating is still the choice for distributing these genetics within their herds as it is perceived to be most cost effective due to the lower labour inputs. It is worthwhile considering what these breeders forgo by choosing this option.

A tool used by many stud breeders to make the most of their high performance cows is ET. Assuming most productive Angus cows have their first calf as a 2 yo and that a she has a calf every year until she is 10 yo, a cow can only produce an absolute maximum of 8 calves in her life. Assuming 50% are female progeny, and by applying some selection pressure to these progeny, it is expected that a cow at best can possibly deliver a breeder 3 daughters to retain in the herd. With superovulation and ET, cows can produce multiple calves per year. Generally on average 7 embryos can be retrieved per cow and transferred to recipients with a 70% 6

Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

pregnancy rate. Thus 5 calves per flush per donor cow per year can be achieved. If two flushes per year occur, plus a natural pregnancy, a cow could produce up to 11 calves in one breeding season, let alone what could be achieved over her productive life.

Recent developments in the synchronisation of cows utilising Cue-MateÂŽ devices has enabled respectable results with FTAI. Conservatively, pregnancy rates of Angus cows to FTAI have been reported to be 55% when managed in commercial conditions under best practice management. It should be noted that in these herds, all these cows were pregnant on the very first day of the mating season. Assuming a similar pregnancy rate to the return cycle, under FTAI management up to 80% of cows could be pregnant in a 3 week interval from mating start date. This creates a uniform calving delivering an even group of calves for weaning, fattening and marketing. On average a bull is only capable of mating with 50 females per year, at best producing 45 calves. Alternatively if the semen from that sire was used in a FTAI program there are limitless numbers of calves that can be produced per year from that sire.

So why are Angus breeders well positioned to make the most out of artificial breeding technologies? We have demonstrated that the power of artificial breeding can deliver numerous progeny from high genetic merit dams and sires. The Angus breed is fortunate to have reliable genetic information tools, therefore enabling breeders to invest in artificial breeding technologies with confidence, knowing that they are producing large numbers of calves that have the traits that are going to be related to their breeding objectives. Therefore the investment in genetic technologies can only be realised

with the intervention of artificial reproduction.

Vetoquinol Australia is proud to be partnering with Angus Australia to offer veterinarians and technicians a range of reproduction products that will give beef breeders what they need, reliable genetic selection tools and artificial reproduction technologies to spread high genetic merit dams and sires through their herds.

Vetoquinol is proud to be able to provide with world leading technologies and a team of experts that know beef cattle and reproduction. If you have further questions or would like to know more about what artificial reproduction can do for your herd, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

Dr Sophia Edwards: 0418 270 680 Greg Heeney: 0475 948 880

Cue-MateÂŽ an intravaginal progesterone releasing device used for synchronising cattle.

Tips to run a successful artificial breeding program:

It is most likely that many Angus breeders have already experienced the organisation of an artificial breeding program. Whether you are new to artificial breeding or are well experienced here are some tips from Dr Sophia Edwards that may assist you along the way.

Consult a professional and stick to the program: Most veterinarians or technicians will supply a protocol for you to follow on the timing and dosage of treatments for synchronisation. These protocols are well research and tested. The timing and correct dosage is very important to reach an optimal result. There are a variety of protocols to satisfy the needs of each individual breeder.

Have the conversation with your reproduction provider about what your breeding objectives are.

A program that is well designed to be completed within your budget and your available resources is ensure a smooth outcome.

Rising plane of nutrition: whether it be for FTAI or ET activities the best success is often achieved when females are on a rising plane of nutrition. Cows or heifers that are fat or well-conditioned surprisingly do not always attract a good result. The ideal state is for heifers and cows to be in a forward store condition and in a rising plane of nutrition leading into their reproduction program. Avoid pastures with legume content such as s clovers and Lucerne; this can be associated with disruption to the hormonal cycle. If supplementary feeding is required, a cereal hay diet is ideal.

Prior preparation prevents poor performance: Place your artificial reproduction activities in your calendar and take some time to be a quality assurance officer. Although artificial reproduction programs are easy to implement if the program is followed, if anyone of the steps of the program fails, it will often result in poor performance. Take a moment to ensure that steps to avoid disasters are implemented. For example, ensure that semen to be used in the protocol is of acceptable quality. Make sure all staff is well informed of activities. Read the instruction labels!

Be realistic: It is too often that I hear very good percentage rates being quoted. Although some of these rates are achievable, do your maths of the conservative average given your environment and cattle. Although I support optimism, if you are expecting a too high result you may disappoint yourself. A good way to consider what is possible in your herd with artificial reproduction is to critically asses what your current reproduction rates are. Although a 90% pregnancy rate seems high, if a breeder joins for 6 months, their conception rate per cycle may not be that good compared to a breeder that has an 80% pregnancy rate and joins for 12 weeks. If your herd has high innate fertility, it is expected that your artificial reproduction rates will be good given all other factors are under best practice An even group of Cohort 5 Angus Sire Benchmarking management. Angus breeders are fortunate to Project calves: all dams were synchronised using Cuehave a generally high fertility in their breed.

MateÂŽ devices for fixed time artificial insemination.

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Updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs Now Available Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia Updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs have recently been made available for Australian Angus animals in association with the release of the December 2015 Angus BREEDPLAN evaluation.

The updated Trial Structural Soundness EBVs for individual animals can be viewed from the EBV Search facility and have been calculated for animals that have either been scored themselves or have had progeny scored by an accredited structural assessor.

Trial Structural Soundness EBVs are reported as an estimate of genetic differences between animals in the percentage of progeny that will have a desirable score for a particular structural trait, with EBVs currently being provided for five important structural traits: • Front Feet Angle (FA) • Front Feet Claw Set (FC) • Rear Feet Angle (RA) • Rear Leg Hind View (RH) • Rear Leg Side View (RS) Higher Trial Structural Soundness EBVs are more favourable. That is, higher EBVs indicate a greater percentage of progeny with a desirable score for that particular trait. For example, a bull with a Front Feet Angle EBV of +25.5 would be expected to on average produce more progeny with desirable front feet angle than a bull with an EBV of -10.3.

When used in association with existing management and culling strategies, in particular the culling of animals with unacceptable structure, Trial Structural Soundness EBVs provide a useful tool that Angus breeders can use to further improve the structural soundness of animals within their herd.

Trial Structural Soundness EBVs provide several major benefits, including: • The Trial Structural Soundness EBVs calculated for an animal takes into consideration not only the structural soundness of the individual animal, but also the structural soundness of all the animal’s relatives. In this manner, the Trial Structural Soundness EBVs provide a better indication of an animal’s genetics for structural soundness than an assessment of the animal’s structural soundness alone.

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Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

• Trial Structural Soundness EBVs allow for genetic differences in structural soundness to be identified between animals who themselves may have acceptable structure.

Animals who may have acceptable structural soundness but are likely to produce a high percentage of progeny with poor structure can be removed from the breeding herd, or conversely, if two animals of similar genetic merit for other traits are being considered for use within a breeding program, the animal that is likely to produce a higher percentage of progeny with superior structural soundness can be selected.

• Trial Structural Soundness EBVs allow for genetic differences in structural soundness to be considered in situations where the animal/s being considered for selection can not be easily appraised visually. For example, when selecting sires for use within an artificial insemination (AI) program.

Trial Structural Soundness EBVs for Angus animals are now updated routinely three or four times per year. The “Trial” status of the EBVs indicates that the EBVs should be considered preliminary and may change as further data is submitted by breeders and/or improvements are made to the analytical software.

Further information regarding Trial Structural Soundness EBVs and the information used to calculate them is available from the “Understanding Trial Structural Soundness EBVs” fact sheet on the Angus Australia website.

NO AMERICAN GENETICS SARUM ANGUS CATTLE CO Greg & Pamela Webster Ph: 07 4630 9190 E: angusaru1@gmail.com

www.sarumanguscattleco.com.au

ASBP Cohort 5 Calving Completed The calving of Cohort 5, including 1,335 calves, has been completed across the seven cooperator herds. The calves are now recorded on the Angus Australia database with their calving traits of birth weight, calving difficulty score and AI date for gestation length calculation.

The calving performance data was included in the mid-December BREEDPLAN analysis Christian Duff, Angus Australia’s Strategic Projects Manager said, ‘The Cohort 5 program was one of our largest to date based on sires entered, cows joined, co-operator herds involved and progeny produced. Thanks must be given to the efforts of the co-operator herds during the calving period.’

ASBP Cohort 5 Calves at “Springmount, Black Mountain.

A catalogue listing of the 46 Cohort 5 sires is available on the Angus Australia website.

Weaning and associated data collection (i.e. weight, docility score and DNA) of the Cohort 5 calves is scheduled to start early in the New Year.

ASBP Cohort 5 Calves at Trangie Agricultural Research Station.

ASBP Cohort 6 AI Program Completed The fixed-time AI joining program to produce the Cohort 6 calves of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has been completed. Overall, this Cohort involves 41 new Angus sires joined to 2,556 females (including 202 yearling heifers) across 7 co-operator herds.

The fixed-time AI program utilised the Cue-Mate® and PregnecolTM products from Vetoquinol, along with valued technical advice and support.

Christian Duff, Angus Australia’s, Strategic Projects Manager said “Each sire received an average of 61 joining’s spread evenly across each of the 7 co-operator herds. Based on a conservatively estimated 55% conception rate from one round of AI, the sires will have 33 progeny on average or approximately 1,400 calves overall for the project”.

Christian highlighted “while being a diverse group, the Cohort 6 sires are also genetically high performance, averaging in the top 5% for the Angus Breeding Index”

Cows from ASBP herd “Springmount”, Black Mountain, entering the FTAI program for Cohort 6.

A catalogue listing of the 41 Cohort 6 sires is available on the Angus Australia website.

Pregnancy testing is scheduled to start early in the new year to determine the success of the fixed time AI program.

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Breeding for Improved Temperament Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia Temperament (also known as docility) is Improvement of the genetics for temperament described as the way that cattle behave when through genetic selection is of particular being confined in yards or put in an unusual importance to seedstock producers. Talk to any situation such as being separated from the herd. savvy bull buyer and a trait up the top of their bull What we define as poor temperament is a survival buying checklist is good temperament or good trait in the wild – fear of anything unusual and docility. This relates to not only their prospective the desire to escape. In domesticated cattle it bull purchase having acceptable temperament can be exhibited as flight, or at its extreme fight. themselves, but also the ability of the bull to sire progeny within their herd with acceptable Temperament is an important trait in beef temperament. herds with superior temperament being of considerable benefit to the profitability of a beef Assessing Animal Temperament enterprise.

While it is common practice in most beef enterprises to observe animals and assess their In general, superior temperament in cattle will: temperament when they are being handled, • Lower production costs there are several methods of more formally • Make cattle easier to muster and handle measuring the temperament of animals.

• Reduce damage to infrastructure e.g. yards and fences Collection of Docility Scores • Decrease risk of injury and stress to cattle Docility scores are recorded on animals at • Decrease risk of injury and stress to stock weaning or shortly afterwards. The advantage handlers of scoring at weaning is that all calves should • Decrease weight loss during transit have had minimal handling and so will express • Improve feedlot performance variation in temperament. Variation in handling • Decrease the risk of dark cutters in the chiller. between animals prior to scoring should also be It’s estimated that dark cutting beef costs minimised. the Australian beef industry in excess of $35 million annually Docility scores are collected on animals using • Improve eating quality (more tender beef) either a yard or crush test: • Yard Test - Calves are individually put into a While different management techniques can be small square yard and the handler attempts used to improve the overall temperament of a to hold the animal in one corner for about 30 herd (e.g. yard weaning of calves), temperament seconds. is a highly heritable trait which can be improved • Crush Test - Calves are put up a race and in both the short and long term through genetic held in a crush or weigh scales for about 30 selection. seconds (but not necessarily head bailed).

Importantly, there is no known antagonistic genetic relationship with other traits of Measurement of Flight Time importance. That is, temperament can be Flight time measurements are recorded on improved genetically without impacting animals using specialised flight time equipment.

Animals are held individually in the crush for a short negatively on other traits. period and then the head bail opened. Two light beams are used to objectively measure the time taken for the animal to travel approximately 2.0 metres at the exit of the crush. Similar to docility scores, flight time measurements are normally recorded early in an animal’s life, usually at or around weaning.

While both methods have proven to be useful measures of an animal’s temperament, it is currently common practice for Angus animals to be assessed via docility scoring. Docility scores do not require specialised equipment but still provide a reliable indication of an animal’s temperament.

Calculation of Docility EBVs Based on the docility scores that are collected on seedstock animals, Angus BREEDPLAN publishes Docility EBVs. 10 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

These EBVs provide an estimate of the differences in the percentage of progeny that will have acceptable temperament due to genetics, with higher Docility EBVs indicating an animal is expected to produce relatively more progeny with acceptable temperament.

Calculation of EBVs for temperament has several major advantages over simply considering an animal’s own temperament: • Like all production traits of economic importance, the observed temperament of an animal is a combination of the genetics inherited from the sire and dam, and the environment and management from which the animal has been run under. EBVs for temperament related traits (as with other traits) focus on the genetic differences between animals for temperament by accounting for any environment and management influences.

• EBVs for temperament take into consideration not only the temperament of the individual animal, but also the temperament of all the animal’s relatives. In this manner, the EBVs provide a better indication of an animal’s genetics for temperament than an assessment of the animal’s temperament alone.

• EBVs allow for genetic differences in temperament to be identified between animals who themselves may have acceptable temperament. Animals who may have acceptable temperament but are likely to produce a high percentage of progeny with poor temperament can be removed from the breeding herd, or conversely, if two animals of similar genetic merit for other traits are being considered for use within a breeding program, the animal that is likely to produce a higher percentage of progeny with superior temperament can be selected.

Breeding for Improved Temperament Beef producers aiming to improve the genetics of their herd for temperament can achieve this through the implementation of two main selection strategies; culling for poor temperament and selection of sires with superior temperament genetics.

Culling for Poor Temperament It is common practice for beef breeding enterprises to cull animals from the breeding herd that show unacceptable temperament.

This can be done in an “ad-hoc” fashion or through the use of a more structured process involving the collection of docility scores.

Selecting Animals with Superior Temperament In association with culling, selecting animals that have superior genetics for temperament is paramount to genetically improving this trait in a beef breeding enterprise.

Like other production traits, it is important to select animals for breeding this year that are genetically superior to those used last year. This is particularly important when selecting sires due to their overall influence of the genetics in a herd both short term and long term through daughters if retained.

The most effective information for selecting animals with superior genetics for temperament are Docility EBVs. Selecting sires with higher Docility EBVs to those used in the previous joining will result in long term genetic improvement being achieved within a beef herd for temperament.

Further Information To further discuss the genetic improvement of temperament in a beef breeding herd, please contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or via email andrew@angusaustralia.com.au.

Table 1: Description of Docility Scores for Angus BREEDPLAN Score

1

2

3

4

5

Code

Description

Docile

Mild disposition, gentle and easily handled, stands and moves slowly during handling, undisturbed, settled, somewhat dull, does not pull on headgate when in crush, exits crush calmly.

Restless

Quiet but slightly restless, may be stubborn during handling, may try to back out of crush, pulls back on headgate, some flicking of tail, exits crush promptly.

Nervous

Manageable but nervous and impatient, a moderate amount of struggling, movement and tail flicking, repeated pushing and pulling on headgate, exits crush briskly.

Flighty

Jumpy and out of control, quivers and struggles violently, may bellow and froth at mouth, continuous tail flicking, defecates and urinates during handling, frantically runs fenceline and may jump when penned individually, exhibits long flight distance and exits crush wildly.

Aggressive

May be similar to score 4 but with added aggressive behaviour, fearful, extreme agitation, continuous movement which may include jumping and bellowing while in crush, exits crush frantically and may exhibit attack behaviour when handled alone.

11

Abattoir Carcase Information Adds Value to Angus BREEDPLAN Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia The Carcase EBVs published on animals within Angus BREEDPLAN are calculated from a combination of live animal ultrasound scanning measurements, genomic information and abattoir carcase feedback.

While ultrasound scanning measurements and genomic tests provide useful information on live animals, abattoir carcase information is of particular value for genetic evaluation as it represents a direct measure of the attributes of a beef carcase.

Obtaining direct abattoir carcase measurements can add considerable accuracy to the carcase EBVs calculated within Angus BREEDPLAN, and consequently provides a valuable source of information when attempting to identify animals with superior carcase genetics for use in a beef breeding program.

Abattoir carcase information must however meet certain requirements in order to be accepted for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN. These requirements have been put in place to ensure any abattoir carcase information that

12 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

is analysed within Angus BREEDPLAN meets appropriate data integrity standards.

Specifically, abattoir carcase information will be only be accepted for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN if: • It has been collected as part of a structured progeny test program • Appropriate measurement collection protocol have been followed to ensure the carcase measurements that are collected are of suitable quality for genetic evaluation Abattoir carcase information that does not meet these criteria, such as kill sheets for small groups of steers or cull heifers, or information collected as part of a carcase competition, is not suitable for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN. To further discuss the inclusion of abattoir carcase information in Angus BREEDPLAN, please contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@ angusaustralia.com.au. Further information is also available from the “Collecting Abattoir Carcase Information” fact sheet on the Angus Australia website.

Angus BREEDPLAN Technical Officer Appointed

New Contact Details for Angus BREEDPLAN

In November 2015, Angus Australia welcomed a new Project Officer, Ashleigh Horne to the Breed Development & Extension team.

From this date onwards, all performance data submissions and Angus BREEDPLAN enquiries should be directed to the Angus Australia office, rather than ABRI.

Ashleigh grew up in south-east QLD, on her family’s small farm outside of Pittsworth. Since 2012, she has been working towards finishing a Bachelor of Rural Science at the University of New England, whilst being employed by Angus Australia in the Member Services Team.

As the new Project Officer (Angus BREEDPLAN), Ashleigh will be co-ordinating the management of performance data input for inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN analysis and participating in related RD&E projects.

Angus Australia wishes to advise members that as of January 4th 2016, the processing of all Angus performance information, enrolments and enquires for Angus BREEDPLAN will be handled by the Angus Australia office.

The new contact details for Angus Australia will be as follows: Angus BREEDPLAN Email: breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au Phone: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6772 3095 Address: Locked Bag 11, Armidale, NSW, 2350

Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Parnell said “Angus Australia is very fortunate to have been able to appoint someone of Ashleigh’s calibre to this role”.

“Ashleigh is very familiar with the Angus Australia organisation, having previously held the positon of Senior Member Services Officer”.

“Ashleigh is held in high regard by members and will play a key role in facilitating the smooth transition of performance data input from ABRI to Angus Australia”.

Ashleigh will be based in the Angus Australia office in Armidale and can be contacted on (02) 6773 4603 or ash@angusaustralia.com.au

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13

ASBP Cohort 3 Steer Processing and Carcase Grading Completed

Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager, Angus Australia

The final mob of Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) steers were processed and carcases graded on the 25th and 26th of November 2015. Overall, 581 steers have been processed for this ASBP Cohort coming from 5 ASBP co-operator herds.

Striploin samples from each carcase have been submitted to the University of New England (UNE) Meat Science Laboratory for testing for a range of beef quality traits including shear force and chemically extracted intra-muscular fat (IMF).

Once the results are returned, the grading and meat science results for the full cohort will be analysed through BREEDPLAN and sire averages produced and published in updated Progeny Performance reports. It is envisaged the data will be analysed in the February 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis (i.e. available in late January 2016).

While it is important that the steer carcases perform and grade well on average, for the purposes of the ASBP research the variation in traits, to pick up sire genetic differences, is also vital. For example, while the carcases averaged 460kg, they ranged from 334.9kg to 562.8kg, a range of 228 kg. This is further displayed in the carcase weight distribution graph (figure 1).

As background, the ASBP steers are purchased

by Rangers Valley and enter Tullimba Research feedlot at around 450kg average liveweight with most steers being in the 400 to 500 kg range.

They are on feed for approximately 100 days in Tullimba undergoing net feed intake testing, before relocating to Rangers Valley feedlot for an additional 170 days to complete a total feeding period of 270 days. They are then processed at John Dee abattoir at Warwick where they are graded by Rangers Valley and Meat Standards Australia (MSA) graders.

Utilising the 270 day feeding period has several benefits in relation to genetic evaluation for carcase traits including: • Maximising the variation and expression of the carcase traits, particularly marbling.

• Beef CRC research showed that there was

Live Carcase Dressing Weight Wt % (kg) (kg)

Carcase weight distribution of the ASBP Cohort 3 Steers.

no re-ranking of sires for carcase traits, such as marbling, when progeny are finished on pasture or grain and slaughtered at different carcase weight end-points. The research did show greater expression of genetic differences when animals were finished on grain and slaughtered at heavier carcase weights.

• Ability to measure the steers on several occasions in the feeding period to further investigate the relationship between the carcase traits at different time points. For example all ASBP steers are ultrasound scanned at feedlot induction, again at Tullimba feedlot exit after 100 days and then direct carcase measurements at slaughter following the full 270 day feeding period.

Striploin samples from each carcase have been submitted to the UNE Meat Science Laboratory for testing for a range of beef quality traits.

P8 Fat (mm)

Rib Fat (m)

Ossification (Score)

MSA Marbling (score)

AUSMEAT EMA MSA Marbling (cm2) Index (score)

Av.

809

460

56.8%

21.0

18.7

151.4

508.7

3.04

93.8

65.0

Max

976

562.8

61.5%

40

40

180

890

8

124

70.2

Min

598

334.9

50.0%

10

6

140

280

1

66

60.4

A summary of the overall carcase performance statistics for the Cohort 3 steers is tabled above

14 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Angus Youth National Judging Competition winner, Ellen Simpson.

Angus Youth National Judging Competition runner up, Lizzie McClymont.

Aspiring Angus Breeder Headed to the United States Alice Lodge, Angus Youth Development Officer, Angus Australia Ellen Simpson from Braidwood in New South Wales has been awarded the 2015 Angus Youth University of Illinois Scholarship.

Ellen was awarded the scholarship to study at the University of Illinois after successfully winning the 2015 Angus Youth National Judging Competition.

Angus Australia’s Youth Development Officer, Alice Lodge was a member of this year’s selection panel and said, “The standard of applicants was high however Ellen stood out as the applicant with a rich passion for the beef industry as well as being a keen Angus advocate”.

thank Angus Youth for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity”, Ellen said.

Sponsored by Angus Australia, the University of Illinois Scholarship is award on an annual basis and provides the winner of the Angus Youth National Judging Competition with the opportunity to spend a semester studying at the prestigious University of Illinois in America.

Whilst in the USA, scholarship recipients experience a whirlwind of events, from university classes, judging competition and sightseeing the United States.

“We feel that Ellen will gain a wealth of experience in America and will be able to bring a lot of that knowledge back for use in her future career in the Australian beef industry.”

Past winners of the award include a number of beef industry high achievers such as AACo’s CEO Jason Strong and the 2015 Rabobank Young Beef Ambassador Jason Schultz.

Ellen has previously completed a Bachelor of Animal Science at Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, before she moved to England for a year to work at a boarding school. Ellen then returned to Australia where she worked with Ray White in Braidwood before moving to Armidale earlier this year to commence a Bachelor of Agriculture and Resource Economics.

During the 2015 Angus Youth National Judging Competition, competitors firstly visited the Teys Australia Tamworth plant where they were required to grade a variety of carcases under the watchful eye of the professional MSA graders.

They then travelled to Ben Nevis Angus Stud at Walcha, where they judged a variety of stud and commercial cattle classes, were assessed on their knowledge of the Australia beef industry and attended an interview.

Ellen is thrilled to be given the opportunity to travel to America and study at the University of Illinois.

“I am honoured to be awarded the Angus Youth University of Illinois Scholarship and would like to

Runner up in the competition was Lizzie McClymont, who was awarded a scholarship to attend the Tocal Beef Cattle Assessment School in 2015.

15

Incorporation of GeneSeek GGP Genomic Predictions in Angus BREEDPLAN Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia Incorporation of GeneSeek GGP within Angus BREEDPLAN The GGP products assesses the genetic makeup of black Angus cattle at approximately 20,000 (GGP-LD) or 80,000 locations (GGP-HD) across the animal’s genome (known as SNPs or single nucleotide polymorphisms) to obtain a genetic profile for the animal, which is used to calculate a genomic prediction of an animal’s genetic merit.

The GGP-LD is a lower density, lower cost version of the GGP-HD product and delivers genomic predictions for the same suite of traits and with comparable accuracy to the GGP-HD.

The Angus breed has long led the Australian beef industry in the utilisation of genetic and reproductive technologies, and this has continued with the evolution of the latest genomic (ie. DNA) based breeding tools.

Angus BREEDPLAN currently incorporates genomic predictions from three different genomic products: • Zoetis (i50K & HD50K) • GeneSeek (GGP-LD & GGP-HD) • Beef CRC The genomic predictions are combined with the pedigree and performance information that has been collected by Angus Australia members to add additional accuracy to the Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) that are available for Angus animals.

Most recently, the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) in Armidale has undertaken research to determine the appropriate emphasis that should be placed on the genomic predictions from the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler product (GGP-LD, GGP-HD) in the calculation of the BREEDPLAN EBVs. The research examined the relationship between the genomic prediction for over 4,000 animals and the performance information that has been recorded with BREEDPLAN for each respective trait.

16 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Based on the results of the research and the subsequent recommendations provided by AGBU, genomic predictions from the GeneSeek GGP-LD and GGP-HD products are now incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for 11 traits, including: • Calving Ease Direct • Calving Ease Maternal • Birth Weight • Weaning Weight • Yearling Weight • Mature Cow Weight • Milk • Scrotal Size • Carcase Weight • Eye Muscle Area • Intramuscular Fat Genomic predictions were previously incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for 9 traits.

For traits that are not incorporated into BREEDPLAN, there was either an insufficient relationship between the genomic prediction and the available performance information, considerable variation in the relationship between the genomic prediction and the available performance information, insufficient performance information available on which to examine the relationship with the genomic prediction, and/or no equivalent trait within BREEDPLAN. Emphasis Given to GeneSeek GGP Genomic Predictions When Incorporating in BREEDPLAN The emphasis given to the GGP-LD and GGP-HD genomic predictions within Angus BREEDPLAN can be described as the accuracy of the EBV that would be generated if the EBV was calculated from only the genomic prediction (i.e. there was no other information recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN).

The accuracy of the EBV that would be generated for each trait from the genomic prediction alone is outlined in Table 1. For comparison purposes, the accuracy of the EBV generated from the previous HD50K product is also provided.

Table 1: Accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBV Calculated from GeneSeek GGP Genomic Prediction Alone Trait

New

Previous

Calving Ease Direct

21 %

-

Calving Ease Daughters

36 %

-

Birth Weight

49 %

64 %

200 Day Growth

36 %

39 %

400 Day Weight

42 %

32 %

Mature Cow Weight

32 %

45 %

Milk

30 %

33 %

Scrotal Size

41 %

60 %

Carcase Weight

26 %

27 %

Eye Muscle Area

33 %

54 %

Intramuscular Fat

35 %

40 %

Additional Accuracy Provided by Inclusion of GeneSeek GGP for Angus in BREEDPLAN While Table 1 provides the accuracy of the EBV that will be calculated from the GGP-LD and GGP-HD genomic predictions alone, in practice, the genomic predictions are incorporated with the pedigree and performance information recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN. The additional accuracy provided by the incorporation of the GGP-LD and GGP-HD genomic predictions at differing levels of existing

EBV accuracy is shown in Table 2.

As is evident from the table, the additional accuracy that is provided by the incorporation of the genomic prediction differs subject to the accuracy of the animal’s existing EBV, with the most additional accuracy being provided in situations where an animal’s existing EBV has low accuracy.

For example: • When an animal is very young • For traits that are hard to measure, or traits that cannot be measured prior to an animal entering the breeding herd • For traits that have a low heritability • In situations where collecting effective performance information is problematic, such as in small herds, or when an animal has been removed from its contemporary group • In situations where little information is recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN for the animal, such as recently imported overseas sires The incorporation of GGP-LD and GGP-HD genomic predictions will add minimal accuracy to the EBVs for animals whose existing EBV has high accuracy.

Further Information To further discuss the utilisation of the GeneSeek GGP products, please contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia.com.au.

Information is also available by contacting staff at the Animal Genetics Laboratory at the University of Queensland.

Table 2 : Additional Accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBV When GGP-LD & GGPHD Genomic Predictions Are Incorporated Trait Calving Ease Direct Calving Ease Daughters Birth Weight 200 Day Growth 400 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Milk Scrotal Size Carcase Weight Eye Muscle Area Intramuscular Fat

Initial EBV Accuracy 20%

40%

60%

80%

+ 8% +20 % +31 % +20 % +25 % +17 % +15 % +24 % +12 % +18 % +19 %

+4 % +10 % +18 % +10 % +14 % +8 % +7 % +13 % +6 % +9 % +10 %

+2 % +4 % +8 % +4 % +6 % +4 % +3 % +6 % +2 % +4 % +4 %

+0 % +1 % +2 % +1 % +2 % +1 % +1 % +2 % +1 % +1 % +1 % 17

Richard Duddy, “Killain”, Tamworth, with sons Benjamin, 10, and Thomas, 8.

Meating market demands at tamworth Amelia Williams & Ruth Caskey, The Land Tamworth beef producer Richard Duddy, “Killain”, saw an opportunity with black cattle more than a decade ago.

Mr Duddy, with his wife Susie and children Benjamin, 10, and Thomas, 8, trades about 1000 pure Angus steers each year, sending them to the supermarket trade and lotfeeders.

The commercial operation is run alongside a small stud.

Strong relationships with clients mean Mr Duddy always has a market for his cattle, and there’s always a premium.

The Duddys started trading with Rangers Valley feedlot, near Glen Innes, about five years ago.

For the heavy feeder market, the steers need to reach between 400kg and 500kg.

Mr Duddy’s cattle are destined for the Rangers Valley branded beef product, which comes with a premium.

“The premiums we gain from marketing to feedlots far outweighed premiums that we pay when we purchase them.”

Trade cattle are purchased as weaners and yearlings, ranging from 250kg to 300kg.

“Our main market has been Woolworths, but drought conditions have prevented us from supplying them in recent times,” he said.

“I try to buy privately through other breeders of known genetic lines of Angus cattle,” Mr Duddy said.

“The cattle that best fit the Woolworths MSA (Meat Standards Australia) graded premium market are from 550 kilograms to 580kg.

“I only purchase lines of cattle suited to the supermarket trade or lotfeeding, which are both looking for high performance cattle.”

“Even on our improved country, in the past few years the seasonal conditions meant we haven’t been able to finish cattle for Woolworths.

A big part of the commercial operation’s success is the work put into improving pastures on the 650-hectare property.

“We’ve found that if we run into the situation where we can’t quite finish cattle in a bad season, we’re able market our cattle to feedlots, as long as the cattle are genetically right.”

“It’s mainly lucerne, direct drilled with forage barley,” Mr Duddy said.

18 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

“That mix of pastures enables us to have high

performance feed 12 months of the year, which has allowed us to increase our carrying capacity.

“It has to be Angus, it can’t be just black cattle,” he said.

“Using barley also takes the bloat out of the lucerne in spring.”

Under the new MSA system, Mr Spencer said Bindaree was also paying a premium for cattle that index 61+ and have a marble score of 2.

Mr Duddy said the Angus brand had positioned itself to take advantage of any marketing opportunities.

“We have a wonderful situation where Angus cattle can fit any market.

“If one market can’t be accessed due to over supply or seasonal conditions, there are several other markets you can target.”

Bindaree Beef, Inverell, has created a brand based on the Angus breed which has received good domestic demand.

Bindaree has a certified Angus beef program where it produces products for Mcdonalds, and the company’s Cape Byron Angus brand had also been a success for the business.

Livestock general manager Michael Spencer, Inverell, said Bindaree would pay a five cent premium above their current grid for Angus cattle.

Mr Spencer said a lot of the cattle reaching these scores were Angus. Jackson Quality Meats owner, Greg Jackson, Armidale, said they also paid a premium for Angus products.

Jacksons buy carcase-packaged meat and generally paid about a 15 per cent premium for the Angus breed.

“It’s only on the premium cuts that we pay the premium for, such as rump, strip loins and scotch fillet,” he said.

Jackson’s Quality Meats, like Bindaree, also sells Angus-specific products.

Mr Jackson said the company received Angusspecific demand from restuarants, but it was also a good product to offer customers.

“Having it on the shelf gives a point of difference,” he said.

®

AUSTRALIA

19

The ASBP provides feed efficiency rankings for modern Angus sires

Peter Parnell, CEO, Angus Australia Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager, Angus Australia

Angus breeders have led the Australian beef industry in the application of genetic technologies for the improvement of performance and profitability. As a result of their ability to satisfy demanding market requirements, and their suitability to a wide range of production environments, Angus and Angus-cross cattle have gained significant market share such that they now dominate the feedlot sector and also account for a high proportion of grass finished product from southern Australia. Despite this success, Angus breeders still strive to achieve further continuous improvement in profitability through significant investment in performance recording and application of genetic technologies. This investment includes significant commitment to research and development, particularly to generate the potential to achieve genetic improvement in difficult to measure profit drivers traits such as fertility, feed efficiency, and carcase quality.

The Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) is a key initiative by Angus Australia to assist breeders in further extending the opportunity to achieve future genetic improvement in profitability. The major objectives of the ASBP include: 1. Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction.

2. Generate data for the validation & refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN. 3. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development.

The ASBP is a joint investment supported by Angus Australia, participating breeders, the MLA

Donor Company, and various industry partners including Rangers Valley Feedlot and Vetoquinol.

The program involves the structured progeny testing of a large number of elite Angus sires.

The first 6 cohorts of the program will include 230 sires with a total of over 6,000 progeny.

Male (steer) progeny are being evaluated for growth, docility, feed efficiency and carcase traits. Heifer progeny are being evaluated for growth, docility, carcase merit (via ultrasound assessment), fertility and calving ease.

This article focuses on the feed efficiency findings of the first 3 ASBP cohorts which includes 122 sires and 1,461 steer progeny.

Steer progeny from the ASBP cohorts 1, 2 and 3 were generated by fixed-time AI programs in 5 co-operator herds located in NSW and Victoria.

Following grow-out and backgrounding, the steer progeny were re-located to the University of New England’s Tullimba feedlot at Kingstown NSW. Following an acclimatisation period, steers were fed in the GrowSafe feed intake facility at Tullimba for a 70-day testing period (see Figure 1). The GrowSafe system, installed at Tullimba in 2012, uses the world’s leading technology for accurate measurement of feed intake in a commercial feedlot setting (see www.growsafe. com).

During the test period, complete recording of feed intake was conducted through the GrowSafe system along with regular body weights recorded at the water points using GrowSafe Beef equipment. In addition, manual weights were taken at the start, end, and at fortnightly intervals during the test period to assist in the calibration of serial weights taken from the GrowSafe Beef equipment.

Figure 1: GrowSafe equipment at Tullimba feedlot, used to measure feed intake, growth rate and efficiency of ASBP steers.

20 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Feed intake and serial weight data was used to calculate Net Feed Intake (NFI-F) values for each steer measured through the GrowSafe system (Figure 2). NFI-F is a measure of residual feed intake after adjustment for differences in average body weight maintained and growth rate through the test period. Animals with a negative NFI-F values consumed less feed than expected based on their growth rate and body weight maintained. Animals with positive NFI-F values consumed more feed that expected for their growth performance and average body weight.

Maintenance Average body weight

Figure 2: . Calculation of Net feed Intake from weight, growth rate and feed intake data.

Net Feed Intake

Feed Intake

Average growth rate Weight gain Figure 3 shows the distribution of NFI-F values among the cohort 1, 2 and 3 steers (n=1,461). Whilst most steers had a NFI-F value close to zero (i.e. actual feed intake close to expectation) some steers consumed up to 4kg/day less than expected for their growth rate and body weight maintained, whilst other steers consumed up to 4kg/day more than expected.

Figure 3: Distribution of Net feed Intake among cohort 1, 2 and 3 ASBP steers.

The NFI-F values for each steer were used to calculate differences in Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) among their sires on a regular basis within the monthly Angus BREEDPLAN analysis. The EBVs are appropriately adjusted for the impact of differences in property of origin, management group, age, and age of dam whilst taking into account any pedigree relationships among the sires. The NFI-F EBVs are published for each sire in the online animal enquiry facility on the Angus Australia website Figure 4: Distribution of Net Feed Intake (NFI-F) Estimated Breeding Values of the sires represented in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 of the ASBP.

Figure 4 shows the NFI-F EBVs distribution for the 122 sires with steer progeny recorded in cohorts 1, 2 and 3. The range is NFI-F EBVs shows that there are genetic differences in the sires of over 2 kg/day that would be expressed in their steer progeny.

21

Figure 5a shows the individual steer progeny adjusted NFI values compared to the contemporary group averages for a sire with a negative (favourable) NFI value. Figure 5b shows the comparisons between adjusted NFI-F values and contemporary group average for a sire with a positive (unfavourable) NFI-F value. a) ASBP Sire SJVG10

b) ASBP Sire USA16396

Figure 6: Relationship between the NFI-F EBV and Angus Breeding Index for the ASBP cohorts 1, 2 and 3 sires.

Figure 5: Comparison of individual steer adjusted NFI values with contemporary group averages for (a) a sire with a negative (favourable) NFI-F EBV, and (b) a sire with a positive (unfavourable) NFI-F EBV.

This is further highlighted in the listing below (figure 7) which shows that top 15 ASBP sires from Cohorts 1 to 3 based on the Angus Breeding Index that also have a NFI-EBV less than 0 (i.e. more efficient).

Importantly, the relationship between the NFI-F EBV and other commercially important production traits have been found to be relatively independent on a genetic level. For example, we are able to identify sires that have EBVs to reduce NFI-F in their progeny but maintain or increase carcase weight and marbling. This is highlighted in Figure 6 which shows the relationship between the NFI-F EBV and Angus Breeding Index values for sires included in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 of the ASBP. The Angus Breeding Index value is an estimate of overall profitability, considering an animal’s EBVs for growth, fertility and carcase merit.

Summary and Conclusions The Angus Sire Benchmarking Project (ASBP) provides unique data on differences in genetic merit for Net Feed Intake and other important economic traits, such as calving ease, female fertility, carcase weight and marbling performance among modern Angus sires. This data will contribute to the ongoing improvement of feed efficiency and overall profitability in the Angus breed. The ASBP will continue into the future to provide a valuable R&D resource for the beef industry including the breeding, feedlot and processing sectors.

Name

CED

Bwt

400 Day Wt

DTC

CWt

EMA

IMF

NFI-F

ABI

MURRAY EL GRANDO G20(ET)

-4.0

+7.0

+111

-4.8

+95

+7.8

+3.1

-0.51

+$159

MILLAH MURRAH EQUATOR D78(AI)

-0.1

+4.8

+110

-4.4

+88

+2.8

+0.1

-0.84

+$131

TWYNAM D154(APR)(AI)

-4.8

+5.6

+83

-8.0

+60

+11.8

+0.9

-0.35

+$130

CLUNIE RANGE FERRARI F318(AI)(ET)

-0.8

+4.7

+97

-7.9

+94

+4.7

+1.8

-0.70

+$130

BOOROOMOOKA FRANKEL F510(AI)

+0.1

+7.5

+107

-3.5

+91

+5.5

+1.2

-0.59

+$130

REILAND EVERITT E17(AI)(ET)

-1.6

+5.9

+85

-4.6

+62

+8.0

+2.0

-0.36

+$129

BANNABY HYTIME E1(AI)(ET)

-3.9

+6.2

+91

-3.1

+77

+6.6

+2.9

-0.28

+$126

ESSLEMONT F4(AI)(ET)

+3.9

+2.2

+70

-8.2

+45

+5.4

+2.8

-0.53

+$124

GILMANDYKE FOREMAN F0066(AI)

-3.1

+6.6

+105

-1.1

+78

+1.8

+1.7

-0.41

+$123

WATTLETOP SITZ 458N E111(AI)

+1.6

+3.5

+86

-1.7

+67

+5.3

+3.3

-0.44

+$122

TE MANIA DEEGAN D309(AI)

-0.9

+5.2

+84

-7.0

+64

+3.9

+2.7

-0.28

+$122

MILWILLAH LAD E158(AI)

-1.7

+7.3

+82

-5.0

+52

+9.5

+2.4

-0.01

+$121

MILWILLAH ELSOM F189(AI)

+1.3

+5.1

+93

-1.9

+79

+5.8

+1.7

-0.65

+$121

BALD BLAIR NEW DESIGN G117(AI)

+1.5

+3.9

+88

-4.4

+60

+5.5

+1.2

-0.21

+$120

BOOROOMOOKA SO YOU THINK E184(AI)

-2.3

+7.5

+91

-1.7

+51

+1.3

+1.5

-0.70

+$119

Breed Average

-0.3

+4.4

+74

-3.5

+53

+4.1

+1.5

+0.13

+$98

Figure 7: – Top 15 ASBP Sires from Cohorts 1 to 3 based on Angus Breeding Index that also have an NFI-F EBV less than 0 (Mid-November BREEDPLAN analysis).

22 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

when viral is a good thing Kimberly Wallis, Quality Assurance Coordinator, Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd Certified Angus Group are ramping up Social Media efforts, as it is not only a way of the future, it is the now. We encourage Angus Australia Members to subscribe to our pages on Social Media, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter and Find us on Instagram. Help us help your brands go viral!

Stay in touch with all the latest news and information from the Certified Angus Group, as well as our two brands CAAB and Angus Pure by liking and following us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

With over 1.3 million people using Facebook to connect and engage this medium is a powerful way to raise brand awareness, business awareness and loyalty to both, which will inevitably increase the demand for Angus cattle in Australia.

79% of Australian use Facebooks and other social media sites daily. With 20% of people use social media sites to follow brands to access offers or promotions, and 19% of people using social media to research products and services they may want to buy it is a powerful way to raise brand awareness and ultimately increase the sales of our two brands CAAB and Angus Pure.

Of those people following business 27% of people want brand information, 24% want information about the company, 21% want information about the industry and 24% want tips and advice. This is what we will aim to include on our social media sites, and we encourage you, our followers and owners of the brand to do the same on our sites.

For any enquiries please contact Kimberly Wallis at kwallis@certifiedangus.com.au or 0427 110 210.

- Angus Pure - CAG - Certified Angus Group - CAAB - Certified Australian Angus Beef @angusbeefaus

certifiedangusgroup

trans tasman EXCHANGE SCHOLARSHIP update

The 2015 Trans-Tasman exchange recipient, Kristen Fredericksen has spent the past few weeks travelling around the South Island of New Zealand as part of the award. Kristen has visited a variety of Angus studs so far, including Te Mania Angus and Grampians Angus, and also attended the Canterbury A&P Show. Kristen was then able to spend a fortnight with a local vet as part of her Veterinary Science degree’s work placement requirements. Kristen is now currently in the North Island and will spend the rest of her trip visiting Angus studs throughout the Gisborne and Feilding regions.

23

New EBV Standard Error Graph Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, Angus Australia A new graph, known as the EBV Standard Error graph, is now available when viewing animals within the EBV Search facility on the Angus Australia website.

The EBV Standard Error graph provides an indication of the possible change in EBVs for each trait as more information becomes available.

The horizontal bar for each trait displays one standard error either side of the current EBV value, meaning that statistically, there is a 67% chance that the true breeding value for this trait will be within the range identified on the graph.

Another way of looking at this is to consider that as more performance information is added for this animal, the EBV would be expected to fall within the EBV range displayed in the graph on 7 out of 10 occasions.

Of course, as the EBV takes into account all the pedigree, performance and genomic information that is available at this point in time, the EBV is also the most reliable indication available of the animal’s breeding value for each trait at this point in time, irrespective of accuracy.

The EBV Standard Error Graph for an animal can be accessed from the EBV Search facility on the Angus Australia website. Users need to navigate to animal’s individual animal details page and then click either “EBV Graph” or the graph icon as they would normally do to display the EBV Percentile graph. At the bottom of the EBV Percentile Graph, a button will display titled “Switch Graph”. Clicking on this button will display the EBV Standard Error graph for the animal.

In the example above the animal’s 400 Day Wt EBV is of higher accuracy than its Days to Calving EBV and so there is less possible change in the 400 Day Wt EBV as additional information becomes available.

24 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

around the shows

EKKA - Grand Champion Bull - Acacia K23

EKKA - Grand Champion Female - K5X Lois J40

Adelaide - Grand Champion Bull - Newlyn Park Emperor J6 ET Adelaide - Grand Champion Female - Glentanner Blackcap F6

Melbourne - Grand Champion Bull & Supreme Beef Interbreed award - PC Kodiak J157 Grand Champion Female & Supreme Senior Champion Beef Bred Female - PC Miss Expedition H304

Perth - Junior Champion Female & Interbreed Junior Heifer Champion: Fernwood Edwina K14

Hobart - Grand Champion Angus Bull & Interbreed Junior Bull - Angus Platinum Angus Kruise K74

Hobart - Grand Champion Angus Female & Interbreed Grand Champion Female Platinum Angus Fleur-Ru K51

25

angus females in demand The unmatched versatility of Angus cattle and the profitability of the breed is underpinned by the range of marketing options available to Angus cattle producers.

Angus calves are of course renowned as being the breed most sought-after by backgrounders, lot feeders, processors and consumers, which helps ensure Angus producers enjoy a premium when selling their cattle. But Angus breeding stock are also a hot-ticket item with graziers, thanks to their excellent mothering characteristics and fertility, which means more healthy young black calves are mustered for marking.

Indeed the saleability of surplus Angus females is an important source of revenue for many breeders who have tapped-into the strong producer demand when it comes time to fill annual restocking orders.

There is no better example of just how soughtafter replacement heifers are in the commercial market than the annual draft of pregnancy tested, in calf heifers offered by Langi Kal Kal Angus each February at the Ballarat beef breeder sale.

The annual Langi Kal Kal draft is a major drawcard for buyers and is regarded as one of premier female sales in Australia, regularly topping the sale. Earlier this year, Langi Kal Kal’s top draft of 2.5 year old PTIC heifers sold to Wangaratta for the sale’s highest price of $1600, with a second draft going to the same purchasers for $1440.

A record from 2011 is unsurpassed, when Langi Kal Kal sold 44 PTIC heifers to the record price of $2100, averaging $1967 across two drafts and setting a new benchmark for the sale of elite young breeding stock. With confidence in the beef industry on a high currently and strong market demand set to prevail for the foreseeable Pictured below: Corrections Victoria agriculture manager Matthew Menhennet and Langi Kal Kal agriculture manager Mark Steele.

Tom Dawkins future, the prices achieved in recent years could be bettered at the 2016 sale. The heifers which will be selected for that sale are, for now, on the property with the rest of the 2013-drop maidens, grazing along the banks of the Mount Emu Creek on Langi Kal Kal’s 1000 hectare property at Trawalla, in Victoria’s central west.

The Langi Kal Kal herd of 550 cattle comprises 260 Angus Performance Registered (APR) cows and their progeny. Young males are also retained for consideration in Langi Kal Kal’s stud program which sells about 40 bulls each year, with a selection of sires to be sold at auction for the first time in March 2016.

Run alongside a 2300-head self-replacing ewe flock, the livestock enterprise is unique in that it is part of Correction Victoria’s Langi Kal Kal prison farm, where prisoners work under supervision with both sheep and cattle. The Langi Kal Kal herd was established 30 years ago and has bred pure Angus cattle from the outset. Langi Kal Kal’s agriculture manager, Mark Steele, says the advantages of being an Angus operation is increasingly obvious, both in the paddock and in the market.

“When you go to sales at Ballarat or anywhere else, it’s pretty clear that people want to buy black cattle,” he said. “Angus females are very good dual-purpose cattle, with excellent meat characteristics and eating quality, coupled with very good maternal traits too. The Angus female is a very well balanced animal.”

“I compare them to the composite ewe flock here, where we’ve got a balance of great mothering ability coupled with an ability to rear top-quality, prime progeny with a high yielding, modern carcase.”

Importantly for herds such as Langi Kal Kal, the work of Angus Australia in promoting the breed and establishing modern benchmarking tools for breeders, ensures Angus cattle remain at the forefront of the Australian cattle industry.

“Angus breeders have done more work than any other group to build-up data, which has enabled the constant improvement of Angus herds through use of EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values),” Mr Steele said.

“As breeders, we know we’re working with a breed society which is very progressive. To have that ability to benchmark your cattle against industry standards is unrivalled.” Mr Steele, says while the herd is spring-calving, the PTIC heifers sold at Ballarat are selected for a later joining.

“Our sale heifers are assessed quite stringently,” Mr Steele said.

26 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

The advantages of being an Angus operation is increasingly obvious, both in the paddock and in the market. When you go to sales, it’s pretty clear that people want to buy black cattle.

“Langi Kal Kal has a reputation for selling quality heifers so if they don’t look 100 per cent right, we don’t put them in the Ballarat sale.” The number of PTIC heifers offered by Langi Kal Kal each year varies, with as many as 61 sold in recent years.

While a larger number of heifers will be retained in the herd in the future, it is expected that 2530 heifers will continue to be sold at the annual February sale.

“In the pen on sale day, I’d like to think a buyer will look at our PTIC heifers and see an animal that fits nicely into their commercial operation,” Mr Steele said. “Fertility is a big thing for us and we want to ensure buyers are going to get breeders with good temperament that will do well for them and continue to get in calf for many years to come.”

Matthew Menhennet, the Agriculture Manager for Corrections Victoria, has worked closely with the Langi Kal Kal herd for many years and says its females are moderately-framed to promote overall herd fertility and the longevity of individual cows.

“With both our cattle and sheep, we need to keep an eye on the size of our breeders, because we don’t want them too big or too small. We like to have our cows at about 650 kilograms liveweight when they’re dry,” Mr Menhennet said. “Fertility is the biggest driver of profit in a breeding operation and we find a moderately framed cow delivers the best results for fertility,

doing ability and maintaining the right structure.

“We’ve got plenty of cows here which are over ten years old and they’ve been getting in calf year in, year out. The moderate frame has a lot to do with that longevity.”

Landmark Ballarat stock agent Xavier Shanahan helps coordinate the sale of Langi Kal Kal’s PTIC heifers the females are a genuine highlight of the annual Ballarat female sale. “The Langi Kal Kal heifers are renowned performing cattle,” Mr Shanahan said.

“The preparation for calving that the heifers are given by the Langi Kal Kal staff is exceptional and every consideration is given to help the heifers have an unassisted natural birth.”

“The temperament of the heifers is always exceptionally good, which has attracted repeat buyers over the years.” Mr Shanahan said given the heifers are bred in a “cold country” environment, the Langi Kal Kal females have proven to be good commercial performers with the versatility to excel in a wide range of climatic conditions. This was reflective of the overall marketing advantages enjoyed by his clients running Angus cattle.

“In the Ballarat region, we find the Angus breed handles our climate and conditions very well.

We also find the demand for Angus calves to be at the top of the market when we sell,” Mr Shanahan said.

27

HAS THE GENETIC IMPROVEMENT PIPELINE BEEN EFFECTIVE? In September 2015 a paper was presented

by Peter Parnell at the 21st Conference of the Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) which examined the genetic improvement achieved in Angus as a demonstration of the effectiveness of the beef genetic delivery pipeline in Australia.

This article includes a summary of the key findings of the paper. A full version of the paper can be downloaded from the AAABG conference website: http://aaabg-2015.m.asnevents.com.au/ INTRODUCTION There has been debate in recent times by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and others regarding the effectiveness of the existing pipeline for the delivery of genetic improvement to the Australia beef industry. The current pipeline involves partnerships between cattle breeders, breed associations, commercialisers, and RD&E providers. Genetic evaluation using BREEDPLAN has been a central element of the pipeline over the past 30 years, involving collaboration between MLA, the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), state departments of agriculture, breed associations and breeders.

This article examines genetic improvement in the Angus breed as an example of what has been achieved through the existing delivery pipeline. Members of Angus Australia are responsible for over 40% of animals registered in the Australian beef seedstock sector, as compiled by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA). They account for 40-60% of the performance records collected in the sector. The Angus database contains over 1.75 million animals, of which 1.2 million animals have performance data contributing to a total of over 6.7 million records.

CALCULATING ECONOMIC RESPONSES The economic gains achieved in the temperate Australian beef industry resulting from genetic improvement by Angus seedstock breeders was calculated from the trend in the average Angus Breeding Index value achieved in the registered Angus seedstock population. For simplicity, the calculations ignore any benefits accrued in the sub-tropical northern beef industry where Angus genetics has also had significant penetration in recent years.

Since no accurate statistics are available on the breed composition in the Australian beef

28 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

herd it was assumed that the proportion of Angus animals represented in the temperate commercial beef population was equivalent to the proportion of Angus cattle in the seedstock sector relative to the total number of breeding females registered across all temperate breeds, as published annually by ARCBA. These statistics show that the proportion of Angus cattle in the seedstock sector increased from about 10% in the early 1980s to 47% in 2014.

It was assumed that 75% of the industry sources their bull replacements from recorded seedstock herds (“Tier 1” commercial herds), with a 5 year lag in genetic improvement (approximately 1 generation); and, the remaining 25% of commercial herds (“Tier 2” commercial herds) had a 10 year lag (approximately 2 generations) in genetic improvement relative to the seedstock sector.

Statistics on the numbers of breeding females mated each year in the temperate Australian beef herd were estimated from industry data provided by MLA, with 50% of these cows assumed to be run in temperate regions where Angus bulls are commonly used.

Figure 1 shows the estimated number of breeding females in “temperate” Australia joined to Angus bulls since the commencement of Angus BREEDPLAN, with the conservative projection assuming no further increase in the proportion of Angus cattle in the temperate beef herd from 2015 to 2024.

Figure 2 shows the trends in average Angus Breeding Index values for registered Angus herds

Figure 1: Estimated number of cows joined to Angus bulls, 1985-2024

to 2014, and the predicted lagged trends in “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” commercial herds in temperate Australia.

Figure 4: Accumulated discounted value of economic benefits resulting from genetic improvement in the Australian Angus population.

Figure 2: Genetic trends in Angus seedstock and commercial herds.

Figure 3 shows the discounted economic returns over time calculated from the genetic trends in temperate commercial herds using Angus bulls, assuming a discount rate of 7% to adjust returns over time to present value.

THE FUTURE Breeders typically have a myriad of breeding objectives, based on their interpretation of market signals and factors influencing profitability.

Consequently, it is inaccurate to assume that all participants of the value chain agree with the implied breeding objectives underpinning the trends in index values typically used to monitor genetic progress in the industry. Angus breeders who have focused on profitability indexes have made excellent genetic progress with respect to these indexes.

Sub-potential gains achieved in some herds or breeds are likely not to be a function of the delivery pipeline, but rather the lack of motivation for genetic change by some breeders and/or differing breeding objectives not adequately described by existing indexes.

Figure 3: Annual discounted value of genetic gains in commercial herds using Angus bulls.

These results show that the long-term genetic improvement in Angus seedstock herds, coupled with increased market share of Angus, has generated significant economic benefits for the commercial beef industry in Australia.

There is no doubt that elements of the existing beef genetic delivery pipeline can be improved to enhance the rate of technology development and to address constraints to delivery of more efficient and effective recording, genetic evaluation and extension services. Angus Australia will continue to work with all participants in the pipeline to facilitate improved market signals, incentives, motivation and associated rewards from the application of genetics technology.

Figure 4 shows that the accumulated present value of returns resulting from the genetic improvement to 2014 was estimated to be $1.62 billion, projected to increase to $2.51 billion in 2024.

29

Fodder crops a top option at Coolac Black cattle have been introduced to “Ellamatta” in the past 25 years and the fourth generation to work the Crowe family farm is now seeing the premium price tag that goes with the Angus territory.

Six years ago Dave Crowe returned full time to the family holding that spans 1336 hectares near the village of Coolac in the Riverina.

Along with his parents Max and Mercia, and wife Louise, Mr Crowe operates a cattle and sheep enterprise.

Traditionally, the Crowes sold their cattle at the annual Gundagai weaner sale in mid-June but in recent years had focussed on the feedlot market.

Hereford cattle were run on “Ellamatta” years ago, and while the Crowes had been using black bulls for the past two decades, about five per cent of the herd still showed the whiteface strain.

Simone Norrie - The Land

Each year they retained their 60 top heifers to join and they sell the remaining 55 unjoined.

“We’re unsure where they will head yet depending on how the market goes, but last year all of our cull heifers were sold in one hit, direct to Adelaide, for 190c/kg, which we were very happy with at the time,” he said.

As a rule of thumb they carry around 230 breeders – most of which are autumn calvers apart from 40 cows that calve in August/September.

The Crowes are aiming to switch to the one drop.

“We are just starting to get joinings more even now and this means the heavier weights are more consistent; the joined heifers are 13 to 15 months old, and put on weight nicely on those crops and supplementary feed,” Mr Crowe said.

“By two years old if you can get a calf out of them at that age they’re very productive and start their breeding life early.”

“There is a definite premium on the blacks, we can be docked 10 cents per kilogram on the black baldies,” Mr Crowe said.

How long they kept their cows varied, but they were generally culled by 10 years old, Mr Crowe said.

“We find the black cattle to be easy doing; they’re easier to fatten and we notice the toughness of the cows especially in these rocky hills, they’re willing to forage.

“Some with a full mouth could be 12 to 13 years old whereas others are only eight and they start to feel it,” he said.

“So we wanted to capitalise on this weight gain, and focus on fitting the feedlot market.”

In early July they sent 85, 15- month-old, Bongongo-blood steers to the JBS owned Riverina Beef Feedlot near Yanco.

“JBS’ curfew weight is 300 kilograms and up to 500kg, but we like to get them averaging 420kg by the time they’re sent,” Mr Crowe said.

30 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Grazing crops had allowed the Crowes to make the most of their country, including finishing for longer, Mr Crowe said.

Grazing oats including Bimbi was utilised by both the cattle and sheep arm of the enterprise and complemented by lucerne/ryegrass pasture on the farm.

“This year we sowed early oats through March/ April and by late May/June we had cattle on

them,” Mr Crowe said.

Feedlot lucrative for ‘Ellamatta’

“We put 100ha in early and another 80ha a bit later which was emerging by late June, and both were were established before the heaviest of the frosts hit [in early June].”

In early July Angus producer Dave Crowe, “Ellamatta”, Coolac, sent a consignment of 85 black steers to the JBS owned Riverina Beef Feedlot near Yanco in southern NSW – a market he had found lucrative in recent years.

Mr Crowe said each year most of the steers were sold by mid- August to allow time for the crop to be locked up and regrow until mid-September.

An increased focus on fostering grazing crops had opened doors for Mr Crowe to grow out his cattle to meet feedlot specifications rather than targeting the weaner market each year.

“With your earlier oats if you have a good even joining they calve in March so by June the following year they’re 12 months old and you can get them on the crops,” he said.

The cattle bound for JBS were locked in at 306 cents a kilogram which equated to $1268 per head, he said – they averaged 415kg.

“When we shift to an all autumn calving this will work better too – the spring calves can drag into the summer when lambs are wanting to be on the crops so it can clash.”

“You might make an extra $200 to $300 per head when they’re feedlot weight; you only get to sell them once so you want to make the most of it,” he said.

There had been just over 100 millimetres of rain recorded at “Ellamatta” in the last weeks of June which was a much needed boost to get them through winter, Mr Crowe said.

“Our main sale for the year used to be the Gundagai weaner sale but we can get the crop in a lot earlier now so that allows us to hold them and put weight on them; your weaner weights are about the 350 kilograms mark so if you can grow them out to 400kg to 500kg, you’re value adding them in my opinion.” Mr Crowe said he liked knowing the price he was pocketing before the cattle left the farm.

“Back in April when it was looking a bit dry I thought we’d have to go to the store market for some, but the home made silage we fed out put a good base in them and the oats came up just in time to top them up,” he said.

“We like to grow our own silage to keep in front, drought proof to an extent, and that way you can retain your breeders if you have six or eight months of dry weather.”

Mr Crowe hoped the market would stabilise and 300c/kg become the norm.

“Around this area to Wagga and down in to Victoria and across the mountains, it seems the numbers are there and they always have been,” he said.

“JBS also send us feedback; they show you their weight gain average over a certain number of days,” he said.

“We’ve had a very positive response, they handle the feedlot well and it’s good to know how they perform once they leave our property.”

This year he sold 25 Angus and Angus cross culls through the saleyards on June 12, that weighed on average 350kg, from $1020 to $1030 (298c/kg).

He said the spike in the cattle market this year had been a “long time coming”.

“The price of everything else has increased like fertiliser and feed but cattle stayed the same for too long.

“But a market like we have now could become the norm, like the way sheep have gone.

“The Angus are definitely getting easier to market, even the store sales are seeing better competition now in my view.”

Dve Crowe pictured “Ellamatta” weaners.

with

31

MSO quick stats.

Figures are based on 1st January 2015 to 30th November 2015.

During the period of 1st January 2015 to 30th November 2015, the Member Services team have registered 40,118 animals. Please see below more detailed breakup: HBR Registrations: Female: 19,545 Males: 18,828 Steers: 728

APR Registrations: Female: 10,922 Males: 8,379 Steers: 928

ACR Registrations: RAR Registrations: Female: 1,875 Female: 204 Steers: 2,186 Males: 20

MBR Registrations: Base Animals: Female: 378 Females: 4835 Males: 232 Males: 37 Steers: 103

Member services Report Angus Registrations – Important Information Lee- Anne Turner, Member Services Manager, Angus Australia Before registering your calves it is important to be familiar with Angus Australia Rules & Regulations.

6.41 It shall be a requirement that for the registration of all HBR, APR, RAR or MBR calves that their sire has a DNA profile recorded with the Society. If HBR, APR, RAR and born after the 31/12/2002, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified. If MBR and born after 31/12/2014, the sire shall be DNA paternity verified.

6.42 All “donor” dams shall have a DNA profile record with the society before their embryo transfer calves can be registered.

The Angus Australia website also shows if and what DNA profile is on file for individual animals.

Go to the Angus Australia website; Click on the Animal Search tab; Type in the Animal ident/or name in the corresponding field; Animal details will display as below:

We have processed a total of 13,257 transfers.

The Member Service team produced 255 sale catalogues with a total of 13,079 lots.

A total of 24,203 DNA samples were submitted for testing.

Please see below for a more detailed breakup: DNA Genetic testing AM: 1,812 CA: 2,312 DD: 9,209 NH: 2,194 GGPLD: 609 GGPHD: 106

Pestivirus: 640 Mannossidosis: 46 Coat: 508 Storage: 1,111 HD50K/i50K: 2,748

DNA Parentage testing Combination of SEQ, SNP & Microsatellites: 5,722

As you can see the highlighted area shows this particular animal has a SNP and a microsatellite on file.

This will also help members with selecting the relevant DNA parent Verification technology they need to test this sires progeny with.

This Sire has both SNP and Microsatellites profiles therefore his progeny can have either a SNP/ SEQ or microsatellite test.

Should you need DNA profiles to register any of your calves, samples need to be sent directly to Angus Australia. Please note turnaround times for the laboratories for parentage testing can be around 4 to 6 weeks.

32 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Autumn Female Inventory

Online Dam Disposals

2016 Autumn Inventory forms were sent in November. You can also access your Inventory List via the ‘Files to Download’ section in your Member Area.

1. Open your Internet browser and head to www.angusaustralia.com.au 2. Click the ‘Member Login’ option from the Menu along the top of the page.

3. Enter your Herd ID and Password in the boxes provided and click ‘Sign On’. If you do not have login details yet, contact the Member Services Team (02) 6773 4600 or regos@ angusaustralia.com.au 4. Click ‘Online Transactions’ located on the right hand side of the top menu bar.

5. From this screen, click on ‘Create a New Batch’. All of your batches will also be listed here should you wish to double check previous submissions.

6. Select ‘Manually add records’ as the Batch Mode and ‘Dam Disposals’ as the Batch Type. Once you have checked these two options click ‘Create’.

7. Now you have started your batch, click ‘Add’ underneath the dam listing table.

8. Enter the ident of the dam you would like to fate in the ‘Dam ID’ column. Select a reason for fating the dam from the ‘Fate’ column. In the ‘Fate Date’ column record the date the female was fated off.

9. When you have entered all the details, click ‘Go’ located at the bottom of the entry.

Repeat this process for each dam you fate off.

10. Once you have finished entering your dams to be taken off the inventory, click ‘View Batch Summary and Submission Screen’ 11. Check the submission details and click ‘Submit this batch to Angus’ if they are all correct. The batch will not submit to Angus if there are any records with errors. If you do get an error, double check the information and then contact Member Services Team for assistance.

12. Once you have sent your batch, the status will change to ‘Submitted’.

Important things to remember for the Autumn Inventory: • The Autumn Inventory needs to be completed and returned to Angus Australia by 26th February 2016. Any females you have culled/ sold or any females you do not wish to keep active for the 2016 calving year will need to be removed. Remember: you will not be able to register progeny from inactive females.

• Inventories will be processed during March 2016, and your invoice will be calculated based on how many females you have retained (left active) in each Register.

Invoices will be sent out at the end of March 2016. Members are then given 60 days to pay that invoice in full by the nominated date (30th May 2016).“ Please be aware that no adjustments will be made to this invoice for any animals fated after the invoice has been raised. Our accounting system is unable to process any credits once this invoice has been sent.

parent verification Parent Verification is a requirement when a member changes any of the following: • Change the Sire or Dam of an animal already recorded in the HBR, RAR, APR or MBR register that is more than 12 months of age.

• Changes the sex of a male registered animal to female that has previously recorded a SC “scrotal circumference” on the animal Where the parentage verification for an animal fails the Society shall de-register the animal until its correct parentage is determined and verified.

A full detailed description is available on the Angus website

Female Inventory Totals for 2015 Initial Total of females Total females retained

Spring 2015 89,155 70,181

Autumn 2015 43,361 30,511

Registration Category HBR APR ACR RAR MBR

41,606 22,300 4,191 113 1,971

20,660 7,855 1,191 115 690 33

A RECORD YEAR FOR THE ANGUS BREED Diana Wood, Marketing & Communications Manager, Angus Australia by 30%. The $14,876 average price represents a staggering 63% jump on the previous Angus breed record of $9,147 which was set at last year’s Millah Murrah sale.

‘I hope and believe it is a watershed moment for the industry, and will usher in a broader price shift for bulls. They are not cheap to produce and Seedstockers need to be rewarded in line with the amazing upward trend in the commercial market over the past 12 months’ said Mr Thompson.

A new Australian Angus record of $150,000 for a top price bull, was achieved on the 3rd of September.

2015 has been a year of records in the Angus breed across both the seedstock and commercial markets.

In what can only be described as an incredible day in the Angus world, two Australian Angus records and one Australian all breeds record were smashed at the annual Millah Murrah bull sale near Bathurst NSW on September 3rd, with the records for top price bull and top average being broken.

The first record to be broken was the top price for an Australian Angus bull, when spirited bidding saw Lot 4 Millah Murrah Kingdom K35 (AI) (ET) knocked down for $150,000.

Sired by Hingaia 469, the bull was described by breeder Ross Thompson as a bull that, “He is a hell of a good animal. He is by Hingaia 469 out of New Zealand. The dam is a powerful 24J, 1407, Woody W100 lineage. The maternal heritage of the bull is exceptional. The big fellow weighed 862kg at 19 months. He has tremendous dimension to him: a bit over frame score 6, he is long as a train, deep and thick through the top line. He has a great sire’s head and outlook, supple gait, great disposition and structure.

And he’s actually got a very useful data set for a bull with such a usable pedigree. He has the constitution and pedigree versatility ideally suited to go over so many bloodlines of today”.

Angus females also had their time in the limelight, with a staggering result for Coonamble Angus, Bremer Bay WA, breaking the Angus Australia record average price for stud females offered at auction.

Stud principal Murray Davis, sold 77 PTIC cows for the amazing average of $8,039.

By lot 30 the sale was tracking at the astounding average of $11,417, so it was no surprise at the sales’ conclusion that the record had been achieved.

The previous record average for stud females was set by Millah Murrah, Bathurst NSW, in 2013 when 112 females averaged $7,960.

A top price of $18,000 (a WA state record for Angus females sold at auction), was achieved twice during the sale.

Coonamble F170 was the first to reach this milestone. The March 2009 drop cow, sired by Te Mania Ada A149, was purchased by Gavin Russell of Callanish Angus Stud, Donnybrook WA. The equal top price was knocked down for full sister, Coonamble E72 The June 2010 drop cow was purchased by Cherylton Angus Stud, Donnybrook WA as part of a syndicate with an undisclosed Eastern States Angus stud.

When asked to describe the sale result, stud principal Murray Davis said, ‘It was amazing’.

The 862kg bull was purchased by a syndicate headed up by ABS Australia, represented by Bill Cornell. The other syndicate members are: Witherswood, Gilmandyke and Ascot, with Millah Murrah retaining a 20% share as well.

Ascot purchased a share post sale having been part of a syndicate that underbid the bull to the record price.

All up a total of 105 bulls were sold to reach the new record average of $14,896, for a 100% clearance. This record eclipsed the $11,412 all breeds record set by Palgrove Charolais in 2006 34 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Coonamble E72, one of two cows to make the $18,000 top price at the Coonamble reduction sale.

RECORD RUN IN COMMERCIAL SALES:

The past few months have seen buyer confidence return to the cattle market, both on AuctionsPlus and in the saleyards, Australia wide across all offerings of cattle and Angus and Angus influenced cattle have reaped the rewards, as week after week top prices are made and records are broken.

Some of the outstanding results received at auction: - 160 Angus steers, 194kg, Romald Cattle Co, Hannford QLD., made 438c/kg or $855, AuctionsPlus 16/10/15 - 86 Angus cows & calves, 2011/2012 drop, PA & JA Wickman, made $2,320, AuctionsPlus 30/10/15 - 19 Angus cows & calves, Michael & Denise Burke, made $2,250, Wodonga 18/11/15 - Angus heifers, 219kg, Yellow Management Tags, Canberra ACT, made 450c/kg, AuctionsPlus 13/11/15 - 111 Angus steers, 235kg, Yellow Management Tags, Canberra ACT, made 441c/kg, or $1.035 AuctionsPlus 13/11/15 - 115 Angus cows & calves, Rimanui Farms Pty Ltd, Moree NSW, made $2,275, AuctionsPlus 13/11/15 - 70 Angus steers, 200-240kg, Steve & Libby Woodham, Orange NSW, made 420c/kg - 452c/kg, CTLX Carcoar 13/11/15 - Angus steers, 228kg, Patzel Family, Bamboa, Strathdownie VIC, made 436c/kg or $995, Mt Gambier 13/11/15 - 17 Angus PTIC heifers, March/April 2014 drop, PW & KM Bryson, Keppoch SA, made $2,100, Naracoorte 3/12/15 - 29 Angus cross composite steers, 176kg, SD & SA Tully, Yetman NSW, made 454c/kg or $800, AuctionsPlus 4/12/15 - 13 Angus cross composite heifers, 171kg, SD & SA Tully, Yetman NSW, made 439c/kg or $750, AuctionsPlus 4/12/15 - 30 Angus cows & calves, 4-4.5 years, NM & SJ Cosier, Wellington NSW, made $2,100, AuctionsPlus 4/12/15

2016 ANNUAL SALE

70 BULLS MN3

12th February, 1pm Field Day: 8th February www.graniteridgeangus.com.au Colin Flanagan & Patricia Ebert 08 8768 8018 SAL:

LOT 4 GRANITE RIDGE KAISER K26

Laryn Gogle 0459 620 904 David Fraser 0417 392 107 GTSM: Michael Glasser 0403 526 702

35

K STate so far.....

Nick Boshammer is currently in the United States of America studying at the Kansas State University after winning the Semex Kansas State University Scholarship that allows a young beef cattle enthusiast the chance to study at one of the best agricultural university’s in the USA. This is an insight into Nick’s time at K State so far, as at the beginning of December 2015.

I have been in America just over three weeks now. I have managed to spend two of those at class and the past week has been thanksgiving week so all the students were away on holidays.

The classes have been great. I have been involved in animal production, feeding and nutrition, sales and marketing and meat science classes.

I have been astounded at the access to information here. It is also clear that the research and development programs in the US have been well established for many years now. Most notable is the depth and precision that goes into the data because of the strong, continuing history. It has been great to read facts and data that have real values, so I can appreciate the work that goes into much of this.

I have also had the opportunity to spend some time in a semen collecting laboratory collecting and assessing samples for storage. This was a great opportunity to work with the technicians and learn the current understandings and their points of view requiring new research.

It’s a debate that in my opinion is difficult to obtain data on and is a hotly talked about topic on mortality, morphology, dosage amount and where the research is going? It is my understanding that there is more research going into this.

An example of the confusion around the topic was a bull in the facility that they had been trying to collect straw quality samples from for some time, but had not been able to get samples scoring more that 20% mortality. However, this 36 Angus Bulletin - Summer 2016

Nick Boshammer at the Kansas State Univeristy entrance.

bull had continuously been used with cows and was getting great pregnancy results. I’m no scientist and I won’t pretend to be but in my opinion this is a great example of the great opportunities that are available to me through my scholarship and will allow me to gain further knowledge on such an important subject.

I have also been fortunate enough to be invited to attend one of K-State’s football games with some of the retired faculty. I was amongst the old greats when it comes to experience in the research and development programs with the USDA and many of the like.

The game was a win to K-State in the final 7 seconds of the game. Coming back from a near impossible position only 20 minutes before hand when many of the spectators left the stadium (which also might have been attributed to the near Atlantic ice temperatures).

I was also very appreciative to be invited to a thanksgiving dinner last Thursday by one of the Professors at the University. It is a strong tradition in the US and they are just as passionate about it as any nation is with traditions and its great to see it continue to bring families across the nation together.

Over the next few weeks of my trip I am hoping to get out to the American Angus office, which is not far from the University. I am very interested to see what they do and gain more understanding of their DNA processes and developing programs.

I have to say a big thank you to Angus Australia and Semex Pty Ltd for enabling me to undertake this trip to America and study at Kansas State University. I have had a fantastic time so far and am looking forward to what is yet to come!

fewer cattle for more beef By switching to Angus 15 years ago, being European Union-accredited and using the Pasture-fed Cattle Assurance System (PCAS), Scott and Regina Michell have opened up a range of marketing options giving them greater flexibility across a range of seasons.

The couple run about 500 Angus cows and 1500 Merino wethers across 3335 hectares on “Castletop” between Narrabri and Bingara.

“Switching to Angus was a decision my father made, but it’s stood us in good stead as buyers seem to like the breed and it’s able to be sold into most markets,” Mr Michell said.

Before running Angus, “Castletop” was stocked with Devons. “The move from the Devons to Angus took us about three or four years,” he said.

“We artificially inseminated about 500 Devon cows each year and kept the daughters.

“There’s still the odd cow in the herd with some persistent colouring going back to the Devon genetics, but I’d say about 96 to 98 per cent of the herd is now black.”

“We are aiming to breed cattle that have good fat cover, are growthy and generally well rounded.”

The couple were also more conscious of the value of genetic improvement and aimed to buy several new bulls each year.

“We focus on growth (particularly 600-day weight) and fertility traits and when we attend bull sales, we shop for particular bulls – it’s not about buying a bargain,” Mr Michell said.

“Genetic improvement in a herd happens quickly, it’s a good business investment.” As a result 80 to 100 cows were culled from the herd each year and replaced with about 150 heifers.

Karen Bailey - The Land

“We also try to turn the steers off as quickly as we can and with the improvements in genetics we are achieving shorter slaughter.”

Mr Michell said most steers met PCAS specifications and were processed at about 18 months at 550kg (liveweight) at Teys Australia abattoirs.

A reduction in the cow herd and sheep flock was spurred on by dry seasons but started a domino effect that included them exploring Meat and Livestock Australia’s beef cost of production calculator and learning more about the More Beef from Pastures principles.

Since 2008, productivity has increased from 98kg/ha to 123kg/ha, an improvement of 25pc, despite the Michells dropping their Angus breeder herd from 500 to 400 cows.

“Recently we’ve increased our herd back up to 500 head, but decreased the wether flock to reduce the damage the sheep were doing to the pastures,” he said.

Fewer sheep created another windfall – cows no longer had to be fed during winter, reducing their costs by a further 15pc.

“We’re now able to finish our steers properly to meet Meat Standards Australia, PCAS and European Union specifications,” he said.

“Before we always intended to but, because of our stocking rates, we could never get there.

“Most of the time we had to offload early to the feeder market.”

In summary, Mr Michell said by changing their management they were actually running less stock, but turning off more beef per year.

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