ANGUS BULLETIN SPRING 2015 1
in this issue Angus Bulletin Spring 2015
5
20
It is pleasing to see that the interest in Angus cattle continues to grow at each Beef Australia Event.
The full suite of performance data collection for the Cohort 2 progeny of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) was completed in May 2015.
23
I have really enjoyed the whole experience and have made so many great connections and lifetime friendships.
19 ASBP to facilitate future genomics research
1
From the Board
1
Northern Beef Week Visits
3
Angus Infusion at Beef Australia
Net Feed Intake EBVs available for ASBP 19 Cohort 3 Sires Completion of ASBP Cohort 2 Performance 20 Data collection
4
New Angus Regional Group established
21 Australian Angus shine in China
5
Recent Angus Education and Extension Activities
China opportunity likely to favour Southern 22 States and WA
6
Grass-power drives Bushy Park Angus BREEDPLAN now incorporating information from three Genomic products
23 Angus Breeder makes most of US trip
8
24 Angus Youth success at Beef Australia 2015
10 How accurate are Estimated Breeding Values?
25 Angus Youth has a new website
12 Ultrasound Scanning Technician Accreditation
26 An Update from Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd
13 Breeding for improved MSA compliance & increased MSA Index values
27 Ask for Angus
18 New ASBP Progeny Performance report
28 From the Member Services Team
The Angus Society of Australia 86 Glen Innes Road, Locked Bag 11, Armidale, NSW 2350 AUSTRALIA Ph: 02 6773 4600 Fax: 02 6772 3095 E:office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au
www.facebook.com/angusaustralia.com.au http://twitter.com/angusaustralia 2
Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
www.youtube.com/user/AngusAustralia
Outcomes from the Angus Australia Board meeting conducted on 20th July 2015: The latest Angus Australia Board meeting was conducted in Hahndorf on the 20th July 2015 where the Board welcomed new Director from South Australia, Mr Perry Gunner. The Board noted that as required by the Constitution, at least 3 states had approved the Board’s recommendations for amendments to the Constitution to be put to the membership for decision by ballot, requiring 75% support from voting members for approval as a Special Resolution. A membership ballot will be conducted in the coming weeks to consider these recommendations which relate to processes for constitutional change and the future structure of the Board. The Board considered the advantages and disadvantages of introducing Director remuneration and decided by ballot not to proceed with proposing to members that Director payments be introduced. Following feedback from the joint meeting of representatives from some State Committees on the 17th April 2015, the Board modified the State Committee Terms of Reference to include the additional objective: “To provide a conduit for members to communicate to Angus Australia ideas/issues relating to production of Angus cattle and seedstock”. This better recognises the role of State Committees’ in the communication between Members and the Board, whilst maintaining the key focus of State Committees as standing Board committees to promote the interests of the Angus Australia in their State.
The Board resolved to replace the words “specified Category 1 genetic conditions” in Regulation 6.44 (vii) with “Alpha-Mannosidosis”. This recognises the importance of maintaining the current freedom of Alpha-Mannosidosis in the registered Angus population in Australia.
AROUND THE PADDOCK
FROM THE BOARD
The Board noted the commencement of direct certification through Angus Australia of breeding animals for export (previously conducted with the International Livestock Resources & Information Centre). This provides both Angus cattle suppliers and exporters an improved and more flexible arrangement for export certification. The Board reviewed the latest membership and registration statistics for Australian cattle breeds, compiled by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA) and noted the continued steady growth in the market share of Angus in the registered seedstock sector of the industry. Dr Wayne Pitchford, University of Adelaide, addressed the Board on his latest analysis of results from the Beef CRC Maternal Productivity project and provided an outline of the “Black Baldy” project being conducted with support from Herefords Australia and MLA. The Board had a joint dinner on the 20th July with the Board of Certified Angus Group P/L (CAG), representatives of Thomas Foods International (TFI), and small number of breeders from the South Australia State Committee. The Angus Australia Board and the CAG Board visited the TFI facilities at Tintinarra, Murray Bridge and Nairne on the 21st July to view developments associated with the production of Certified Australian Angus Beef and Angus Pure. The next meeting of the Angus Australia Board will be conducted by teleconference on the 23rd September 2015. Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
NORTHERN BEEF WEEK VISITS Each year New South Wales Northern Beef Week provides Angus Australia staff with the opportunity to visit Angus Australia members within the New England area. With most properties located close to the office, it lets the Angus team visit as many Beef Week participants that daylight hours will allow. It’s a great opportunity for new and long term Angus team members to meet each producer face to face, where they welcome feedback from members. Being held in June each year, the team rug up and head out in a different small group each day to visit as many members as possible.
Tim Vincent, Erica Halliday & James Laurie
1
50 SONS OF IRELANDS SUPER SIRES granite ridge thomas F223
Irelands Fletcher F1
Irelands galaxy g43
atahua Freedom 609
15 RISING 2 YR OLD BULLS 35 18 MTH OLD BULLS
FRIDAy 11 SEPTEMBER 2015 1PM Irelands angus sPrIng On PrOPerty sale
WWW.IRELANDSANGUS.COM.AU
Corey Ireland 0409 182 884
Willie Milne 0428 793 521
DS • AROLAIS – 65% 2 YR OL CH 50 / S GU AN 50 – 15 T, 20 – ON-PROPERTY 16TH OC • 100 POLLED BULL SALE
THE ASCOTADVANTAGE HOMOZYGOUS POLLED BREEDING PROGRAM CALVING EASE WEIGHT FOR AGE EASY DOING & QUICK FINISHING MSA TARGETED; DOCILITY FOCUSED POSITIVE FAT FOCUS TWO LEADING BREEDS UNDER ONE ROOF
FREE DELIVERY TO ROMA, EMERALD, ROCKHAMPTON, GOONDIWINDI, GLEN INNES, TOOGOOLAWAH ‘NORTH TOOLBURRA’ Warwick, QLD | Call Jim Wedge M: 0419 714 652 | E: jim@ascotcattle.com.au | www. ascotcattle.com.au 2
Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
AROUND THE PADDOCK
ANGUS INFUSION AT BEEF AUSTRALIA With a record crowd of 90,000 people passing through the gates at Beef Australia 2015, Angus Australia and many of its’ members took full advantage of the promotional opportunities on offer at an event that is considered the pinnacle of beef expositions in Australia. While the Angus Australia trade display was the main focal point for the society, there was ample opportunity for attendees to view Angus genetics, with seven studs hosting trade displays and twenty studs exhibiting in the show ring. 1,100 registered international delegates from more than thirty countries were in attendance during Beef Australia 2015, with the trade display providing the perfect backdrop to discuss export opportunities. The promotion of export was further enhanced with Angus Australia being the only breed on display during the LiveCorp forum. 323 domestic and international delegates also had the pleasure of sampling Angus beef during the Beef Australia Symposium. Partnering with Cape Byron Angus, one of the premium brand products provided by Bindaree Beef to sponsor the event, symposium guests were treated to Angus aged eye fillets and sticky beef short ribs. As a sponsor of Beef Australia, Angus Australia hosted a seminar on the ‘Infusion of Angus in the North’. 114 delegates were in attendance to discuss how to successfully infuse Angus genetics into their herds. Facilitated by Jon Condon from Beef Central, the panellists came from a variety of areas within the beef industry and included producers who have successfully introduced Angus genetics into their herds in northern Australia. This provided seminar delegates with the opportunity to ask questions about best practice and management when bringing Angus genetics into northern production environments. The main take home message from panellists, Troy Setter, Chief Executive Officer, Consolidated Pastoral Company; Justin Boshammer, Sandon Glenoch Angus; Ced Wise a Veterinarian, Artificial Breeding Specialist and breeder of Angus cross cattle; Nick Cameron, Manager at Nindooinbah; and Dan Lynch a successful cross breeder from Cloncurry Queensland, was that Angus can successfully be utilised in many areas of northern Australia.
During the stud cattle judging, seventy two head of Angus cattle were presented, with exhibitors from both Queensland and New South Wales putting their cattle forward for judging. Under the appraisal of judge Steve Pocock, a former University of Illinois Scholarship winner, two Queensland studs prevailed to take out the major titles of Grand Champion. Bulliac Mildred G66, a three and a half year old cow with a seven month old bull calf at foot was named the Grand Champion female. Described by judge Steve Pocock as a moderate type cow that is very sound and tidy, Bulliac Mildred G66 was earlier crowned the Senior Champion female before beating her younger counterparts to take out the major award. After taking a hiatus from showing, Raff Angus returned to the showring with a bang, when Raff Hercules H411 first took out Senior Champion bull and then went on to win the Grand Champion title. Raff Hercules H411 was chosen by judge Steve Pocock, for his sheer volume and balance. Both Angus exhibits competed well in the Interbreed judging with Bulliac Mildred G66 placing 3rd out of 31 females and Raff Hercules H411 placing 3rd out of 32 bulls. Overall Beef Australia 2015 was the perfect promotion stage for Angus and ensured that the message continued to communicated to the beef industry about the advantages that Angus can offer any production system. “Attending Beef Australia 2015 was a valuable experience for Angus Australia and it is pleasing to see that the interest in Angus cattle continues to grow at each event”, said Angus Australia CEO Peter Parnell. To view the ‘Infusion of Angus in the North’ seminar online, please visit www.angusaustralia.com.au
Senior & Grand Champion bull Raff Hercules H411
It was suggested that the younger that bulls can be introduced to the environment the better, slick coated Angus are better suited to northern Australia and fertility was one of the major benefits of introducing Angus genetics into Bos indicus herds. Senior & Grand Champion female Bulliac Mildred G66
3
AROUND THE PADDOCK
NEW ANGUS REGIONAL GROUP ESTABLISHED A casual conversation between two Angus cattle producers at the local sale was the impetus for the recent formation of the newest Australian Angus Regional group – the Mid North Coast Angus Breeders (MNCAB). Mark Brady and Greg Hughes decided that it was time to form a group with the aim to attract other breeders passionate about producing Angus cattle on the coast and their first task was to create an Angus multi-vendor sale. Since this time the extent of the group’s scope has expanded to include encouraging young cattle producers into the industry and for other enthusiastic Angus farmers to band together to promote coastal Angus cattle by taking part in local events. With the multivendor sale, the MNCAB wanted an outlet for their own animals bred to perform on coastal country and this would also raise awareness of the advantages of buying home bred Angus bulls and females. The MNCAB members are keen to communicate they raise Angus cattle on the Eastern Seaboard with very little supplementary feed and achieve superior carcase quality. The Mid North Coast Angus Breeders Inaugural Angus Bull and Female Sale was held on Saturday 25th July 2015.
Mid North Coast Angus Breeders Group members Jennifer Wood, Greg Hughes, Mark Brady, Jo-Anne Wood, John Patrick, Ryan Brady.
The MNCAB group are also keen to support youth in agriculture by providing support to those young cattle enthusiasts who attend educational events, such as the Angus Youth National Roundup which will be held in Armidale NSW in 2016. The group plans to meet bi-monthly and are keen to attract new members. If your passionate about Angus cattle on the coast and would like to join the group, contact the officer bearers to find out the next meeting date.
Mid North Coast Angus Breeders Group Contacts President
Mark Brady
0435 415 321
Vice President
Greg Hughes
0423 517 709
Secretary and Treasurer
Jennifer Wood
0423 818 119
ANGUS AUSTRALIA REGIONAL GROUPS Angus Australian Regional Groups provide an opportunity for liked minded Angus enthusiasts to meet in their local area and to take part in events to promote the Angus breed. These groups promote positive social interaction between members where many friendships are formed. Several Angus Australia Regional Groups were started many years ago and are still growing strong today. To find a group in your area visit the Angus Australia web site www.angusaustralia.com.au About Us/ Our People tab.
We Breed High Indexing Black and Red Angus Cattle
Selling 62 bulls August 21, 2015 Straban, Walcha
$ Index values of bulls on offer as at July 1 2015 140 120 100
www.kilburnieangus.com.au
80 60 40 20 0
Angus Breeding
Kilburnie August 2015 sale bulls index values
Domestic
Heavy Grain Heavy Grass
All other bulls advertised on AA website at July 1
Breed Average Values
Some of the highest indexing black bulls in Australia sold at Straban in August each year. David Murray (02) 4471 3675 or 0427 775 902 4
Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Andy Burwell (02) 6777 8182 or 0457 025 399
Over recent months, Angus Australia has conducted a number of education and extension activities for members.
AROUND THE PADDOCK
RECENT ANGUS EDUCATION AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
Angus Breed Development Forum
The Angus Breed Development Forum was conducted in Armidale during April with members and others coming along to hear about the latest results and outcomes from beef industry and Angus Australia research and development programs.
The crowd at the “Successful Infusion of Angus Genetics in Northern Australia”, seminar at Beef Australia 2015.
Presentations were delivered by staff from MLA, CSIRO and Angus Australia and included updates on the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program; developments in MLA’s research into improved eating quality; changes to the selection indexes that are calculated for Angus animals; the integration of genomics data into Angus BREEDPLAN; CSIRO research on breeding for increased animal resilience; and an overview of industry gains from genetic improvement in the Angus breed.
Angus Australia Regional Forums
The Breed Development Forum was held in association with an Angus Australia Open Day, Angus Breeders Dinner and the Angus Australia AGM.
With Angus Australia currently reviewing its strategic direction for 2016 – 2020, time was also put aside to obtain feedback from Angus beef producers on what they perceive are the major opportunities and threats to the Angus breed over the next five years, and what the strategic priorities should be for Angus Australia during this period.
Successful Infusion of Angus Genetics in Northern Australia Angus Australia facilitated a seminar at Beef Australia in Rockhampton during May titled “Successful Infusion of Angus Genetics in Northern Australia”.
Angus Australia conducted a series of nine regional forums across Australia during June and July. The Regional Forums focussed on the latest outcomes from the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) and included presentations on the current activities within the ASBP, the latest sire results and whether sire EBVs are accurately predicting progeny performance within the ASBP.
Weren’t Able to Attend?
Attended by over 110 producers, a panel of industry experts comprising Justin Boshammer, Nick Cameron, Troy Setter, Dan Lynch and Ced Wise discussed their experiences and fielded questions from the audience regarding the use of Angus genetics in northern Australian beef herds.
Videos of all presentations delivered at the Angus Breed Development Forum and “Successful Infusion of Angus Genetics in Northern Australia” seminar are now available to view from the Angus Australia YouTube site (https://www. youtube.com/user/AngusAustralia). Presentations from the Angus Australia Regional Forums will be made available shortly.
Andrew & Sally White with Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Parnell at the Angus Breed Development Forum.
Angus Australia Education, Extension & Youth Manager, Andrew Byrne with Director Mike Gadd at Beef Australia 2015.
5
AROUND THE PADDOCK
GRASS-POWER DRIVES BUSHY PARK Anyone who is still questioning the paddock potential and commercial versatility of black Angus cattle need look no further than the Farquharson family’s Bushy Park Angus operation in western Victoria.
Kalabity is built on a phalaris-cocksfoot-sub clover base, with underperforming paddocks quickly identified for renovation and sown down to cereal for two seasons, before a permanent pasture is re-established.
The Bushy Park Angus herd is one of the biggest familyowned commercial beef operations in southern Australia. The herd boasts 4000 Angus breeders which are spread over three properties - the family’s original base ‘Bushy Park’ at Birregurra, and its two expansion holdings, ‘Kalabity’ and ‘Caupaul’, which are both north of Casterton.
“That phalaris-cocksfoot-sub clover mix lasts a long time,” Scott said.
The Farquharsons first venture into Angus cattle was in the early 1980s with the purchase of 70 cows. They were attracted to the breed because of their easy-care nature and superior carcase attributes. From that modest beginning, Greg Farquharson and his wife Dinah have built a significant commercial beef operation over three decades, driven by genetic refinement and increasing capacity. A key ingredient to their sustained success has been the active involvement of their sons, with Scott and his partner Penny at Kalabity, and Tim and his partner Melissa at Bushy Park. Until recently Greg and Dinah’s daughter Jodie also had a hands-on role with the business, but is recently married and now farms elsewhere. Scott, who manages the 2200 hectare property at Wando Bridge, less than 20 kilometres north of Casterton, plus a further 800ha of adjacent leased country, says “growing grass” is the cornerstone of the family business. “The whole aim of our operation is to grow large amounts of grass. We aim to grow eight tonnes of feed per hectare a year over the whole place and anything over that just means we get bonus weight gain,” he said.
The Farquharsons were attracted to the Angus breed because of their easy-care nature and superior carcase attributes. Pictured: Scott Farquharson at Bushy Park. 6
Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
“There’s paddocks here still performing well that were sown down in the 1970s.” Given the sheer numbers being carried, there is simply no room for passengers, whether they be paddocks or animals. “We’re running one cow-calf equivalent to about every 2ha. You could run one cow to the hectare and she will do it, but you’ll end up being overstocked,” Scott said. The family operation turns-off about 3500 calves a year, leaning heavily on the unrivalled marketability of young Angus cattle. “We aim to be turning-off young stock at between 400kg-500kg liveweight,” Scott said. “We’re always looking to finish as many steers as possible on grass. About a third of our calves are sold into one of a number of certified grass-finished black Angus programs via several processors in southern Australia.” There is no shortage of marketing options for the Farquharsons, especially because they have a reputation for producing large lines of well-bred young cattle which are the right colour for the market and consistently perform for their purchaser. “Of the heifers which aren’t fattened and sold direct to the processor, a portion might go to the live export trade to China or Kazakhstan, while others might go to fill an Australian
The injection of about 1200-1400 heifers a year into their spring-calving breeder system helps ensure there is plenty of selection pressure on older cows.
Scott says the biggest challenge in trying to turn-off finished cattle while running a breeding operation is juggling the carrying capacity over a 12-month cycle.
Sire selection is also a key to genetic improvement and better performance in the paddock.
“In the timeframe you’ve got to work with, we can pile the weight onto the cattle as much as we want, the only thing we can’t speed up is the structure – actually getting the frame on the animal. “With the system we’ve got with the number of calving animals we’ve got, in the 14-16 month timeframe we’re working on, any calves that aren’t grass-finished are sold to backgrounders or feedlotters to make room for the younger drop.” “Steers are growing a frame the whole time until we get that second spring on them. By the time you get to the peak of spring, the calves are big enough with their frame size to build meat onto.”
Scott says that the benchmarking and performance recording undertaken by Angus breeders means that the genetic progress in the Bushy Park herd is all but assured. “The best thing about the Angus breed and the Angus breeders in particular is that they’re really good at doing that work for us,” he said. “As a commercial operation we just multiply what the studs are breeding. Really, we’re just pushing the top five per cent of proven sires anywhere in the world. The figures are done for us.” Getting those genetics on the ground and turning-off as many calves as possible each year requires a smart mix of balancing the needs of breeders with young cattle.
Even in the failed spring of 2014, Kalabity steers were putting on up to 3kg a day in the paddock –growth rates that any feedlot would be happy with.
“All the cows calve in a seven week period, so there’s 4000 calves on the ground quite suddenly. It’s like mushroom season,” Scott said.
“That just shows that you can finish Angus cattle on grass really very easily, you just need the grass and the structure in your cattle,” Scott said.
Cows are all rigorously assessed for structure and temperament and then pregnancy tested with a probe 40 days after joining.
“The financial incentive to sell them as finished animals is certainly there. If you can get the weight on your cattle and sell them as a 600kg finished product, you’re adding a lot of value to the animal and you’ll be rewarded for it.”
“Anything that’s empty or not up to scratch is moved on,” Scott says.
Confirmation that prime cattle from across the Bushy Park Angus herd perform on the hooks has come via the family’s success in regional carcase competitions. In 2011, Bushy Park claimed the coveted grand champion carcase from the field of 228 beasts entered in the Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic, which is run in conjunction with Teys’ Naracoorte plant. The winning 350-kilogram carcase was an August 2009-drop from Kalabity and scored 90.773 points - the highest score in the event’s history. It had an exceptional Meat Standards Australia marbling score of 620 off grass with an eye muscle area of 94 square centimetres and P8 fat of 15 millimetres. “Clients really like our cattle. They tell us they are really happy with how they kill out,” Scott said. “I guess our cattle are sought-after because we can put large lines together and fill large pens in feedlots. We can move 150-500 steers onto a buyer in one hit and they’ll be very consistent across the consignment. When we’re filling trucks, there might be a 20kg difference on a load of animals all the way through.” The performance of Bushy Park’s young sale cattle is directly linked to the Farquharsons’ breeding philosophies.
AROUND THE PADDOCK
breeding order,” Scott said. “Backgrounders are generally chasing the heifers as well and a lot of our steers which we don’t finish ourselves go into feedlot lines.”
Heifers calve-down in August, a month before the cows start calving, giving the maidens an extra month to get back in calf the second time around. “The second calvers are usually the hardest ones to get back in calf, so we give them an extra month to cycle,” Scott said. “Our second calvers usually scan at between 5-15 per cent empty. From there, the third calvers and older are back under 5pc empty.”
NO AMERICAN GENETICS SARUM ANGUS CATTLE CO Greg & Pamela Webster Ph: 07 4630 9190 E: angusaru1@gmail.com
www.sarumanguscattleco.com.au 7
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ANGUS BREEDPLAN NOW INCORPORATING INFORMATION FROM THREE GENOMIC PRODUCTS Angus breeders now have access to a more comprehensive range of genomic based tests for use within their breeding programs following the incorporation of genomic predictions from two additional genomic products into the June 2015 Angus BREEDPLAN analysis.
Table 1: Traits for which genomic predictions are incoporated in Angus BREEDPLAN Zoetis HD50K for Angus
Calving Ease Direct Birth Weight Gestation Length 200 Day Growth 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Milk Scrotal Size Carcase Weight Eye Muscle Area Rib Fat Rump Fat Intramuscular Fat
GeneSeek GGP for Angus
Calving Ease Direct Birth Weight Gestation Length 200 Day Growth 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Milk Scrotal Size Carcase Weight Eye Muscle Area Intramuscular Fat
With the introduction of the two additional products, Angus BREEDPLAN now incorporates genomic predictions from three different genomic products: • Zoetis HD50K for Angus • GeneSeek GGP for Angus • BeefCRC for Angus The genomic predictions are combined with available pedigree and performance information to calculate Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for Angus animals.
Research Conducted by the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit To facilitate the incorporation of the genomic predictions into Angus BREEDPLAN, the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) in Armidale has undertaken research to determine the appropriate emphasis that should be placed on the genomic information from each product in the calculation of the BREEDPLAN EBVs. The research followed a similar process for each genomic product and examined the relationship (or genetic correlation) between the genomic prediction and the performance (or phenotypic) information that has been recorded on the Angus Australia database for each respective trait.
Beef CRC for Angus
Traits Incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN
Based on the results of the research and the subsequent recommendations provided by AGBU, genomic predictions for the traits listed in Table 1 are incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for each of the genomic products.
Emphasis Given to Genomic Predictions When Incorporating in Angus BREEDPLAN
Table 2 : Accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBV Calculated from Genomic Prediction Alone Zoetis HD50K for Angus
GeneSeek GGP for Angus
BeefCRC for Angus
Calving Ease Direct
41 %
-
-
Birth Weight
46 %
64 %
-
Gestation Length
56 %
-
-
The accuracy of the EBV that would be generated for each trait from the genomic predictions alone for each product is outlined in Table 2.
200 Day Growth
43 %
39 %
-
400 Day Weight
50 %
32 %
-
600 Day Weight
56 %
-
-
Additional Accuracy Provided by Inclusion of Genomic Predictions in Angus BREEDPLAN
Mature Cow Weight
59 %
45 %
-
Milk
47 %
33 %
-
Scrotal Size
62 %
60 %
-
Carcase Weight
42 %
27 %
25 %
Eye Muscle Area
33 %
54 %
-
Rib Fat
42 %
-
51 %
Rump Fat
35 %
-
36 %
Intramuscular Fat
27 %
40 %
33 %
The emphasis given to the genomic predictions in Angus BREEDPLAN can be described as the accuracy of the EBV that would be generated if the EBV was calculated from only the genomic information (i.e. as if there was no other information recorded with BREEDPLAN).
Trait
Table 2 provides the accuracy of the BREEDPLAN EBV that would be generated from the genomic prediction alone.
8
Carcase Weight Rib Fat Rump Fat Intramuscular Fat
In practice, the genomic prediction is incorporated with the pedigree and performance recorded with BREEDPLAN, with the additional accuracy provided by the incorporation of the genomic prediction differing subject to the initial accuracy of the animal’s existing EBV. Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Table 3 : Additional Accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBV When Genomic Prediction Is Incorporated Zoetis HD50K for Angus
GeneSeek GGP for Angus
Beef CRC for Angus
Trait Calving Ease Direct
Initial EBV Accuracy 20%
40%
60%
80%
+24 %
+13 %
+6 %
+2 %
Birth Weight
+29 %
+16 %
+7 %
+2 %
Gestation Length
+38 %
+23 %
+11 %
+3 %
200 Day Growth
+26 %
+14 %
+6 %
+2 %
400 Day Weight
+32 %
+19 %
+9 %
+2 %
600 Day Weight
+38 %
+23 %
+11 %
+3 %
Mature Cow Weight
+40 %
+25 %
+12 %
+4 %
Milk
+30 %
+17 %
+8 %
+2 %
Scrotal Size
+43 %
+27 %
+14 %
+4 %
Carcase Weight
+25 %
+14 %
+6 %
+2 %
Eye Muscle Area
+18 %
+9 %
+4 %
+1 %
Rib Fat
+ 25%
+ 14%
+6 %
+2 %
Rump Fat
+19 %
+10 %
+4 %
+1 %
Intramuscular Fat
+13 %
+6%
+3 %
+1 %
Birth Weight
+45 %
+29 %
+15 %
+4 %
200 Day Growth
+23 %
+12 %
+5 %
+1 %
400 Day Weight
+17 %
+8 %
+4 %
+1 %
Mature Cow Weight
+28 %
+15 %
+7 %
+2 %
Milk
+18 %
+9 %
+4 %
+1 %
Scrotal Size
+41 %
+26 %
+13 %
+4 %
Carcase Weight
+13 %
+6 %
+3 %
+1 %
Eye Muscle Area
+36 %
+21 %
+10 %
+3 %
Intramuscular Fat
+23 %
+13 %
+6 %
+1 %
Carcase Weight
+11 %
+5 %
+2 %
+1 %
Rib Fat
+33 %
+19 %
+9 %
+2 %
Rump Fat
+20 %
+10 %
+4 %
+1 %
Intramuscular Fat
+18 %
+9 %
+4 %
+1 %
The additional accuracy provided by the incorporation of the genomic predictions at differing levels of existing EBV accuracy for each genomic product is outlined in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, the greatest additional accuracy is provided in situations where an animal’s initial EBV accuracy is low, such as: • 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; and, • in situations where little information is recorded with Angus BREEDPLAN for the animal, such as recently imported overseas sires. The incorporation of genomic predictions will add minimal accuracy to the EBVs for animals whose existing EBV accuracy is already high.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Product
The Future
The genomic technology that is available to Angus breeders is evolving very rapidly and Angus Australia is currently in the final stages of discussions with Zoetis regarding the release of a new product, the Zoetis i50K for Angus. It is envisaged that this product will be commercially available soon and will offer a lower density, lower cost product with similar accuracy as the Zoetis HD50K for Angus product.
The incorporation of genomic predictions provides additional accuracy to the BREEDPLAN EBV for animals whose existing EBV is of low accuracy.
9
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
HOW ACCURATE ARE ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUES? Calving Ease Dir (%)
Calving Ease Dtrs (%)
Gestation Length (days)
Birth Weight (kg)
EBV
+2.5
+2.7
-7.6
+1.8
Acc
61%
46%
62%
78%
200 Day Wt. (kg)
400 Day Wt. (kg)
600 Day Wt. (kg)
+47
+85
+107
74%
76%
78%
Mature Cow Wt. (kg)
Milk (kg)
Scrotal Size (cm)
+87
+19
+3.5
75%
63%
75%
Figure 1 - EBV accuracy figures are reported as a percentage (%) between 0 and 99.
By definition, an Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) is an estimate of an animal’s true breeding value. The “accuracy” figure produced with each EBV provides an indication of the amount of information that has been used in the calculation of that EBV. The higher the accuracy, the more likely the EBV is to predict the animal’s true breeding value and the lower the likelihood of change in the animal’s EBV as more information is analysed for that animal, its progeny, or its relatives.
How is Accuracy Reported?
Accuracy figures are reported as a percentage (%) between 0 – 99. In most cases where an EBV is presented, the accuracy of the EBV will be reported in either the column immediately following the EBV or the row beneath the EBV (Figure 1).
Interpreting EBV Accuracy
The following guide is recommended when interpreting accuracy of an EBV for an individual animal: • less than 50% accuracy - the EBVs are preliminary. In this accuracy range the EBVs could change substantially as more direct performance information becomes available on the animal. • 50-74% accuracy - the EBVs are of medium accuracy. EBVs in this range will have usually been calculated based on the animal’s own performance and some pedigree information. • 75-90% accuracy - the EBVs are of medium-high accuracy. EBVs in this range will have usually been calculated based on the animal’s own performance coupled with the performance for a small number of the animal’s progeny. • more than 90% accuracy - the EBVs are a high accuracy estimate of the animal’s true breeding value. It is unlikely that EBVs will change considerably with addition of more progeny data.
What Influences the Accuracy of an EBV?
A range of factors influence the accuracy of an EBV including: • The heritability of a trait: Heritability is defined as the proportion of observable differences in a trait between individuals within a population that is due to genetics. The higher the heritability of a trait the higher the EBV accuracy, all other variables being equal. This is one of the reasons why higher accuracies are generally seen for the Weight EBVs (e.g. 400 Day Weight) compared to the Days to Calving EBV. • The EBV accuracies of the parents: An animal that has 10 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
sire and/or dam with high EBV accuracy will generally have higher accuracy EBVs compared to an animal with parents of lower accuracy as more information is known about the relatives of the animal. • The amount of performance information available: EBVs accuracies will increase as more performance information is analysed for a specific trait. This includes performance information on the animal itself, as well as progeny records. EBV accuracies of 90% and greater are generally only observed on animals that have had progeny with performance recorded for the specific trait. • Effectiveness of performance information: Animals that are in large contemporary groups will generally have higher EBV accuracy compared to those in small or single animal contemporary groups. • Genetic correlation with other measured traits: As BREEDPLAN uses a multi-trait analysis model, genetic correlations between traits are utilised to calculate EBVs and associated accuracies. For example, in addition to contributing information towards its 200 Day Weight EBV, 200 day weight records taken on an animal will also add information to the generation of its 400 and 600 Day Weight EBVs. Therefore, herds that are recording a range of traits (e.g. calving ease, weight, fertility, carcase) will have higher EBV accuracies than herds where limited recording is conducted (e.g. 200 day weights only). • Availability of genomic information: Animals for which genomic information is available will generally have higher EBV accuracies, especially in cases when there is only a minimal amount of pedigree and performance information recorded for the animal (e.g young animals).
How Accurate Are EBVs For A Group of Animals
While it is easy to focus on the accuracy of an individual animal’s EBVs, the genetic composition of a breeding herd is normally influenced by multiple animals. Consequently, the accuracy of the EBVs in describing the breeding value for multiple animals is an important consideration. For example, how accurate are the average EBVs for the bulls used in either a particular joining, or over subsequent joinings, in describing the genetics that they are delivering to the breeding herd? In a commercial operation, this may be better considered as the accuracy of the EBVs in describing the genetics for the bulls that have been purchased, either in a single year, or over a number of subsequent years.
An individual bull with an EBV of relatively low accuracy of 50% has some level of uncertainty attached and the EBV could change significantly as more information is analysed. If there is a bull team of two however, both with 50% accuracy for the EBV, the combined accuracy of their average EBVs in describing their combined genetic value (i.e. the genetics of the bull team) is considerably higher at 79%. If there are ten bulls in the team, all with 50% accuracy for the EBV, the accuracy of the average EBVs in describing the genetics for the bull team will be 96%. Individually, some bulls within the team will perform above expectation, some will perform below expectation, and some will perform exactly as expected. However, the average EBVs of the team of bulls will have considerably higher accuracy, and hence be a reliable indicator of the genetics that they are delivering to the breeding herd. 100
Accuracy of Bull Team When EBV Acc = 50%
90 80
Accuracy
70
Considering Accuracy in Selection Decisions
Although the accuracy of an EBV should be considered when making selection decisions, animals should generally be compared on EBVs regardless of accuracy. Even at low accuracy, the EBV will take into account all the pedigree, performance and genomic information that is available for the animal and be the most reliable estimate of the animal’s genetics for that respective trait. In the case where animals have similar EBVs, the animal with the higher accuracy may be considered more preferable because the results can be predicted with more confidence (i.e. less risk). The risk associated with low EBV accuracy can be managed through: • The use of animals with higher accuracy EBVs. For example, utilisation of proven sires through artificial insemination. • Spreading the risk of using younger, lower accuracy animals by using multiple bulls within a joining program and/or turning bulls over more regularly. • Sourcing bulls, females and genetic material (e.g. semen, embryos) from herds with a history of comprehensive performance recording. • In seedstock herds, conducting a higher level of performance recording across a range of traits, managing the seedstock herd to maximise the effectiveness of the performance information that is collected. (e.g. maximising contemporary group size), and giving consideration to the collection of genomic information.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Figure 2 illustrates the EBV accuracy for a group (or team) of animals with an average individual EBV accuracy of 50% for a trait. While each individual bull within the team may have a relatively “low” EBV accuracy for the trait, the combined accuracy of the EBVs for the entire team of animals will be considerably higher.
60 50 40 30 20
Ref: Lohuis & Smith 1994 WCGALP 18:298-301
10 0
1
2
3
4
5 6 7 8 9 10 No. of Bulls Figure 2 – Accuracy of EBVs for a Bull Team when EBV Accuracy of Individuals is 50%. Note: as bulls within the team become related (eg. half sibs), the increase in accuracy decreases.
45th ANNUAL SALE Friday September 18th, 2015 - 1.30pm
60 HBR & APR ANGUS BULLS 15 MBR GREY BULLS
Vet Checked, freight assistance provided Agents - Elders & Corcoran Parker Michael & Joy Gadd Phone: (02) 6037 1347 Mob: 0427 371 347 E: theglenpastoral@bigpond.com W: theglenpastoral.com.au
11
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
ULTRASOUND SCANNING TECHNICIAN ACCREDITATION COURSE As part of the ongoing quality assurance of performance information being included in BREEDPLAN, all technicians accredited to record live animal carcase measurements via ultrasound have recently been put through their paces at an accreditation course.
once in the afternoon, with the tags of each animal being changed between scanning to ensure that technicians could not identify individual animals.
The accreditation course was conducted by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders’ Association (ARCBA) in Armidale and was attended by ultrasound technicians from a range of countries including Australia, New Zealand, Namibia and the United Kingdom.
Following the completion of the accreditation course, the repeatability of the measurements collected by each ultrasound technician were assessed for each trait. In addition, the correlation between the measurements collected by each technician was compared to the average measurements collected by a group of specially selected experienced technicians.
During the course, technicians were required to collect fat depth (rib and rump), eye muscle area and intramuscular fat measurements via ultrasound from a mob of 30 animals. Each animal was scanned twice, once in the morning and
An updated list of technicians in Australia that are accredited to submit ultrasound data to Angus BREEDPLAN are displayed in Table 1. Further details are available in the BREEDPLAN area on the Angus Australia website.
Table 1 : Technicians Accredited to Collect Live Animal Ultrasound Measurements for Angus BREEDPLAN Name
Phone
Address
Roderick Binny
0409 911 791
glenleacharolais@bigpond.com
Guyra, NSW
Max Bowman
0427 495 473
max.bowman2@gmail.com
Balnarring, VIC
Liam Cardile
0409 572 570
lmcardile@bigpond.com
Holbrook, NSW
Nick Corbet
07 4923 8100
nick.corbet@daff.qld.gov.au
Rockhampton, QLD
Whitney Dollemore^
08 8973 9749
whitney.dollemore@nt.gov.au
Katherine, NT
Roger Evans
0427 102 258
evansnr@bigpond.com
Tamworth, NSW
Ben Glatz
0407 712 455
blackangus@activ8.net.au
Lucindale, SA
Jim Green
0402 003 137
jpmagreen@bigpond.com
Yamba, NSW
Grant Keech
0429 496 512
grant@kenevel.com.au
Rylstone, NSW
Paul Kenny
0413 702 919
bulltesting@bigpond.com
Caloundra, QLD
Geoff Moncrief
0408 034 823
vicscan@wideband.net.au
Bairnsdale, VIC
David Reid
0427 102 257
d.hreid@bigpond.com
Kingaroy, QLD
Peter Roberts
0407 650 163
psroberts74@gmail.com
Canungra, QLD
Lonnie Stone
0428 641 409
evansnr@bigpond.com
Tamworth, NSW
Paul Williams
07 4923 8100
paul@tbts.une.edu.au
Rockhampton, QLD
Matt Wolcott
0418 961 890
mwolcott@metz.une.edu.au
Armidale, NSW
^ Not accredited for the collection of intramuscular fat measurements
12 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
MEAT STANDARDS AUSTRALIA:
BREEDING FOR IMPROVED MSA COMPLIANCE & INCREASED MSA INDEX VALUES National MSA beef grading numbers 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000
1,000,000 500,000
19
99
-2 20 000 00 20 -01 01 20 -02 02 20 -03 03 20 -04 04 20 -05 05 20 -06 06 20 -07 07 20 -08 08 20 09 09 20 -10 10 20 -11 11 20 12 12 20 -13 13 20 14 14 -1 5
0
Figure 1 – More than 3.2 million cattle were presented for grading using MSA standards and pathways during the 20142015 financial year. Source Meat & Livestock Australia
Meat Standards Australia (MSA), an eating quality grading system for Australian beef and sheep meat, has continued to grow in recent times with more than 3.2 million cattle being presented for grading using MSA standards and pathways during the 2014-15 financial year. The increase in cattle numbers is complemented by strong growth in MSA producer registrations, processor uptake and expansion, as well as an increase in consumer awareness of MSA. Over 40 processors are now grading MSA beef, with prices received for MSA yearling cattle being consistently higher than non-MSA cattle. During the 2014-15 financial year, the average premium for MSA yearling cattle in NSW and Queensland, across all weight ranges, was $0.33/kg, representing a valuable opportunity for producers supplying these markets.
Breeding for MSA Programs
There are many factors which affect the suitability of an individual carcase for MSA programs. While many of these factors are heavily influenced by animal handling and management on-farm, during transport and at the abattoir, several components are also influenced by the genetics of the animal. Opportunities consequently exist to improve the suitability of animals for marketing into MSA programs through the adoption of suitable breeding and selection strategies.
Understanding MSA Compliance
Cattle consigned to MSA must comply with a number of minimum grading specifications; otherwise they will be downgraded to non-MSA product and won’t receive a premium.
MAXIMISING YOUR PROFIT
1,500,000
To be considered MSA compliant, carcases must meet the following specifications: • AUSMEAT Meat Colour Score of 1B to 3 • Muscle pH of equal to or less than 5.70 • Minimum rib fat of 3mm • Adequate fat coverage over the entire carcase Carcases graded during 2014-15 across Australia achieved 93% compliance to MSA specifications. Meat colour, and to a slightly lesser extent pH, were the greatest reasons for non-compliance. Only a small percentage of carcases did not meet the minimum MSA requirement of 3mm rib fat. In addition to MSA specifications, some processors and brands impose further specifications based on their own market requirements. For example, processors may have specifications around carcase weight, dentition and fat colour. Throughout 2014-15, an additional 6% of MSA graded cattle did not meet company specifications.
Selecting Genetics for Improved MSA Compliance
The different components affecting whether carcases meet MSA compliance specifications are all influenced to some extent by genetics and can be improved through the selection of animals with appropriate genetics. 1. Meat Colour & pH Dark meat colour (ie. over an AUSMEAT score of 3), commonly referred to as ‘dark cutting’, is associated with low muscle glycogen levels in the live animal prior to slaughter, thus resulting in an unappealing product for consumers. Similarly, if there is only a small amount of muscle glycogen present pre-slaughter, pH may not decline to the required level. Maintaining glycogen levels pre-slaughter is consequently of 13
utmost importance and can be achieved by minimising stress and/or activity both on-farm and in the lead up to slaughter. Cattle with poor temperament have an adverse effect on the cattle around them, all of which results in 8% higher pH carcases and a higher incidence of dark cutting.
Reason for non compliance 2014-2015 Meat Colour
pH
Rib Fat
MAXIMISING YOUR PROFIT
Selection for improved temperament can be achieved by ensuring that all animals used in a breeding program have 6% acceptable temperament, and when available, selecting animals with superior Docility EBVs. Docility EBVs are estimates of genetic differences in the percentage of 4% an animal’s progeny that will be scored with acceptable temperament, with higher EBVs associated with superior temperament. For example, an animal with an EBV of +20% would be expected to on average produce a 2% greater percentage of progeny that have acceptable temperament than a bull with an EBV of –2%. Research has also demonstrated that animals with higher 0% Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun muscle content, as defined by size of carcass eye muscle Figure 2 – Carcases graded during 2014-2015 across Australia achieved area (EMA) adjusted for hot standard carcass weight, 93% complaince to MSA specifications. Meat colour, and to a slightly is strongly associated with reduced incidence of dark lesser extent pH were the greatest reasons for non compliance. Source cutting. A reduction in the incidence of dark cutting in high Meat & Livestock Australia muscled cattle also complements the other advantages of muscular cattle, such as increased retail beef yield and Breeding for Increased MSA Index Values processing efficiency. In addition to MSA compliance, all animals meeting MSA grading specifications are now provided with MSA Index values, and Selection for increased muscle content in a standard increasingly processors are offering additional price premiums weight carcase can be achieved by selection of animals for animals with superior MSA Indexes. with higher EMA EBVs. EMA EBVs are estimates of the genetic differences between animals in eye muscle area Understanding MSA Index at the 12/13th rib site in a standard weight steer carcase, The Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Index, expressed as a with higher EBVs associated with larger eye muscle area. single number ranging from 30 to 80, predicts the eating quality For example, an animal with an EMA EBV of +4.4 mm of an individual beef carcase. A higher MSA Index indicates that would be expected to produce calves with larger eye the carcase has a higher predicted eating quality. muscle area than an animal with an EMA EBV of +1.0 mm, relative to carcase weight. The MSA Index value that a carcase receives is based on the eating quality of 39 different cut by cook combinations, 2. Rib Fat Thickness & Fat Distribution weighted to account for the differences in the percentage of Rib fat thickness is the measured depth of subcutaneous the total carcase that each cut represents. The MSA index is fat over the quartered rib site between the 5th and independent of any processing inputs and is calculated using 13th ribs. A covering of fat is needed to protect the only attributes influenced by pre-slaughter production. high value primal cuts from rapid chilling, which can cause toughening, and to enhance eating quality and The MSA Index provides beef producers with an opportunity appearance. to benchmark the impact of genetic and management changes In addition to minimum fat levels, a key requirement for all beef markets is to have adequate cover over the highvalue cuts along the loin (back) and rump. MSA requires carcases to have adequate fat coverage over all major primals, with an area of inadequate fat distribution not being greater than 10cm x 10cm over each individual primal. Selection for adequate rib fat and fat distribution can be achieved by selection of animals with appropriate Rib and Rump Fat EBVs. Rib and Rump Fat EBVs are estimates of the genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the 12/13th rib and P8 rump site respectively in a standard weight steer carcase, with higher EBVs associated with greater fat depth. For example, an animal with a Rib Fat EBV of +0.4 mm would be expected to produce calves with more fat than an animal with a Rib Fat EBV of -0.6 mm, relative to carcase weight. 14 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Figure 3 – The MSA Index value that a carcase receives is based on the eating quality of 39 different cut by cook combinations, weighted to account for the differences in the percentage of the total carcase that each cut represents. Source Meat & Livestock Australia.
160,000
National average MSA index range for 2014-2015 Source Meat & Livestock Australia
120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 35
Average: 57.61
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
MSA Index on their herd’s predicted eating quality across time, even when they are processed in different locations, by different processors, or at different times. In situations where a premium is paid for carcases with superior eating quality, the MSA Index also provides a valuable opportunity to increase sale price.
Factors Underlying the MSA Index
The key factors impacting on eating quality that are influenced by the producer include: • Tropical breed content, verified or determined by hump height measurement • MSA Marbling Score • Ossification • Hormonal Growth Promotant (HGP) Status • Milk Fed Vealer Category • Saleyard Status • Rib Fat • Hot Standard Carcase Weight (HSCW) • Sex The effect that each of the individual factors has on MSA Index varies. Whether an animal has been treated with an HGP, whether an animal is a milk fed vealer and/or whether an animal has been sold directly to slaughter have a very high impact on the overall MSA Index value of a carcase, followed by MSA Marble Score, hump height, tropical breed content and ossification. Rib fat, HSCW and Sex have relatively lower impacts on the overall MSA Index value.
Selecting Genetics to Improve MSA Index Score
Whilst many of the factors that affect the MSA Index are heavily influenced by animal management and handling, in a similar fashion to improved MSA compliance, there is also an opportunity to increase MSA Index values through genetic selection.
MAXIMISING YOUR PROFIT
Number of Carcasses
140,000
1. Marbling MSA Marble Score is an assessment of the intramuscular fat deposits at the quartered site between the 5th and 13th ribs. MSA Marble Score provides an indication of the distribution and piece size, as well as the amount of marbling. MSA marble scores range from 100 to 1190 in increments of 10, with higher scores indicating greater marbling. As MSA Marble Score increases by 10, the MSA Index has the potential to increase by 0.15 Index units, or rather an increase in MSA Marble Score of 100 (roughly equivalent to a 1 unit increase in AUSMEAT marble score) equates to a 1.5 unit increase in MSA Index. Selection for improved MSA marble score can be achieved by selecting animals with higher Intramuscular Fat (IMF) EBVs. Intramuscular Fat EBVs are estimates of genetic differences between animals in intramuscular fat at the 12/13th rib site in a standard weight steer carcase, with higher IMF EBVs associated with greater marbling in the carcase. For example, an animal with an IMF EBV of +2.9% would be expected to produce progeny with more marbling in a standard carcase than the progeny of an animal with an IMF EBV of +0.2%. 2. Ossification Ossification is the process whereby the cartilage present around the bones changes into bone as the animal matures, and is a measure of the physiological maturity of the carcase. Although it can be roughly associated with the animal’s chronological age, ossification takes into account the entire developmental lifespan of the animal which may be affected by nutrition, sickness and/or temperament. Ossification scores range from 100 to 590 in increments of 10, with lower scores indicating less physiological maturity. As ossification score decreases by 10, the MSA Index 15
MAXIMISING YOUR PROFIT
Carcase input
Size of effect on the MSA Index (units)
Clarification of effect
Relative importance of these traits in changing the MSA Index
HGP status
5
The MSA Index of carcase with no HGP implant is around 5 index units higher.
Very High
Milk-fed vealer
4
The MSA Index of milk fed vealer carcases is around 4 index units higher
Very High
Saleyard
5
Carcases which were consigned directly to slaughter and NOT processed through a saleyard have an MSA Index around 5 index units higher.
Very High
MSA Marbling
0.15
As MSA marbling score increases by 10, the MSA Index increases by around 0.15 index units.
High
Hump height (for cattle greater than 0% TBC)
-0.7
As hump height increases by 10mm, the MSA Index decreases by around 0.7 units. In carcases which have no TBC, hump height has no impact on MSA Index.
High
Tropical Breed Content (TBC)
0% = 0 12% = -1.6 18% = 3.2 25% = -3.9 38% = -4.7 50% = -5.2 75% = -5.5 100% = -6.3
As declared TBC content increases from 0 to 100%, the MSA Index decreases by up to 6.3 units.
High
Ossification score
0.6
As ossification score decreases by 10, the MSA Index increases by 0.6 index units.
High
Rib fat
0.1
As rib fat increases by 1mm, the MSA Index increases by 0.1 index units.
Medium
Hot standard carcase weight (HSCW)
0.01
As HSCW increases by 1kg, the MSA Index increases by <0.01 index units.
Low
Sex
0.3
With low ossification values, females have a higher index value than steers by around 0.3 index units.
Low
Table 1 - The effect of different carcase attributes on MSA Index. Source Meat & Livestock Australia.
potentially increases by 0.6 Index units, or rather, a decrease in ossification score of 100 equates to an increase in MSA Index of 6 units. Therefore, younger animals with lower levels of ossification tend to have a higher MSA index values than older animals with higher ossification values. Selection for lower ossification scores can be achieved by selecting animals with higher 200 Day Growth, 400 Day Weight and 600 Day Weight EBVs, as calves which grow more quickly will reach target live weights at a younger age with lower ossification score. 200 Day Growth EBV, 400 Day Weight EBV and 600 Day Weight EBV estimate the genetic differences between animals in live weight at 200, 400 and 600 days respectively due to an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth genetics. In all three cases, higher EBVs are associated with heavier weights at the respective age. For example, an animal with a 400 Day Weight EBV of +60 kg would be expected to produce heavier progeny at 400 days of age than an animal with a 400 Day Weight EBV of +20 kg. 3. Rib Fat Whilst of utmost importance in determining whether carcases are compliant to MSA specifications, rib fat thickness also has an impact on MSA Index. A 1mm increase in rib fat corresponds to a potential increase 16 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
in the MSA Index of 0.1 Index units, or rather, an increase of 10mm in fat depth equates to an increase in MSA Index of 1 unit. Selection for increased rib fat can be achieved by selection of animals with higher Rib Fat EBVs. Rib Fat EBVs are estimates of the genetic differences between animals in fat depth at the 12/13th rib site in a standard weight steer carcase, with higher EBVs associated with greater fat depth. Whilst a higher level of rib fat is favourable for superior eating quality and MSA index, this benefit needs to be balanced with the negative effect that higher levels of rib fat may have on carcase yield. 4. Carcase Weight Whilst an important specification in most livestock grids, carcase weight only has a small impact on MSA Index, with MSA calculating that as HSCW increases by 1kg, the MSA Index will potentially increase by less than 0.01 Index units. In other words, an increase in HSCW of 100kg equates to an increase in MSA Index of 1 unit. To select for heavier carcasses at the same maturity (ossification), animals with higher Carcase Weight EBVs should be selected.
Eating Quality Flow Chart Increase
Genetics
On Farm Management
predictive
Carcase Transport
measurement
Processing
& monitoring
Retail/Food
Consumer
power of MSA
Service
evaluation
model to meet consumer aspirations
Carcase Weight EBVs are estimates of the genetic differences between animals in hot standard carcase weight, with higher Carcase Weight EBVs associated with heavier carcases. For example, an animal with a Carcase Weight EBV of +60 kg would be expected to produce progeny with heavier carcases than an animal with a Carcase Weight EBV of +30 kg. Take Home Messages Whilst many of the factors that affect the eating quality of a carcase and its suitability for MSA programs are heavily influenced by animal handling and management, many factors are also influenced by the genetics of an animal. Selection of animals with acceptable temperament, higher Docility EBVs, higher Eye Muscle Area EBVs and appropriate Rib & Rump Fat EBVs can improve MSA compliance, whilst selection of animals with higher IMF EBVs to increase marbling score, higher Growth EBVs to reduce ossification score, higher Rib Fat EBVs to increase carcase fatness and higher Carcase Weight EBVs to increase HSCW at the same maturity, will increase MSA Index values and thus increase the eating quality of your herd.
To improve:
Select for:
Meat Colour
Higher Docility and Eye Muscle Area EBVs
Rib Fat Thickness & Fat Distribution
Appropriate Rib and Rump Fat EBVs
Marbling
Higher Intramuscular Fat (IMF) EBVs
Ossification
Higher 200 Day Growth, 400 Day Weight and 600 Day Weight EBVs
Carcase Weight
Higher Carcase Weight EBVs
MAXIMISING YOUR PROFIT
Figure 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Genetics is an important factor contributing to the overall eating quality of a beef carcase. Source Meat & Livestock Australia.
To further discuss breeding for MSA programs, please contact staff at Angus Australia. More information about Meat Standards Australia is also available from the MLA website (www.mla.com.au/msa).
17
NEW ASBP PROGENY PERFORMANCE REPORT A new report is now available from the Angus Australia website to assist breeders in determining the genetic merit of sires included in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP). This report, titled “ASBP Progeny Performance Report” contains a range of familiar information (i.e. BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes), plus new information detailing progeny average performance values and rankings within the ASBP. The report includes two sections, being:
SIRE BENCHMARKING
1. BREEDPLAN Sire Listing – The first section of the report includes the Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes from the latest Angus Breedplan analysis (e.g. August 2015). It is strongly advised that the BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes be used for selection purposes. These values are the highest accuracy information to use in selection as they take into account all available industry data, including the data generated from the ASBP. EBVs and Indexes also account for information from all known relatives and genetic correlations between traits, as well as enabling comparisons across cohorts and the Angus population. 2. ASBP Progeny Performance Listing – The second section of the report includes progeny average values and rankings for a range of traits recorded in the ASBP. This listing provides an indication on how the sire’s progeny have performed in the ASBP. The values listed in this section of the report can only be validly used for comparisons of sires within each cohort of the ASBP. Performance listings are also provided for a range of traits additional to those analysed through BREEDPLAN, including MSA Marble Score, MSA Ossification, MSA Index and shear force (tenderness).
Progeny Performance Report Cohort 4
There is a separate ASBP Progeny Performance report for each Cohort
There is a separate report available for each of Cohorts 1 to 4. A report will be produced for Cohort 5 once calving is completed and the calving data analysed later this year. The reports include comprehensive introductory notes which you are encouraged to read to help understand the information published. They are available to download from the Angus Australia website under the Sire Benchmarking menu item or by contacting the Angus Australia office.
Progeny averages and sire rankings are listed for a range of traits recorded in the ASBP
The reports will be updated regularly as additional information is collected and analysed on ASBP progeny. Steers in the feedlot from Cohort 3
18 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
ASBP TO FACILITATE NET FEED INTAKE FUTURE GENOMICS EBVS AVAILABLE RESEARCH FOR ASBP COHORT 3 SIRES
One of the main objectives of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) is to generate a comprehensive database of phenotypes and genotypes for genomics research and validation. For this reason DNA samples have been collected and genomic profiles determined on all ASBP sires and their progeny.
DNA samples are collected on all ASBP sires, generally through a semen straw. They are profiled with either the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler High Density (GGP HD) or Zoeties 50K HD product. The 189 sires included in Cohorts 1 to 5 have an average of 61,755 SNPs* recorded.
ASBP Cohort 3 Steers Undergoing NFI testing at Tullimba Feedlot
From DNA extracted from the blood samples the progeny are profiled with the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler Low Density product (GGP LD). The 3,741 progeny from Cohorts 1 to 4 have an average of 15,386 SNPs* recorded.
A significant amount of new feed intake data collected in the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) was analysed in the July 2015 BREEDPLAN analysis. This new data has been collected and analysed on all steer progeny of the Cohort 3 sires, meaning Net Feed Intake EBVs, based on direct feed intake data, is now available for all sires included in Cohorts 1, 2 and 3 of the ASBP.
*A SNP or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is a form of genetic marker where there is a difference in a single base pair. For example, in the figure below, the animal right has a “G & C” base pair at the particular location in the DNA, whereas the left animal has an “A & T” base pair.
The feed intake data is collected at the University of New England’s Tullimba feedlot, Kingstown, NSW using GrowSafe feed intake recording equipment. Collectively this includes feed intake data on over 1,479 steers from ASBP Cohorts 1, 2 and 3.
The genotypes and phenotypes being captured on the ASBP sires and progeny place Angus Australia and Angus breeders in general in an advantageous position in relation to current and future genomics research and application. The ASBP data has already been utilised to validate an Angus specific genomic test in the market place.
The feed intake and growth data collected through the ASBP is analysed in Angus BREEDPLAN to produce the Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Finishing EBV (NFI-F EBV). This EBV is an estimate of genetic differences between animals in feed intake at a standard weight and rate of weight gain when animals are in a feedlot finishing phase. NFI-F EBVs as expressed as kilograms (kg) of feed intake per day. Lower, or more negative, NFI-F EBVs are more favourable. For example, a bull with a NFI-F EBV of –0.6 kg/day would be expected to produce progeny that consume less feed per day than the progeny from a bull that has a NFI-F EBV of +0.8 kg/ day (when the progeny are of similar weight, are growing at a similar rate, and are in a feedlot finishing phase).
SIRE BENCHMARKING
Samples are collected on several occasions on all ASBP progeny to enable DNA extraction. This includes: • A 10ml blood vial on all weaners (both steers and heifers) • A tissue sample (tail or ear) on all dead calves • A scraping sample from the quartering site on each steer carcase in the chiller • A tissue sample from the steer striploin provided to the University of New England Meat Science laboratory
A Net Feed Intake - Post Weaning EBV (NFI-P EBV) is also calculated in Angus BREEDPLAN. Some animals may rank differently for this trait, compared to NFI-F, as it is an expression of feed efficiency at a younger age immediately after weaning. The latest NFI EBVs for sires in the ASBP are available from the Angus Australia website through the online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. Progeny average values and rankings for NFI are also listed in the ASBP Progeny Performance Reports. 19
COMPLETION OF ASBP COHORT 2 PERFORMANCE DATA COLLECTION
SIRE BENCHMARKING
The carcase data collection and analysis from the Cohort 2 steers has been completed.
The full suite of performance data collection for the Cohort 2 progeny of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program(ASBP) was completed in May 2015 and analysed in the June 2015 BREEDPLAN analysis. This included abattoir carcase grading outcomes and meat science laboratory results for the Cohort 2 steers, and fertility information for the Cohort 2 heifers. The carcase data collected and analysed on the 530 Cohort 2 steers includes: • Carcase weight • Eye Muscle Area • MSA Marbling Score • MSA Ossification • MSA Index • Intramuscular Fat (through striploin sample chemical extraction) • Shear Force The ASBP steers entered the University of New England’s Tullimba Research feedlot at around 450kg average liveweight with most steers being in the 400kg to 500 kg range. They were on feed for approximately 100 days at Tullimba undergoing Net Feed Intake testing, before being relocated to Rangers Valley Feedlot, Glen Innes for an additional 170 days to complete a total feeding period of 270 days.
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 has shown that there was no significant 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 Beef CRC 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 taken at slaughter following the full 270 day feeding period. Additionally, the natural joining outcomes on over 300 Cohort 2 yearling mated heifers (i.e. siblings of the steers) have also been collated and analysed to produce updated Days to Calving EBVs for the Cohort 2 sires. This involves measuring the days from the heifer’s first exposure to natural joining (i.e. bull in date) until to the day the heifer calved. If a heifer was exposed and does not conceive or calve then a penalty record is applied. The latest BREEDPLAN EBVs and Indexes for the Cohort 2 sires are available from the Angus Australia website through the online Sire Benchmarking listing under the Catalogues menu. Progeny average values and rankings for a range of ASBP recorded traits are also listed in the Cohort 2 ASBP Progeny Performance reports.
A summary of the carcase performance statistics from the Cohort 2 steers is tabled below: Live Carcase Dressing Weight Wt % (kg) (kg)
P8 Fat (mm)
Rib Fat (m)
Ossification (Score)
MSA Marbling (score)
AUSMEAT EMA MSA Marbling (cm2) Index (score)
IMF % Chemically Extracted
Shear Force (kg)
Av.
832
471
56.6%
23.2
17.5
160.6
518.7
3.02
88.8
65.0
9.4
3.7
Max
1016
568.6
60.8%
43
34
280
1030
7
116
70.5
25.1
6.9
Min
644
362
52.2%
10
7
110
160
2
67
59.3
3.2
2.3
20 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Australian Angus heifers on feed at the Bortala beef operation in China.
AUSTRALIAN ANGUS SHINE IN CHINA After observing how the Angus breed performed globally, it was agreed they were one of the most adaptable beef cattle breeds and would suit the location’s tough climate. It’s one of Australian agribusiness’ biggest success stories, involving a 4500-kilometre road haul of livestock with not one loss, the establishment of what has become a showcase beef enterprise in China and the adoption of Australian livestock management practices and animal welfare standards internationally. At it’s core was Australian-bred Angus heifers, selected for their ability to perform under extreme conditions and deliver a product that commands a premium price. Queensland-based global livestock exporter Austrex’s contract to supply breeder cattle to China, known as the Bortala Project, has also collected the prestigious 2015 Coopers Animal Health Cattle Well-being Award. Austrex managing director Justin Slaughter said the project involved transforming a site that was essentially “bare ground”, on the edge of the Kazakhstan border in the Xinjiang Province of far-western China, into a beef operation that would serve as a role model for the country. Austrex sent internationally-respected cattle specialists to consult on everything from facility design and construction to management and animal welfare. In just 60 days, the multi-million dollar enterprise was operational. Austrex’s technical team selected Angus as the appropriate breed due to their suitability to the extreme conditions cattle had to handle both plus and minus 40 degrees. “We hosted our Chinese partners on a tour of the US, Uruguay and Australia to demonstrate how Angus cattle performed and calved down in their natural environment, both covered in ice and snow in Montana and in extreme hot and dry conditions in Australia,” Mr Slaughter said.
“After observing how the Angus breed performed globally, it was agreed they were one of the most adaptable beef cattle breeds and would suit the location’s tough climate. “The breed was also considered to have great potential marketing impact in China, following successful campaigns in other parts of the world.” Mr Slaughter said Austrex’s experience shipping Angus into Russia also gave the company the confidence to encourage Angus as the prime choice of breed. Cattle were sourced throughout Australia’s southern regions, including NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. More than 5000 certified Australian Angus cattle were selected during an eight-week period.
EXPORT
By Shan Goodwin, The Land
They also had to meet the China Export protocol in relation to disease status and blood testing requirements. Austrex managed the entire technical side of the project and reported the heifers were performing outstandingly, having now calved and come through their first winter. They have wind breaks and a simple fodder diet but a refined program of minerals and vitamins. “With no undercover shedding, the heifers have come through their first harsh winter in excellent condition,” said Austrex chief operating officer James Leftwich. “National industry figures place them as the best-conditioned breeding herd of beef cattle after winter within China. “Bortala will now be the showcase of a successful beef operation in China.” Austrex has exported more than 350,000 head of cattle to China and the Bortala Project means more will be supplied. 21
CHINA OPPORTUNITY LIKELY TO FAVOUR SOUTHERN STATES AND WA
Beef Central
There are still many unknowns as to how the new feeder and cattle export trade from Australia to China announced recently will impact on cattle demand and pricing in Australia. Key questions at this point include how many cattle China will seek to import each year, what weight and breed type its importers will prefer, whether Chinese demand will favour cattle from northern or southern Australia, what effect it may have on supply for other live export markets and what price it will pay. Many of those questions cannot be answered conclusively until live exporters actually see the full protocol – which they are yet to – and begin to crunch numbers and assess where the real commercial opportunities will lie. But from what we have seen so far some likely outcomes are emerging. For a start, it seems likely that while China has the potential to become an enormous market for Australian live cattle in time, its initial growth will be more slow burn than rocket propelled, because of the strict conditions contained in the new agreement.
EXPORT
The same strict conditions on balance also indicate it will be easier for exporters to source cattle from southern Australia than northern Australia for the new trade, initially at least. For example, the new market is HGP-free. A large percentage of the male cattle herd in northern Australia is currently treated with implants to generate weight gain benefits. Second, while the new protocol provides access to cattle from all parts of Australia, it places more conditions and restrictions upon the export of cattle from the Bluetongue Virus (BTV) possible transmission zone of northern Australia (denoted in yellow on the below map). Feeder cattle from the yellow area will not be allowed to be sold into southern China, where the largest markets are said to lie, and will only be able to sell into northern China. Slaughter cattle from within the yellow area can be sold into southern China, but must first spend 60 days in a preexport quarantine facility in Australia’s BTV free zone. That effectively means slaughter cattle would have to be transported to export quarantine in southern Australia prior to export.
commercial trade to develop will be feeder cattle from the southern BTV-free zones, as the quarantine requirements are not as onerous and there is greater flexibility with maximum processing time frames. (Slaughter cattle must be slaughtered within 14 days of arriving in China, and feeder cattle must be slaughtered within 90 days of arrival, according to the protocol). Frontier International Agri managing director Hamish Browning agreed that the combination of the HGP-free requirement and the BTV clauses would likely push demand for cattle to China towards the south, in the initial stages at least. “It is probably a market that will compete more with southern Australian feedlotting and processing than with the other live export markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam as such,” he said. China is known to be highly meticulous when it comes to negotiating import protocols – partly why this deal has been several years in the making - and requires a higher level of scrutiny and oversight to cattle import consignments than many other markets. “It is good access, but it will be no cakewalk,” is how one export industry source explained it last night. “It is not quite as simple as ‘we have struck gold, start digging’. There is quite a lot of work to do.” Nor is it likely to be a market for “freshman” exporters, Australian Livestock Exporters Council CEO Alison Penfold told Beef Central. Exporters with a strong history of exporting dairy and beef breeding cattle to China and who understood the level of oversight that China applies to every consignment would be best positioned to make an effective go of the trade in the early stages. “There are a lot of freshman exporters out there looking at China, but this is a market that needs runs on the board,” she said. Another key question of interest is when the first consignment to China is likely to occur.
Cattle from the yellow zone would also be subjected to more testing before export to China than cattle in the brown areas, which will add further costs.
Before that can happen, commercial agreements must first be finalised exporters and importers, supply chains in China must gain formal ESCAS approval and import permits have to be formally issued by Chinese authorities.
This does not mean that cattle from northern Australia will not have access to China, but does suggest that in the initial stages at least, it will be more viable and commercially attractive to source cattle for the market from the brown region.
Some exporters may already be commercially well down the path to negotiating commercial agreements with their import customers, but it would seem unlikely that the first consignment will be shipped for at least a few months.
Wellard Rural Exports chief operating officer Scot Braithwaite said the company’s preliminary view is that the first
Blue tongue zone maps change over time. To access updated zone maps visit www.namp.animalhealthaustralia.com.au
22 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
ANGUS BREEDER MAKES MOST OF US TRIP
By Catherine Miller, Stock Journal
I have really enjoyed the whole experience and have made so many great connections and lifetime friendships. Young SA Angus breeder Kate Fairlie has sharpened her livestock assessment skills, travelling thousands of kilometres across the United States with the University of Illinois livestock judging team. The 2014 winner of Angus Youth’s National Judging Competition and scholarship completed a semester late last month as a guest of the university, describing it as the “most amazing experience ever”. During her four months in the US she visited “hog”, sheep and beef properties, and attended lectures in numerous subjects including meat science, carcase evaluation, and US sheep production. The livestock judging team trained three times a week, visiting livestock properties to judge animals, plus sessions evaluating carcases and practising their judging reasons. They competed at San Antonio Livestock & Rodeo in Texas, which had 16,000 youth entries and is the largest barrow (pig) show in the US, Sioux Falls in South Dakota, Illinois, and Iowa Beef Expo. But Miss Fairlie’s favourite event was the three-day National Meat Animal Evaluation competition at Still Water, Oklahoma, which included feeder cattle grading, live cattle estimates and a keep-or-cull class. Last year she completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from La Trobe University, Melbourne, and has been involved with Angus Youth since 2007.
She said their only use of electronic tags was in research animals to measure pre and post-weight of feed when an animal went over a feeder. Miss Fairlie thanked Angus Australia and Angus Youth, and University of Illinois’ Dan Shike for the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as the people who had taken her under their wings and mentored her in the past few years. She encouraged others to apply for the scholarship, which has been running since 1980. “I have really enjoyed the whole experience and have made so many great connections and lifetime friendships,” she said. “There are so many classes that I would never have had the opportunity to do back in Australia. “And who would have thought from this opportunity that another one would come out of it? I have been offered a position to join the Meat Science and Muscle Biology graduate program for 2016 but as of now I have not yet decided about my plans for next year,” she said. To read Kate’s blog visit www.katefairlie.wordpress.com
She says the scholarship has given her a remarkable insight into the US beef industry, which she says is heavily focused on grain-feeding animals in feedlots with the use of hormone growth promotants. Interestingly though, in her meat classes there was discussion about multiple chain restaurants going for “grassfed”, “natural” or “organic” imported beef from southern Australia. She also noticed the strong emphasis on crossbreeding with crossbred seedstock classes on the show circuit.
ANGUS YOUTH
Her family runs Lanark Angus stud at Mount Gambier and she has been the youth representative on the SA Angus state committee for the past two years.
Miss Fairlie said US cattle producers were enjoying good times, with feed prices moderating and cattle prices at record levels. “But like everything, with the high prices consumers are moving to a different protein source such as pork or chicken,” she said. “Pork is already a huge part of an average American diet.” Miss Fairlie was surprised that the US had not embraced electronic tags and an individual traceability system similar to Australia, and is not even looking at implementing it in the near future. 23
ANGUS YOUTH SUCCESS AT BEEF AUSTRALIA 2015 Angus Youth members came together from across the country in May to attend Beef Australia in Rockhampton. Youth members were well represented in all aspects of the Beef Australia event, from assistance on trade displays, competing within led and commercial cattle classes, to having a successful presence in all junior sections of the cattle program.
Scholarships
Angus Australia in conjunction with the QLD State Committee provided scholarships to send three Angus Youth members to Beef Australia. Josh Dawson, Laura Grubb and Lachlan Collins were the successful scholarship recipients. Josh Dawson, Glenthompson VIC, is a third year Agricultural Business Management student at Charles Sturt University, Orange. Josh grew up on a cattle stud in Victoria and after leaving school, worked at Landfall Angus in Tasmania as a stock manager. He has a keen interest in cattle genetics and precision agriculture. Laura Grubb, Broome WA, is currently an Animal Science honours student at Murdoch University. She has recently finished her honours project on King Island, TAS. Laura has been heavily involved in Angus Youth over the past few years and was also fortunate enough to win the National Judging Competition in 2013 and receive the University of Illinois Scholarship.
ANGUS YOUTH
Lachlan Collins, Tennyson VIC, has been a member of Angus Australia from a very young age. While working as a livestock agent with Landmark he also runs his own Angus stud with his sister, Merribrook Angus. Lachlan has been involved with the Angus Youth program for many years, having attended Roundup’s since he was 8, been a Landmark Angus Youth Ambassador and was a member of the World Angus Forum team in 2013. Beef Australia has a huge emphasis on education and all three scholarship recipients were able to benefit from attending a variety of different seminars and forums. Laura stated, “One of the MLA seminars held was addressing the issue of genetic improvement in the north. There is a significant amount of funding going into encouraging the adoption of EBVs in northern herds. And with the introduction of EBVs derived from tail hair samples and phenotyping, its adoption should be a lot more viable and the further genetic improvement and resulting productivity gains will follow.” The scholarship recipients also spent time meeting members on the Angus Australia trade stand and fielding enquiries about Angus cattle. They were also heavily involved in the running of the Angus Stud Cattle Judging, with Josh and Lachlan acting as stewards and Laura doing an outstanding job as the ring announcer. Picture top: Josh Dawson, Angus Youth Co-oridnation Alice Lodge, Laura Grubb and Lachlan Collins.
24 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Prime Young Judges Competition
On Sunday May 3rd, many Angus Youth members participated in the Prime Young Judges competition. Competitors judged four pens of cattle on market suitability, muscling, conformation and evenness of the pen with the top five judges in each category going on to give oral presentations. Stand out Angus Youth achievements in this category included; • Chloe Gould – 1st Place (18 – 25 years) • Angus McGregor – 2nd Place (18 – 25 years) • Cameron Fowke – Top 5 (18 – 25 years) • Sarah Peters – 1st place (16 – 17 years) • Lauren Moody – 1st Place (12 – 15 years) Congratulations to Sarah Peters who went on to be named the Grand Champion Prime Young Judge and to also receive the Jan Sinclair Memorial Perpetual Trophy.
Junior Judging and Parader’s Competition
The final day of Beef Australia 2015 saw over 500 junior competitors come together in the main ring to showcase their skills in both the Parader’s and White Angus Junior Judges classes. This was a huge contingence of youth in the beef industry with over 100 in each of the age categories making competition tough. Congratulations to all those Angus Youth members who competed in both the Junior Judging and Parader’s Competitions. The following Angus Youth members placed in their categories: White Angus Junior Judging Competition: • Chloe Gould – 2nd Place (18 – 25 years) • Heidi Nicholls – 1st Place (16 – 17 years) Parader’s Competition • Cameron Fowke – 1st Place (18 – 25 years) • Chloe Gould – 2nd Place (18 – 25 years) • Angus McGregor – 5th Place (18 – 25 years) • Hamish McLachlan – 1st Place (16 – 17 years) • Heidi Nicholls – 3rd Place (16 – 17 years) • Isobel Robertson – Top 10 (12 – 15 years) Congratulations to Hamish McLachlan who went on to win Grand Champion Parader. Angus Australia congratulates all Angus Youth members for their outstanding achievements at Beef Australia 2015.
Clockwise from left: Chloe Gould, 2nd Place (17 – 18years) in the Parader’s Competition (photo courtesy of Allison McCabe Photography), Heidi Nicholls, White Angus Junior Judges Competition, 1st Place (16-17 years) and 3rd Place in the Junior Parader’s Competition (16-17 years); Angus Australia Director & Education, Extension & Youth Committee member, Tony Golding presenting Angus Youth Ambassador Angus McGregor, with the Calf Champion Heifer award & Judge Steve Pocock; Judge Rob Sinnamon, Yulgilbar Santa Gertrudis Stud, Baryulgil, NSW, with Angus Youth member Chloe Gould, Bowenfels Angus, Nanago, who won the 18 to 25 years and Angus Youth Member Sarah Peters, Sunshine Coast, who won the 15 to 18 years and Grand Champion Prime Young Judge.
ANGUS YOUTH HAS A NEW WEBSITE Over the past few months, Angus Youth has been working hard to produce a brand new Angus Youth website. It is finally finished and it is very exciting to have been able to release it.
ANGUS YOUTH
Angus Youth hopes that you find the new website modern, different and easy to use. It will be updated constantly to keep everyone up to date with everything happening within Angus Youth, Angus Australia and the wider beef community. Visit www.angusyouth.org
25
AN UPDATE FROM CERTIFIED ANGUS GROUP PTY LTD making claims of Angus are in fact from Angus bred cattle. The industry accepted standard to make a claim to breed for Angus is where the Sire is Angus and the Dam is Angus or Angus cross, meaning that the product is 100% to 75% Angus parentage and is predominantly Angus. CAG has driven the processors to meet this standard in order to ensure that Angus producers are provided with an exclusive market opportunity for their Angus beef and further increase the demand for Angus bulls. Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd, owned and operated by CAG is responsible for the delivery of Independent Breed Verification Services to processors. The service is voluntary and is driven by consumer demand by truth in labelling. Current processors using Independent Verification Services include: Thomas Foods International; Rangers Valley; Bindaree Beef; John Dee; Manildra Meats; Jacks Creek – Warmoll Foods; Argyle Prestige Meats; and Restaurant giant McDonalds, Australia and New Zealand. The landscape continues to change in the Australian Beef Industry, but what hasn’t changed is that Angus Beef continues to dominate breed identified markets. Angus Beef has enjoyed many years of growth and leads the Domestic and International beef markets. Angus continues to enjoy premiums in live cattle sales and meat prices however, there is no room for complacency and the Certified Angus Group (CAG) continues to work for our producers, the Angus Australia members to drive demand for Angus Beef and maintain premiums for both live cattle and beef. Certified Angus Group formerly known as Certified Australian Angus Beef (CAAB) changed its name late in 2014 to differentiate between the brands and the business. Certified Angus Group has three core areas of business: 1. Certified Australian Angus Beef - the brand 2. Angus Pure and Natural Beef - the brand 3. Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd.
CAG
Certified Australian Angus Beef remains a grain fed Angus brand wholly owned by the members of Angus Australia. Angus Pure and Natural Beef, also wholly owned by the members of Angus Australia are Pasture Fed, HGP and Anti -Biotic free beef product. August 1st, 2015 will see Thomas Foods International become the exclusive processor under license to produce both Angus Pure and Certified Australian Angus Beef for both the domestic and international markets to aid in driving the sales of member owned brands. Thomas Foods International will only process the Angus Pure and CAAB brands. With the rise of Angus beef dominating beef marketing programs across processors in Australia, CAG developed a Quality Assurance Program that is ISO Accredited and provides industry with a standard to ensure that products 26 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Certified Angus Group encourages members to contact us with enquiries be they general in nature or related to cattle supply. Our friendly team will be pleased to hear from you. Please contact us by emailing angusbeef@caab.com.au or calling 02 9844 5426. Alternatively check in with us on Facebook, search for CAG – Certified Angus Group, CAAB-Certified Australian Angus Beef or Angus Pure where we post regular updates on industry related news and invite comment.
ASK FOR ANGUS With the rise of Angus beef in both domestic and international beef markets, ‘Angus’ has become somewhat of a buzz term in the marketing of beef products. Just because it says it’s Angus, is it really Angus? Are Angus producers being cheated out of sales by impersonators? Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd, wholly owned by Certified Angus Group Pty Ltd (CAG) provide independent breed verification services to industry. Angus Breed Verification Pty Ltd provide processors with quality assurance programs to ensure that their Angus Beef brand is in fact Angus and provides their customer with testament to truth in labelling. Consumers have driven the demand for truth in labelling across industry and driven processors, Food Service and Retail sellers to ’Ask for Angus’ and further carry out independent validation the product is Angus.
Independent verification not only provides truth in labelling, but it also assures producers where cattle are processed, using Independent Verification Services are buying genuine Angus for their programs and brands.
Angus Breed Verification through their ISO Accredited Quality Assurance system offers independent services to processors and their customers to identify products as Angus true to accepted meat industry definition. Quality Assurance programs identify cattle preprocessing through producer declaration and phenotypic assessment. Traceability is key to ensure cattle identified as Angus are not mixed with other lots through chilling, boning, packing, packing identification and load out.
Processors using Independent Angus Breed Verification include, 8 sites in Australia and 4 sites in New Zealand for McDonalds Angus burger production; Thomas Foods International; Bindaree Beef; Rangers Valley; Argyle Prestige Meats; Manildra Meats; John Dee and Jacks Creek – Warmoll Foods.
Independent breed verification ensures breed where the Sire is Angus and the Dam is Angus or Angus cross ensures that the progeny for processing is 100% to 75% Angus parentage, hence Angus is always the dominant breed in the case of 75% parentage. Angus Australia member owned brands have used breed identification services since inception. In 2008 with the launch of McDonalds Grand and Mighty Angus consumers identified with verification of Angus breed and the association of breed with quality. Independently verified Angus beef through consumers asking for Angus has seen the rise of the necessity for Independent Verification Services for Food Service, Retail and Processors
Top price Autumn Sale – to Spring Hill Highland Angus for $17,000.00
Ask when buying Angus how does the seller know it is Angus? Ask them if their Angus beef is independently verified? Also ask the processor you sell to if their programs are independently verified? By asking these simple questions you will be helping to ensure that Angus continues to receive the premiums it rightfully commands, while assuring the future of the Angus cattle breed in Australia. For further enquiries on Independent Angus Breed verification contact angusbeef@caab.com.au or call 02 9844 5426.
REILAND ANGUS SPRING SALE FRIDAY 4TH SEPT, 2015
CAG
NEW “GO TO” REGENT SON - NLRJ956
In order to ensure that Angus does not become just a buzz term and ensure that processors use Angus in their Angus products and brands, it is essential that producers support the notion to ‘Ask for Angus’.
60 HIGH CALIBRE BULLS
SEMEN AVAILABLE Age 16 months
50 K confirms: Top 2% IMF, 600D growth with calving ease
Mark Lucas 0428 693 585 Harry Lucas 02 6944 9131 Sam Lucas 0402 450 686
www.reilandangus.com.au 27
FEMALE INVENTORY
Female Inventory is an essential step for members in the annual recording process. The forms are available to all members in their member download area, as well as in a paper copy if requested.
Spring Calf record forms will be available on line and paper copies will be sent to members in August. The calf record forms will be generated using the active females retained on each member’s Spring female inventory.
Members can remove (fate) from or add females to their inventory and change the registration status of animals using these forms. After the Inventory forms have been processed at Angus Australia the Member Services team generate members their individual herd calf record forms. These forms are pre-printed with all the active calving females that the member has retained in the female inventory.
Important things to remember for the Spring Inventory:
Females become eligible for Inventory fees in the year they turn two. Inventory fees are invoiced based on the member’s returned inventory forms and must be paid prior to registering any progeny. The Angus Australia 2015 Autumn Inventory had an initial total of 43,361 females, we have retained 30,511 active females after processing was completed. The following indicates the registration category break down, 20,660 HBR; 7,855 APR ; 1,191 ACR ; 115 RAR and 690 MBR. 2015 Spring Inventory forms were sent to all Spring calving herds in early May.
s t a t S k c i u MSO Q
• By the 26th June 2015 you needed to have completed your Spring Inventory (fating any females that you do not wish to keep active in your herd) and submitted these forms to Angus Australia. Completing this means that you will not be charged a female inventory fee for any females you no longer have active in your herds. It is important to know that you are unable to register any progeny from inactive females. During July we process your inventory and calculate your invoice based on the number of active females you have retained in each Angus Register. • Your 2015 Spring Inventory fees will have been invoiced to you in July. • Members are given 60 days to pay that invoice in full, by 30th September 2015. 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 raised.
y 2015 to d on 1st Janu ar Figures are base
30th June 2015.
s. o ur ma jor area f o e om s om animals. Please o us statistics fr ,118 ri 40 va e ed er as le st gi re re ill am have s Team w ember Service ber Services te M em e M th e r th te , 15 ar 20 qu Each 30th June January 2015 to t 1s f o Registra tions: od ri R C pe A During the p. ions: detailed breaku Female: 1393 APR Registra t see below more ns: Steers: 1409 Female: 5214 HBR Registra tio Males: 4308 e Animals: Female: 10,723 s a B 8 Steers: 48 Males: 10,463 Females: 4835 : s n 5 io 32 t s: ra er t Ste Regis Males: 37
MEMBER SERVICES
ns: RAR Registra tio
MBR
Female: 378 Males: 232 Female: 190 Steers: 103 . Males: 20 ference sire lo ts re 6 61 ed . gu rs lo fe ta s 21 tran 58 lo ts, ca sed a to tal o f 67 ith a to tal o f 60 w es gu lo ta ca We have proc es 105 sale team produc ed ce vi er S r be em testing. The M s ubmitted for e er w es pl m sa DNA A to tal o f 14,392 breakup. a more detailed sting: r fo w lo be ee 1647 s A Parenta ge te N Please D Microsa tellites: & P N S , : Q g E in S t f s Combin ation o DNA Genetic teGGPHD: 103 AM: 983 HD50K testing: Pestivirus: 368 11 14 : CA : 24 1535 Mannossidosis DD: 4536 9 33 : Coat NH: 1155 Stora ge: 730 GGPLD: 598
28 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
With the upcoming Spring sales it is a great time to remind both vendor’s and purchaser’s about the importance of transfers. Transfer fees are payable by the Vendor unless written notification that the purchaser will be responsible for any transfers, has been submitted to Angus Australia with the transfer application. Vendors should notify purchasers on sale day if they are required to pay the transfer fees. • Female transfer fee is $22 (incl GST). • Male transfer fee (to Australia Members/non-members) has no charge • Male transfer fee (to overseas owners) is $22 (incl GST • Embryo recipient dam transfer fee is $11 (incl GST). No transfer fee is payable on a calf that is transferred together with its dam, provided that the application for transfer is received within 8 months of the date of birth of the calf. Applicable transfer fees are payable for ET calves that are transferred with their recipient dam. Females for which Herd Inventory fees have not been paid prior to transfer will be transferred as “Inactive”, and will remain “Inactive” until the required Reinstatement and Herd Inventory Fees are paid. Transfer application forms are available on the Angus Australia website.
COLLECTING HAIR SAMPLES • Ensure your hair samples are clean and dry. Dirty samples often fail testing and will require recollection. • Each sample should contain around 30-40 follicles. • Consider collecting two samples and storing one as a • back up. Use a Registered Mail Service with Australia Post. This gives us an avenue to track down parcels if they are misplaced. We understand it is an extra cost but Australia Post will not look for any lost mail if it is not registered with them.
University of Queensland collector
Zoetis collector
RECENT REGULATION CHANGE The Angus Australia Board has recently made a change to Regulation 5.11. This regulation previously stated “Where a female is jointly owned, each owner will pay the full Herd Inventory Fee for the female” This regulation has now been changed to “Where a female is jointly owned, the Herd Inventory Fee for the female will be charged to the member with recorded possession. Where possession is not recorded with the Society, each owner will be charged the full Herd Inventory Fee for the female”. If you are a joint owner of a female and have not recently received a letter from Angus Australia in regards to the possession of your animal/s please contact Lee-Anne Turner Member Services Manager at regos@angusaustralia.com.au or on 02 6773 4604.
REGISTERING CALVES ON LINE IS EASY
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 yet have login details, contact the Member Services Team (02) 6772 3011 regos@angusaustralia.com.au 4. You will now have access to all the files located in your Angus Members Page. Take some time to look around the different search options. 5. To register calves click ‘Online Transactions’ located on the right hand side of the top menu bar. 6. 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. 7. Select ‘Manually add records’ as the Batch Mode and ‘Calf Record Form’ as the Batch Type. Once you have checked these two options click ‘Create’. 8. Now you have started your batch, click ‘Add’ underneath the calf listing table. Repeat this process for each calf you register. 9. Type the calf’s details into the required fields. Only one calf may be submitted per entry. When you have entered all the details, click ‘Go’ located at the bottom of the entry. Repeat this process for each calf you register. 10. Once you have finished entering your calves, click ‘View Batch Summary and Batch Submission Screen’ 11. Check the submission details and click ‘Submit this batch to Angus’ if you 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’. A full detailed description is available on the Angus Australia website.
MEMBER SERVICES
TRANSFERS
29
27th AnnuAl Bull SAlE 1pm Thursday September 3rd 2015 FEATuring: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
15 sons of Hingaia 469 (nZ) 20 sons of Matauri reality (nZ) 15 sons of Silveiras Conversion (uS) 10 sons of Te Mania Emperor 10 sons of Millah Murrah Doc F159 1/3 of the bulls by home bred sires The 1st EF Complement sons to sell in Australia The 1st Thomas up river sons to sell in Australia 60 Bulls suitable for heifer mating
at “Goonamurrah” Bathurst
110 Bulls sell
CONTACT: Ross & Dimity Thompson Post:
“Goonamurrah”, 1202 Turondale Road, BATHURST NSW 2795
30 Angus Bulletin - Spring 2015
Phone: Fax: Email:
02 6337 1157 02 6337 1137 info@millahmurrah.com
www.millahmurrah.com