ANGUS BULLETIN spring 2016
Introducing
MILLAH MURRAH LAKESIDE L69
Lakeside L69 was the $54,000 2nd high selling bull at the allbreeds-record-average-priced Millah Murrah bull sale in 2016. Purchased by renowned beef specialists Robert & Stephen Gill, Alexander Downs, Merriwa.
Balanced data set, tremendous maternal strength & superb phenotype, with widespread joining application for the modern Australian Angus herd.
EBV Acc
CED
CEDT
GL
BW
200
400
600
MCW
MLK
SS
DC
CWT
EMA
RIB
RMP
RBY
IMF
+0.4 67%
-0.2 61%
-3.8 94%
+4.2 88%
+49 83%
+92 +113 79% 79%
+88 76%
+19 63%
+1.8 76%
-6.2 44%
+67 70%
+4.3 65%
+0.7 64%
+0.4 65%
-0.1 60%
+1.9 63%
Angus Heavy Domestic Breeding Grain Index Index Index +$120
+$115
+$125
Heavy Grass Index +$117
October 2016 Angus Australia BREEDPLAN
THOMAS UP RIVER 1614 x YTHANBRAE HENRY VIII U8
Dam Millah Murrah Prue H113
Grand dam Millah Murrah Prue C48
Freecall: 1800 039 047 www.genaust.com.au Nigel Semmens: 0439 417 941
LAKESIDE’S maternal line is first class. His grand dam had sons sell to $14,000 & daughters to $15,000 at Millah Murrah, before selling as a star lot to Coolarmagh Angus in 2013. His dam is an up & coming star of the Millah Murrah program. Her 1st son sold for $12,000 in 2015, with embryos sold into five other studs across the country.
45
Contents SPRING 2016 | volume 25
13
4 2 From the CEO 3 From the President 4 Sticking with a Shaw Thing
5 Angus Australia launches initiative focused on commercial beef sector 6 Angus Australia Consultative Committees
Publisher: Angus Australia Locked Bag 11 Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 E: office@angusaustralia.com.au W: www.angusaustralia.com.au
Editor: Diana Wood Layout: Ebonie Sadler - Small Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the Board of Angus Australia. Neither the Editor nor Angus Australia takes any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, nor for the outcome (including consequential loss) of any action taken by readers or others based on information contained therein. The publishers reserve the right to refuse or cancel without notice any advertisement in a publication issued by them.
38 28 Considerations When Utilising Genomics for Increased EBV Accuracy 30 Capitalising on the Genetic Variation between Angus Animals 33 From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk
9 Around the shows
34 Sam Hunter awarded LIVEXForum Scholarship
10 Management Strategies for Relocation & Adaptation of Angus Bulls into Northern Australia
35 Appreciating the Semex Kansas State University experience
13 Around the saleyards
36 Teys Australia supports Angus Youth
14 Calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs for North American Sires
37 Angus performance in RAS Beef Challenge
16 New Angus BREEDPLAN Brochures Now Available
38 Angus shines on in domestic section
17 Angus Youth Development and Education Officer Appointed
39 Beef challenge success for commercial producers
17 New software development and member services Staff
40 Twelve months on and the records keep rolling
18 ASBP Cohort 7 Sires finalised
42 Angus Australia to offer Graphic Design Services
20 6000th Calf Born in the ASBP 21 Angus Australia & Vetoquinol Strengthen Partnership 22 An Interview with Brad Gilmour: Commercial cattleman, advocate of FTAI 24 Genetic Evaluation of Angus Animals Continues to Grow 25 New Educational Brochures 26 An Introduction to Genomic Technology
43 Member services 2016 statistics 44 Protecting proof of empire in the reign of Angus 45 An even line is the best 46 World Angus Forum – Scotland, June 2017 47 Angus Australia staff directory
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 1
FROM THE CEO
Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
Record year for Angus Despite reduced cow numbers in most parts of Australia it is pleasing to see record sale prices and high clearance rates experienced by members in the recent Angus bull sales. Coinciding with the escalation of the value of commercial cattle, the record sale prices for high quality recorded Angus seedstock is a positive reward for those breeders who have invested in the long-term genetic improvement of their seedstock for performance traits valued in the supply chain - such as growth, marbling and yield. The continuous growth of the Angus breed has also been reflected through record numbers across all membership categories of Angus Australia, and a female inventory in 2016 exceeding 100,000 cows - a first for any cattle breed association in Australia. Other records which we have exceeded year to date so far include the number of calf registrations, number of performance records submitted, live export certifications completed, and visits to the Angus website. It all augers well for a continued positive future for the Angus breed in Australia.
Angus Australia Board Meeting The Angus Australia Board met in Sydney on 21st-22nd September 2016. This was followed by the inaugural meeting of the Angus Youth Consultative Committee on 22-23rd September. Items addressed at the Board meeting include: - Review of Certified Angus Beef P/L, and election of Brett Piraner to replace Mark Gubbins on the CAG P/L Board when he retires from this position in November 2016. - Review of Risk Management by Angus Australia and decision to establish a Strategy & Risk Committee to (i) assist the Board in monitoring and developing appropriate responses to strategic risks (strategic threats as well as opportunities to create value for members); (ii) assist the Board in appropriately integrating risk management and strategy development; (iii) promote an appropriate risk culture within Angus Australia; and, (iv) assist the Board in oversight of the implementation of Angus Australia’s risk management framework by its staff. - Review of Angus Australia’s northern development strategy, with discussion of potential future activities for action in 2017.
The next Angus Australia Board meeting will be conducted in Armidale on Friday 25th November 2016.
Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer
peter parnell, Ceo
from the president Libby Creek, Angus Australia President
What a great year we continue to have in our industry. To think we were all so excited to see the EYCI reach 600 c/ kg cwt earlier in the year and still it remains over 700 c/ kg cwt. The optimism has reflected through the bull selling season where we have seen records broken. So much of the country has enjoyed above average rainfall - it is almost unheard of to have both a great season and great prices together. Absolutely fantastic times at last for our members. I am often interested to hear from members that they are unfamiliar with the structure of the Angus Australia Board and how decisions are made, so I will touch on the process and some of the sources for information utilized when considering the strategic direction of Angus Australia. The Board is a group of both State-elected and Nationalelected Directors who are elected by the members to represent the whole membership. They are individuals who together offer a broad range of skills and share a common interest in the Angus breed and the future prosperity of our industry. It is important to remember that the Board is responsible for the big picture, long term strategic direction of the Society. The Management team, led by the CEO, are responsible for implementing programs to achieve these strategic objectives as efficiently as possible.
- Confirmation that a National Angus Conference will be conducted in May 2017 at Ballarat, Vic.
An interesting analogy I recently heard was to think of the organization as a big ship at sea. The Board is responsible in planning the Port the ship is sailing to and why, while the Management team and staff are entirely responsible for getting the ship safely through the ocean to the Port. There is an important difference in the roles and it is critical that the Board and Management work closely together but respect the boundaries of each.
- Confirmation of support for Angus Australia’s participation in the National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC) initiative being developed by Meat and Livestock Australia.
Each Director sits on several Board Committees through which Issue papers are reviewed and recommendations given to the Board to consider. The Committees provide guidance to the Board in developing policies, strategies
- Review of progress with the development of “single step” methodology for Angus BREEDPLAN, and examination of the calculation of EBVs for imported sires in Angus BREEDPLAN.
PAge 2
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
and plans that are consistent with the Angus Australia Strategic Plan. We have nine Board Committees, including: Breed Development & Extension – providing advice on policies, strategies and plans relating to breed development, education and extension activities Marketing, Communications & Youth – providing advice on issues relating to marketing, communication and the Angus Youth Program; Organisation Review - ensuring appropriate organisational and corporate governance, and review of the Angus Australia Constitution; Strategic Projects - providing advice on policies, strategies and plans relating to strategic projects, including the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project, Export Certification, and Northern Development; Commercial Development - providing advice on policies, strategies and plans to enhance communications and services to participants of the commercial beef supply chain; Audit & Finance – ensuring appropriate financial management, external audit and CEO management and remuneration; Angus Foundation – providing oversight to the operation of the Angus Foundation to raise funds to support youth programs, education and research activities;
I was recently fortunate to meet with the newly formed Youth Consultative Committee and was impressed with their enthusiasm and ideas which will be valuable when mapping the future of our Youth Program. An exciting concept in discussion is to offer more robust education and opportunity to the 25-35 year old age group. This age group is pivotal in the future of the beef industry and we hope to support them to become future leaders and enthusiastic, progressive beef producers. The CEO, Management team and staff at Angus Australia not only have the mammoth task of ensuring all areas within the business are running smoothly and supporting membership, but are also a vital source of both technical and practical information to the Board. We are very fortunate to have such a talented team of individuals in our organization, who have great enthusiasm for the future of the breed. I would encourage you all to communicate your thoughts and ideas to any of your Directors or to the Management team. I assure you that your suggestions will be given due consideration. Our membership is a large group of progressive beef producers who embrace new technology and collectively possess a wealth of knowledge. This is the reason the breed is where it is today. We are all working towards the same outcome – to keep Angus cattle the most profitable, sustainable and sought after breed in the country.
Libby Creek Chairman – Angus Australia
World Angus Forum – to provide advice on planning for the World Angus Forum to be conducted in Australia in 2021; Strategy & Risk – ensuring appropriate identification and management of overall strategy and management strategic, operational and financial risks. The Board Committees are also supported by advice from three Consultative Committees: Angus BREEDLAN Consultative Committee– focused on providing advice to the Board on issues relating to genetic evaluation through Angus BREEDPLAN, including feedback on needs for future development; Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) Consultative Committee – focused on overseeing the operation and future development of the ASBP; Youth Consultative Committee – focused on providing advice on innovative and compelling programs for youth development and education. These Consultative Committees include members and industry specialists who have shown an interest in bringing ideas back to the Board and Management of Angus Australia for consideration. This is a valuable source of information and ideas from a broad industry perspective. The Board is also considering the establishment of additional Consultative Committees as the need arises.
Libby creek, president
Embryos from the Best Cows at Kansas Angus
Contact Rob Crosby 0427 434 348 Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 3
Sticking with a Shaw thing Lucy Ziesemer, Queensland Country Life
the heifers at about 300kg and our conception rates have been positive.” The JS Grazing maiden heifers are joined in late September, slightly earlier than the remaining cow herd at the end of October. Mr Shaw said this method ensured the heifers calved earlier with time to regain condition before rebreeding. A dry lick supplement high in phosphorus is also given to the breeding herd and Mr Shaw said positive pregnancy test results of 90 per cent in the maiden heifers and 95 per cent in the cow herd warranted the extra effort. Buyers and spectators at the JS Grazing weaner sale in Roma consistently commented on the evenness of the lots offered. The Shaw Family, JS Grazing, Injune
After a record breaking weaner turnoff at the Roma store sale in early July, Jeremy and Julie Shaw of JS Grazing, Injune, reflected on the business decisions that shot them to their current status as top quality Angus breeders. Jeremy’s parents Jeff and Jenny Shaw take the JS Grazing team to four and the partnership has been committed to the Angus breed for about 20 years. Jeremy Shaw said the move from Herefords to Angus took place during the operation of their private onproperty feedlot. “We found that the Angus fed well and rarely got sick and that’s when we decided to make the transition,” Mr Shaw said.
Mr Shaw said this was a key priority for the operation starting at both heifer and bull selection.
we wouldn’t think of going any other way “We look for length, softness and capacity and the bulls we purchase have exactly that- they’re peas in a pod and that’s what we're trying to achieve.” The Shaws credited Angus Australia for advancing the breed and Mr Shaw said the Angus awareness among the general public was a display of smart marketing. “The breed has come a very long way that’s for sure.”
“The question isn’t why Angus? It’s why not Angus? They perform well for us, their fertility is high and we wouldn’t think of going any other way.”
The question isn’t why Angus? It’s why not Angus? Of 1300 breeders spread across their four Injune properties the Shaws keep about 130 weaner heifers for replacements. Mr Shaw said he selected only the top heifers to join the breeding herd and placed great emphasis on development and uniformity. “Aside from their general structure and femininity they need to be well grown- we probably sell some lovely weaner heifers that just aren’t quite old enough or aren’t going to meet the joining weight,” he said. “We mate at 14 months of age to calve at two-yearsold. While they may mature at lighter weights we join
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
LEAPS AND BOUNDS: Julie and Jeremy Shaw, JS Grazing, Injune, have made calculated business decisions to ensure their future with the Angus breed continues to gain strength
Angus Australia launches initiative focused on commercial beef sector Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
Angus Australia is pleased to announce the commencement of a new program focused on supporting the commercial sector of the beef supply chain. This initiative will be led by Ms Liz Pearson, as Angus Australia’s Commercial Development Manager. Ms Pearson, who has been employed with Angus Australia since early 2016 in a marketing role, has extensive experience and contacts with the commercial beef supply chain. Ms Pearson is local to the New England region of New South Wales, and comes from her family’s commercial Angus operation and stock and station agency located at Guyra.
Liz Pearson, Commercial Development Manager
Ms Pearson’s background includes over 11 years’ experience in the feedlot industry managing logistics, research and extension projects and product sales, along with a number of marketing and project management roles throughout the wider beef industry over the last 16 years.
opportunity to consider strategies for achieving greater engagement with key supply chain participants, in particular feedlotters and processors”, he said.
“I am very much looking forward to furthering my involvement with Angus Australia in a program that I feel has the capacity to bring tangible value to breeders of Angus cattle and in particular commercial breeders” says Ms Pearson.
Dr Parnell said that Angus Australia’s strong commercial focus is strongly supported by its Board of Directors, the majority of which run significant commercial beef operations as well as seedstock enterprises.
“The enhancement of relationships throughout the beef supply chain and a better understanding of what our market wants from us can only bring vigour and robustness to the Angus breed”, she says. “The Commercial Development Program will focus on achieving greater engagement with major participants in the beef supply chain (commercial breeders, backgrounders, feedlotters, processors, exporters), to facilitate the success of initiatives to assist members achieve greater returns from the production of quality Angus and Angus cross cattle.” “These initiatives are designed to recognise, enhance and protect the competitive advantages of Angus in the commercial supply chain and thus create greater demand for registered Angus genetics” said Ms Pearson.
“Angus Australia is committed to servicing the needs of our commercial members and enhancing our engagement with supply chain participants”, Dr Parnell said.
“In fact, the current President, Mrs Libby Creek, from Kangaroo Island SA, having previously been involved in seedstock production, is now engaged entirely in commercial beef production”, Dr Parnell said. “Angus Australia’s Vice-President, Mr Brad Gilmour, is a well know commercial beef producer from Western Victoria”, he said. “This exemplifies that Angus Australia’s interest goes well beyond simply servicing the needs of its registered seedstock members, but to engaging with the entire beef supply chain involved in the use of Angus and Angus-cross genetics”, he said. For an introduction to the Commercial Development Program, download a QR Code reader from your app store and scan to find our youtube link.
In announcing the new Commercial Development Manager role, CEO, Dr Peter Parnell said “Angus Australia is fortunate to have someone of the high calibre and experience of Liz Pearson to lead Angus Australia’s new commercial development initiatives.” “The low national beef herd numbers have put significant pressure on cattle procurement into the beef supply chain of late and this provides a timely
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 5
Angus Australia Consultative Committees Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
Angus Australia is pleased to announce the composition of three Consultative Committees for Angus BREEDPLAN, the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program and Angus Youth. These consultative committees will provide a mechanism to obtain structured feedback of ideas and suggestions from members. The consultative committees will assist the Angus Australia Board of Directors and management in developing strategies and policies that ensure Angus Australia’s programs meet the current and future requirements of members.
The composition of the consultative committees is as follows:
Angus BREEDPLAN Consultative Committee James Laurie (Chair) – Knowla Livestock James is the fourth generation co-principal at Knowla Livestock at Gloucester NSW. James is the Angus Australia NSW State Committee President. James has been breeding Angus seedstock since 1994 in conjunction with a 800 cow commercial crossbred herd. They held their first on property sale in 2009, now selling at least 60 performance recorded bulls annually.
PAge 6
Frank Archer – Landfall Angus Frank is the fourth generation co-principal of Landfall Angus based in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley, breeding 1600 registered females annually. Self replacing herd, raising all replacement females and marketing 400 bulls annually. Frank manages the breeding, animal husbandry, production and marketing programs of their Angus seedstock herd.
Sinclair Munro – Booroomooka Angus
Bryan Corrigan – Rennylea Angus
Sinclair is the third generation owner/ manager of Booroomooka Angus at Bingara, NSW and has been managing this business for 20 years.
Bryan has bred the Rennylea herd since 1968. His focus on returns for the commercial producer has produced the genetic profile of the Rennylea herd today. Bryan has been breeding angus cattle all his adult life, and seedstock since the early 1980s. Bryan’s cattle have been recorded since the start of Group Breedplan and the herd was initially APR cattle. Bryan has 1,400 performance recorded cows and sells 500 bulls annually.
Lindsay Wolrige (ex-officio)
Andrew Byrne (ex-officio)
Director – Angus Australia & Breed Development & Extension Committee Chair
Angus Australia Breed Development & Extension Manager – Angus Australia.
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
Angus Sire Benchmarking Consultative Committee Ross Thompson (Chair) – Millah Murrah Angus
Ross is owner and operator of Millah Murrah Angus based near Bathurst, NSW. The Millah Murrah herd produces around 400 registered calves annually. Millah Murrah have nominated 12 bulls in the ASBP since its inception.
Stephen Handbury – Anvil Angus Stephen is owner of Anvil Angus located near Acheron, VIC. The Anvil herd produces around 600 registered calves annually. Anvil have nominated 5 bulls in the ASBP since its inception.
David Murray – Kilburnie Angus
Stephen Chase – Waitara Angus
David is owner of Kilburnie Angus located near Walcha, NSW. The Kilburnie herd produces around 200 registered calves annually. Kilburnie have nominated 7 bulls in the ASBP since its inception.
Stephen is owner and operator of Waitara Angus near Trangie, NSW. The Waitara herd produces around 160 registered calves annually. Their commercial herd of 320 females is utilised as an ASBP cooperator cow herd.
Keith Howe – Rangers Valley Feedlot
Nick Butcher (ex-officio)
Keith is the Chief Executive Officer of Rangers Valley Feedlot, Glen Innes, NSW. Keith recently replaced Don Mackay to lead up the high quality branded beef producer and large scale NSW feedlot Rangers Valley. Prior to this Keith was Executive Director of Top Cut Foods, a subsidiary of the Simplot Group.
Angus Australia ASBP Project Officer
Libby Creek (ex-officio)
Sam White (ex-officio)
Angus Australia President.
Director – Angus Australia & Strategic Projects Committee Chair
Peter Parnell (ex-officio)
Christian Duff (ex-officio)
Angus Australia Chief Executive Officer
Angus Australia Manager
Strategic
Projects
MLA - MLA will have a representative on this committee, whom is yet to be appointed. Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 7
Angus Youth Consultative Committee Laura Grubb
James Knight
Laura lives in Biloela QLD. Laura believes that her time in the Angus Youth program has provided a strong foundation and opened doors to her outside of Angus, including being selected as a representative of youth in agriculture for the 2015 United Nations Committee on World Food Security in Rome, Italy, as well as her current position with Teys Australia..
Originally from Melbourne, James has completed a Bachelor of Rural Science at the UNE. James has held many roles in the commercial cattle and cropping industries in VIC. After 4 years in Melbourne James has now moved to manage his wife’s family farm and Angus breeding and backgrounding business.
Hannah Powe
Farrah Preston
Hannah completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 2015 and is furthering her study by undertaking a Masters of Teaching (secondary) at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. Hannah has been involved with Angus Youth for a number of years, as an Ambassador a member of the former Angus Youth Management Committee and most recently won the Trans Tasman Exchange Scholarship.
Farrah has completed an Animal Science degree at The University of Adelaide and is in the process of completing a PhD that is looking at improving meat quality by mitigating dark cutting. Farrah has worked with Angus cattle, both with the university herd and a local breeder and has competed at the SA Junior Heifer Expo. Farrah has also coordinated the University meat judging team.
Brad Gilmour (ex-officio)
haylee herriot (ex-officio)
Angus Australia Vice President Marketing, Communications and Youth Committee Chair
Angus Australia Youth Development & Education Officer
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
around the shows Melbourne Show 2016
Senior & Grand Champion Angus bull and Reserve Interbreed Senior Bull, Waterlilli Knight K02, exhibited by Waterlilli Angus
Senior & Grand Champion Female, KO Dream G68, exhibited by KO Angus
Adelaide Show 2016
Senior & Grand Champion Female, Glentanner Blackcap F6, exhibited by, A R J & K J Lucas Junior & Grand Champion Bull & Supreme Exhibit, Boonarkm Black Comet, exhibited by Boonarkm Angus
Brisbane Show 2016
Senior & Grand Champion Female, K5X Lisa H56, exhibited by KL Smith Senior & Grand Champion Bull Acacia K14, exhibited by Acacia Angus stud
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
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Management Strategies for Relocation & acclimatisation of Angus Bulls into Northern Australia Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
Reflecting the profitability of Angus genetics, the recent spring bull sales have seen a considerable number of Angus bulls being purchased for use in beef breeding operations in northern Australia. With many bulls having been bred in more temperate areas, it is timely to reflect on several important recommendations for the successful relocation and acclimatisation of Angus bulls. These recommendations are the result of a research study conducted by Angus Australia aimed at understanding the management requirements of Angus bulls in northern Australia, and involved interviews with 60 seedstock and commercial producers across Australia who were selling or purchasing Angus bulls into northern Australia.
acclimatisation Requirements The length of time and management required for acclimatisation is ultimately determined by the variation in the climate and production environment between the bull’s origin and the destination region and the time of year when re-location occurs. The biggest factor influencing successful acclimatisation is the management of bulls before and immediately after they reach their new environment. Areas that require particular attention include the acclimatisation period post relocation, bull age, nutritional regime pre- and post-relocation, use of controlled joining periods, implementation of vaccination programs prior to re-location, external parasite control and disease management. All of these factors can affect how well bulls will perform in their new environment.
Duration of acclimatisation Management of the acclimatisation of bulls to new environments will impact their subsequent mating performance and longevity. A minimum of 3 months acclimatisation is recommended when relocating Angus bulls into northern Australia. This is required to minimise any reductions in semen quality which may result from transportation and post relocation environmental stressors. Longer periods of acclimatisation will generally give better results.
Age of bulls when relocated Generally, the younger a bull is when it is relocated the better it will ultimately become acclimatised to the new environment.
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
When purchasing bulls of different ages the following general acclimatisation periods should be considered before putting them to work: • A minimum of 3 months for 18 to 24 month old bulls • A minimum of 6 months for 12 to 18 month old bulls • Bulls 12 months and under will ultimately acclimatise better to the new environment, but should be allowed 6 to 12 months acclimatisation period If used within the first 12 months, bulls should only be given a very light load. A minimum joining percentage of 5% is recommended.
Time of year at relocation The climatic conditions that animals are exposed to vary substantially between environments. The main factors to consider when relocating animals include the variation in temperature, humidity and nutrition. The cooler months are the best time to relocate bulls, with autumn usually providing the least variation in climatic conditions. Where possible animals should be relocated before the end of the northern wet season when pastures are generally still of reasonable quality and temperatures are beginning to drop. If feed quality and availability after arrival is limited then bulls should be provided with some supplementation until they are placed into the breeding herd.
Nutrition Bulls should be gradually transitioned onto their new diet post relocation to allow rumen microorganisms time to adapt. A minimum of 14 days is recommended to allow bulls to adapt to pastures in the new environment, with some supplementary feeding offered where necessary. Post relocation supplements should consist of good quality hay and/or protein and energy supplements. Where possible, it is best if bulls are provided with minimal grain supplement in their diets prior to relocation. Bulls that have received large amounts of grain supplementation prior to relocation should be let down on a protein and energy supplement for at least a 3 month acclimatisation period. Bulls purchased from an auction will commonly have received supplementation or high quality forage presale. These bulls should be monitored carefully to ensure that they body condition doesn’t drop too rapidly, and if it does, they should be moved quickly
onto supplementary feeding. In areas where shrubs and trees are an important part of the diet bulls should be carefully managed while they acquire the necessary browsing skills for this process.
Managing ticks Producers in endemic tick areas should treat all Angus bulls on a regular basis. Due to their lower resistance when compared to their Bos indicus counterparts, Angus bulls have a potential to lose weight quickly and possibly die due to high tick burdens if not managed carefully. Angus bulls should ideally be treated for ticks twice per year, both at the beginning and end of the wet season. This provides protection during their period of peak work, and uses the natural break in season to interrupt the life cycle of the ticks. Bulls that are removed during the dry season should be treated as required. In situations where it is impractical to treat bulls for ticks, using Angus influenced composite or cross bred bulls with some Bos indicus content rather than pure bred Angus bulls is recommended.
Buffalo fly control Buffalo flies and mosquitoes affect production through irritation to the animal and as vectors for disease. One or more of the following control methods should be used to reduce these insect burdens: • Buffalo fly traps • Ear tags, which release small amounts of chemical over a long period of time
standard protocols against the Clostridial diseases (5 in 1, or 7 in 1), Pestivirus and Vibriosis. Additionally, bulls should be vaccinated for: • Tick Fever: Producers purchasing bulls for relocation into the ticky areas of northern Australia should ensure that all bulls have been pre-vaccinated. The ideal time for bulls to be vaccinated for tick fever is between 6 to 12 months of age, with a second shot ideally prior to relocation or as soon as possible post-relocation.
Bulls vaccinated when older than 9 months of age may react to the vaccine and should be monitored for signs of fever. Likewise, all bulls, including those that have been vaccinated, should be monitored for signs of tick fever for the first month after relocation.
If bulls have not been vaccinated prior to relocation into a tick zone they should be vaccinated on arrival and treated with a tickicide that kills nymph ticks. This strategy is inferior to pre-vaccination and should be avoided if possible as bulls can become affected by tick fever prior to the vaccine taking affect.
• 3 Day Sickness (Bovine Ephemeral Fever): Bulls should be vaccinated prior to relocation to reduce the risk of contracting Bovine Ephemeral Fever. • Botulism: Producers relocating bulls to areas endemic to Botulism should ensure bulls are vaccinated either before relocation or immediately on arrival.
• Sprays and pour on chemicals
Transportation
• Back rubbers, containing an oil and insecticide mixture
The transportation of bulls can have multiple negative effects on the animal if not managed appropriately. All livestock transportation should be conducted in accordance with the state and federal legislation. A
Vaccinations requirements All bulls should be vaccinated in accordance with
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
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CONTINUED
Management Strategies for Relocation & acclimatisation of Angus Bulls into Northern Australia
maximum of 48 hours off water for cattle over 6 months of age is recommended, with additional considerations for animals after 36 hours off water. The use of trucks with air bag suspension systems, and the addition of flooring covering such as rubber matting, wood shavings, rice hulls or carpet can assist in reducing the level of physical stress on animals during transportation.
Removal of bulls from the breeding herd Management during the first 12 to 18 months after relocation will affect a bull’s fertility and health for the duration of its working life. The removal of new bulls from the cow herd after the wet season and during the first winter post relocation is particularly important as the bulls will be still acclimatising to the environment. Where possible bulls should be removed between musters and supplementary fed to increase their body condition. The type and amount of supplementation required will vary depending on the season and availability. In situations where it is not practical to remove all bulls, and/or where sourcing supplementary feed is either difficult or too costly, an alternative approach may be to only remove bulls for supplementary feeding that are in poor condition.
Mixing bulls Injuries to younger bulls due to fighting with older herd bulls can cause losses. The success of younger bulls in their first breeding season can be substantially increased by only running bulls of similar ages together. In cases where young bulls have been put into areas with high numbers of feral bulls their survivability can
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
be negatively affected. It is recommended that feral bulls should be removed from the property. If feral bulls cannot be controlled, it is recommended that only well acclimatised bulls over 2 years of age should be used.
Mustering During periods of extremely hot weather it may be preferable to minimise mustering of bulls. If spear traps are in use then bulls will need to be inducted and trained to use this equipment prior to setting the traps.
Further Information To further discuss the relocation and acclimatisation of Angus bulls in northern Australia, please contact staff at Angus Australia.
around the saleyards
Dennis and Rosalind Stringer, Newlands Arm, offered 54 Angus steers of high quality, sought out by repeat buyers. Selling from $1405$1500, which equalled 405-430c/kg. Bairnsdale VIC 26/08/16.
Frank & Pam McFarland, Bethanga VIC with their pen of 20 Angus steers, weighing 328kg which sold for $1,380 or 421c/kg at the Wodonga store cattle sale 22/07/16.
Three generations of the Harris family from Dumbalk, South Gippsland, Shane, Charlie and Adrian, sold steers at Leongatha 15/09/16 in a very strong sale. Their 65 Angus steers, 11-12 months, sold from $1410-$1690, peaking at 477c/kg.
Mark Wootten, and daughter Nina, sold 800 head of their Jigsaw Farms spring drop weaners at Hamilton, VIC, 29/09/16.
Lachie Barclay, Charles Stewart & Co. sold for the Barclay family, Mingawalla, Beeac 40 Angus steers, 307kg at $1360, Ballarat, VIC, 16/09/16.
Paul Davison and Eve, "Sunview", Molong, sold a pen of 19 Angus steers for $1135 a head at the Carcoar NSW store sale, 08/07/16.
Images: Fairfax Media
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 13
Calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs for North American Sires Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager Over the past six months, queries have been raised by several Angus Australia members regarding the calculation of EBVs for overseas sires in the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, particularly at the time of, or shortly after importation.
Angus Association, the Red Angus Association of America and American Brangus Association, with EPDs imported for birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, mature cow weight, milk, scrotal circumference, carcase weight, rib eye area, rib fat depth and marbling.
This article discusses how EBVs are calculated for imported North American sires, reasons why Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and North American EPDs can differ for an individual sire, the results of a recent study that evaluated the reliability by which starting EBVs are assigned for imported sires, and several initiatives that have been instigated to further improve the calculation of EBVs for North American sires.
The imported EPD information is converted into local progeny equivalents for the traits of interest, with the local progeny equivalents being used to adjust the starting EBV value of the introduced animals around the average of their genetic group. That is, rather than all animals in a genetic group being assigned the same starting EBV, the animals’ overseas EPDs are used to spread the starting EBVs around the average of their genetic group.
Calculation of EBVs for North American Sires The calculation of EBVs for sires imported from North America is quite challenging, particularly until such time as the sires have progeny with performance information recorded in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of importation, sires often have considerable pedigree, performance and genomic information recorded in North American genetic evaluations, yet very limited information available in Australia and New Zealand. To address these difficulties, the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis utilises a number of strategies when calculating EBVs for recently imported sires, including the formation of specific genetic groups for animals of North American origin, and incorporation of EPD information from a number of overseas genetic evaluations.
Assigning a Starting EBV Value When animals are first included in the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis, the animals are assigned a starting EBV value based on the EBVs of their sire and dam (known as a mid-parent EBV). If the animal’s sire and dam does not have EBVs, as is often the case for imported sires, the new animals are assigned a starting value that reflects the origin of their genetics and the expectation of these genetics, as determined by similar animals in the analysis (called a genetic group). In Angus BREEDPLAN, different genetic groups are formed based on the animal’s year of birth (<= 1980, 1981-1990, 1991-2000, >=2001), country of origin (Australia, New Zealand, North America, United Kingdom/Other) and breed (British, European, Bos indicus, Other).
These strategies reflect the methodology by which starting EBVs are assigned to imported North American sires. As performance information is subsequently recorded in Australia and New Zealand for the imported sire’s progeny, the sire’s EBVs will change to reflect this information, so that over time, the EBVs will be based on the performance of the sire’s progeny in Australia and New Zealand, rather than the sire’s North American EPDs and the "starting" value it was assigned.
Differences between EPDs and EBVs While it would generally be expected that the North American EPDs and Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs for a sire will provide a similar indication of the sire’s breeding value for each trait, it is important to recognise that there are several reasons why the EBVs of a sire in Angus BREEDPLAN may differ to the EPDs of the sire in North American genetic evaluations. Differences in EBVs and EPDs are not necessarily an indication of an analytical software error in one of the respective analyses, but rather are more likely a function of different information being analysed through a different analytical model. More specifically: • The traits for which EBVs and EPDs are calculated are different. For example, the carcase EBVs in Angus BREEDPLAN are expressed as differences in carcase traits in a standard weight carcase, while the carcase EPDs in the North American genetic evaluations reflect differences in carcase traits at a standard age.
In situations where the new animals have been evaluated in another genetic evaluation (e.g. a North American genetic evaluation), Angus BREEDPLAN enhances the starting EBV value of these animals by importing the EPDs/EBVs from the other evaluation.
• The analytical models used in Angus BREEDPLAN and North American genetic evaluations are different. For example, Angus BREEDPLAN predominantly uses one main multi-trait model where all traits are considered simultaneously, while the North American genetic evaluations use a series of smaller multi-trait models where only smaller groups of traits are analysed simultaneously.
Angus BREEDPLAN currently utilises EPD information from the American Angus Association, the Canadian
• The genetic parameters utilised in Angus BREEDPLAN and in North American genetic evaluations are specific
PAge 14
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
and relevant to the respective countries (e.g. trait heritabilities, trait correlations, adjustment factors). • The genomic predictions utilised by the genomic companies in North America and Australia/New Zealand are different and relevant to the respective country, resulting in the potential for the same animal to have vastly different genomic breeding values included in the North American genetic evaluation and in Angus BREEDPLAN. • The analytical model used to incorporate genomic information in the calculation of breeding values is different in Angus BREEDPLAN and the North American genetic evaluations, and the relative emphasis given to genomic information versus pedigree and performance information is different in Angus BREEDPLAN versus the North American genetic evaluations. • There is different information utilised in the calculation of EBVs in Angus BREEDPLAN and in the calculation of EPDs in overseas genetic evaluations. The Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs will reflect the information that is recorded in Australia/New Zealand, whereas the North American EPDs will reflect the information is recorded in North America. • Sires may perform differently in Australia/New Zealand compared with how they perform in North America, with the EBVs and EPDs reflecting how their progeny have performed in the respective countries.
Change in EBVs for Recently Imported North American Sires Following several queries from members over recent months as to the calculation of EBVs for imported North American sires, Angus Australia and the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) have conducted a number of test analyses to evaluate the change in EBVs that have been observed for North American sires whose first progeny were born in Australia/New Zealand in 2010, 2011 & 2012, and who now have greater than 50 performance recorded progeny in Angus BREEDPLAN. This represented approximately 70 sires. These analyses have revealed that while the EBVs for some individual sires have changed considerably since the time of importation, on average, there is no significant change in EBVs between when a sire was first imported and after such time as there is greater than 50 performance recorded progeny in Angus BREEDPLAN. This analysis would suggest the current strategies being utilised within Angus BREEDPLAN are on average, providing a reliable indication of the breeding values for these sires at the time of importation. Included below is a table below outlining the average EBVs when the sires were first imported in 2010, 2011 & 2012, and the current EBVs of the sires based on the performance of their progeny in Australia and New Zealand. Also illustrated in figures 1, 2 and 3 is the change in EMA, Rib Fat and IMF EBVs for each individual sire during this period.
table 1: average ebvs for sires first imported in 2010, 2011 & 2012 ced cedtrs bw gl ww yw fw mcw milk sc initial +0.7 +0.7 +4.4 -3.6 +48 +87 +107 +87 +15 +1.6 current -0.4 +0.3 +4.1 -4.5 +49 +86 +107 +86 +16 +1.6
DTC cw EMA RIB rump RBY imf NFi-p nfi-f initial -3.8 +62 +6.4 -0.1 -0.8 +1.1 +1.3 +0.13 +0.08 current -4.1 +65 +7.1 +0.1 -0.6 +1.1 +1.4 +0.21 +0.11
ABI DOM HGN HGS initial +110 +112 +114 +111 current +109 +111 +112 +110
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 15
CONTINUED
Calculation of EBVs for North American Sires
Improvements to the Calculation of EBVs for North American Sires While the investigation into the EBVs for imported sires has confirmed the starting EBV values are on average, being appropriately assigned to sires imported from North America, a number of initiatives have been instigated that aim to further improving the genetic evaluation of North American sires in Angus BREEDPLAN. These include: • A review will be conducted by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) into the overseas genetic evaluations from which EPDs are imported, the traits for which EPDs are imported, and the parameters that are used when importing EPDs in Angus BREEDPLAN. • A review will be conducted by ABRI of the genetic groups that are formed within the Angus BREEDPLAN analysis, and in particular, whether sufficient animals are now present to enable formation of additional genetic groups for North American animals. • Research will be conducted by AGBU into whether alternative and superior methodologies may be possible to calculate the EBVs for recently imported sires. This is particularly important with relation to the utilisation of genomic information on North American sires. • Angus Australia has commenced discussions with both the American Angus Association and Canadian Angus Association regarding opportunities for greater
collaboration in genetic evaluation. This ranges from more frequent and affordable access to North American EPDs, to opportunities for across country genetic evaluation. • A number of North American sires will be included in future cohorts of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) to generate linkage between the ASBP and American Angus progeny test programs. For example, G A R Prophet and A A R TEN X 7008 S A will be included in cohort 7 of the ASBP.
Summary The calculation of EBVs for sires imported from North America is challenging with sires often having little or no performance information recorded in Australia and New Zealand at the time of importation. While on average, the starting EBVs assigned to North American sires provide a reliable indication of their breeding value, it should be expected that there will be some change in the EBVs of these sires until such time as there is sufficient performance information recorded for their progeny in Australia and New Zealand. A recent study conducted by Angus Australia and ABRI has confirmed the change in EBVs that may be observed for some individual sires is not a reflection of any bias or systematic error in the Angus BREEDPLAN analytical software, but rather is a result of the limited availability of information on which EBVs can be calculated at the time of, or shortly after importation.
New Angus BREEDPLAN Brochures Now Available A number of new brochures are now available that assist Angus Australia members understand various aspects of Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection indexes.
Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN
The new brochures include; • A Brief Guide to Angus BREEDPLAN • Angus BREEDPLAN – Understanding EBVs and Selection Indexes • Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN • Angus BREEDPLAN Reference Tables Copies are available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website, or can be mailed upon request by contacting Ashleigh Horne, Angus BREEDPLAN Project Officer on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au.
Understanding EBVs & Indexes
ANGUS NCE TABLES
REFERE AUGUST 2016 ANGUS BREEDPLAN EBVs
Breed Average
BREED AVERAGE Angus Domestic Retail NFI-F Docility Breeding Days Carcase Eye Index Rib Rump Beef Intramuscular NFI-P Mat. 600 400 Scrotal 200 Index Fat Muscle Fat to Fat Milk Calving Calving Gestation Birth Cow Yield Day Day Size Calving Weight Area Day Ease Ease Length Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight +101 +102 +4 +0.15 +0.09 Direct Daughters +1.5 +0.3 +0.0 +0.0 +4.4 +54 -3.6 +1.6 +14 +86 +98 +75 +41 +4.3 -3.5 BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. -0.1 -0.1 the August 2016 TransTasman Angus
EBV of all 2014 * Breed average represents the average
Percentile Band
Heavy Grass Index
+104
Days Carcase Eye Scrotal Muscle to Size Calving Weight Area Shorter Time to Calving
Heavier Carcase Weight
Larger EMA
Rib Fat
Retail Rump Beef Intramuscular Fat Fat Yield
More Fat
More Higher Yield Fat
More IMF
NFI-P
NFI-F
Angus Domestic Docility Breeding Index Index
+102
Greater Greater Feed Feed Efficiency Efficiency
More Docile
Heavy Grain Index
Greater Greater Greater Profitability Profitability Profitability
Heavy Grass Index Greater Profitability
-0.47
+33
+142
+125
+162
+132
+133
+129
-8.0
+3.1
+3.7
+99
+2.1
+55
+2.9
+0.8
+9.8
+24
+131
+118
+147
+2.0
-0.27
+122
+2.8
-0.23
+92
+1.5
+51
+1.8
+1.9
+8.0
+19
+125
+115
+138
+1.5
-0.17
+117
+2.5
-0.16
+88
+1.2
+49
+1.4
+2.4
+7.1
+121
+112
+132
+1.2
+16
+2.4
-0.11
+113
+18
-0.12
+86
+1.0
+48
+1.1
+2.8
+6.6
+14
+3.1
+84
+111
+101
+0.7
+0.8
+109
+81
+106
+2.0
+0.6
+0.7
+45
+0.5
+3.6
+5.5
+3.8
+79
+104
+93
+0.3
+77
+100
+1.7
+0.1
+0.4
+42
+0.1
+4.1
+4.6
+4.3
+98
+86
+4.1
-0.2
+100
+73
+95
+82
+1.4
-0.4
+0.1
+40
-0.3
+4.7
+3.8
+98
+4.9
+93
+80
+96
-0.7
+69
+88
+75
+1.1
-0.9
-0.2
+37
-0.7
+5.3
+2.9
+0.37
+91
+5.5
+85
+72
+88
-1.3
+61
+78
+64
+0.7
-1.6
-0.7
+32
-1.4
+6.1
+1.6
+0.60
+75
+6.7
+71
+57
+55
+2.7
+22
-3.0
-21
-0.2
+0.78
+5
+0.57
+55
+42
-0.3
+46
-1.6
+22
-2.5
+7.8
-0.7
+41
95%
-0.3
+15
-4.1
+66
-5.2
+7
+0.43
+56
-2.1
+0.1
+29
-1.8
+80
+0.7
+66
+0.2
+32
-15
+0.4
-1.0
+52
-3.1
-0.9
-3.8
+9
90%
-1.0
+38
-11
+83
-1.5
+0.50
+86
-2.9
+0.35
+78
85%
+0.3
+68
-2.4
-1.6
+42
-8
+0.9
+0.43
+10
+0.29
+82
+69
+0.5
+64
-0.5
+34
-1.1
+5.8
+2.1
+84
80%
-1.9
+77
-1.9
+89
-2.3
+11
+0.25
+67
-1.1
+0.7
+36
-0.9
+92
+2.6
+88
-2.1
+45
-6
+1.0
-0.4
+83
-1.5
-2.5
-1.8
+12
75%
-2.2
+47
-4
+93
-2.5
+0.33
+94
-1.3
+0.22
+92
70%
+0.8
+88
-1.2
-2.9
+49
-2
+1.2
+0.29
+12
+0.19
+91
+77
+1.0
+70
-0.1
+38
-0.6
+5.0
+3.3
+95
65%
-2.7
+92
-0.8
+96
-0.9
+1.3
+0.25
+13
+0.16
+72
-0.5
+1.1
+39
-0.4
+97
+3.6
+97
+51
-1
-3.1
+0.0
+96
-0.5
-3.4
-0.6
+13
60%
-2.9
+53
+1
+100
-3.2
+0.21
+99
-0.2
+0.13
+100
55%
+1.3
+100
-0.2
-3.6
+54
+2
+1.5
+0.18
+97
+14
+0.11
+74
+0.2
+41
-0.2
+4.5
+84
+1.4
+101
+0.1
+102
50%
-3.4
+103
+0.1
+1.6
+0.15
+14
+0.08
+76
+0.3
+42
-0.1
+106
+0.0
+101
+4.4
+104
+55
+4
-3.9
+1.5
+103
-3.6
+57
+0.3
-4.1
+0.5
+15
45%
+88
+1.6
+105
-3.9
+5
+109
+0.6
+0.11
+103
+0.8
+0.06
+106
40%
+3.9
+4.9
+0.2
+104
-4.3
+58
+7
+1.8
+0.08
+102
+15
+0.03
+78
+0.5
+43
+91
+1.8
+106
+0.9
+108
35%
-4.1
+113
+1.1
+1.9
+0.05
+16
+0.01
+44
+0.4
+0.6
+116
+0.4
+106
+5.2
+110
+59
+8
-4.5
+1.9
+108
-4.4
+61
+1.2
-4.7
+1.5
+16
30%
+95
+2.0
+110
-4.7
+10
+119
+1.5
+0.01
+107
+1.9
-0.02
+113
25%
+3.3
+5.8
+115
-5.0
+62
+12
+2.1
-0.02
+108
+17
-0.05
+82
+0.8
+46
+98
+2.2
+112
+1.9
-5.3
20%
-5.1
+123
+2.3
+2.2
-0.06
+18
-0.08
+46
+1.0
+0.9
+127
+0.9
+110
+6.1
+118
+64
+2.4
+114
-5.5
+66
+2.3
-5.6
+2.7
+104
+2.6
+116
-6.1
+68
+2.7
-6.0
+3.3
+19
10%
+109
+2.8
+119
-7.0
+72
+3.4
-6.7
+4.0
+21
5%
+116
+3.1
+124
-8.8
+78
+4.4
+3.4
1%
+5.1
+24
-0.38
15%
99%
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
Milk
Heavier Heavier Larger Lighter Heavier Heavier Heavier Scrotal Live Mature Live Live Live Birth Size Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight
Heavy Grain Index
analysed in
PERCENTILE BANDS TABLE
Mat. 600 400 200 Calving Calving Gestation Birth Cow Day Day Day Ease Ease Length Weight Weight Weight Weight Weight Direct Daughters Less Less Calving Shorter Gestation Calving Difficulty Length Difficulty
PAge 16
drop Angus and Angus influenced animals
-8.0
-6.2
More Calving Difficulty
More Calving Difficulty
Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Lower Less Profitability Profitability Feed Feed Docile Profitability Profitability Efficiency Efficiency
+1.5 Longer Lighter Smaller Less Less Lower Less IMF Lighter Lighter Lighter Smaller Longer Heavier Lighter Lighter Time to Carcase EMA Fat Yield Fat Live Mature Live Scrotal Live Live Weight Gestation Birth Weight Weight Size Calving Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. Weight Weight Weight Weight Length analysed in the August 2016 TransTasman
* The percentile bands represent the
distribution of EBVs across the 2014
drop Angus and Angus influenced animals
Angus Youth Development & Education Officer Appointed
future leaders of our beef industry through the Angus Youth program,’ said Ms Herriot.
Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
‘Working with Angus Australia staff, board members and in particular, the newly formed Angus Youth Consultative committee to further develop the Angus Youth program is a role I am very much looking forward to’, she said.
Angus Australia is pleased to announce that Haylee Herriot has been appointed as the Angus Youth Development and Education Officer.
Angus Australia, Marketing and Communications Manager, Diana Wood believes that Ms Herriot will bring a fresh perspective to the role.
Hailing from Bordertown in South Australia, Ms Herriot is a past participant in the Angus Youth program, competing in the National Judging Competition, as well as attending the South Australia Beef Cattle Assessment course on a number of occasions.
‘Having someone with the caliber of experience and industry knowledge that Haylee will bring to the Angus Youth program will ensure that the future of the beef industry is in good hands’, said Mrs Wood.
Ms Herriot has a long association with the beef industry, growing up on her family farm in South Australia’s south east.
Ms Herriot will commence her role in the Armidale office on October 5th 2016.
Ms Herriot has a diploma in Agribusiness from the University of Melbourne and a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of New England and has worked in many different sectors of the beef industry including, primary production, running a 600 head cattle breeding herd, the feedlot sector and the processing sector. Ms Herriot is excited about beginning her involvement in the development and implementation of youth specific education and extension programs. ‘I am very much looking forward to working with the
Haylee Herriot, Angus Youth Development & Education Officer.
NEW software development and member services Staff Mark Evered - Computer Programmer Mark joined the programming team in July to work on Angus’s online system development. Mark has had extensive experience developing modern web based applications and has worked at the DPI NSW, University of New England in Armidale along with over 16 years’ experience lecturing at a number of universities in Germany. We are excited to have him join the team to which he is already making a significant contribution.
Hannah Bourke - Member services officer Hannah joined the member services team in August and is involved with calf registrations and DNA and BREEDPLAN processing. Hannah comes from Victoria, having spent the last 3 years working for Elders, in both the Live Export and stud stock team. ‘After having some experience in working with Angus Australia in my role with Elders Live Export, I am looking forward to furthering my experience with Angus Australia and its members’.
Joy Howe - Member services officer Joy joined the member services team in August and is involved with calf registrations and and BREEDPLAN processing. Joy grew up on a beef cattle farm near Glen Innes NSW and has an interest in cattle, horses and poultry. ‘Black Angus are my favourite beef breed and I look forward to assisting Angus Australia members in all ways possible’.
Lou Wood - Member services officer Lou joined the member services team in July to work on memberships calf registraions and animal transfers. Lou is off a property near Armidale NSW, running commercial Angus cattle, merino sheep and some cross bred sheep. ‘Having been involved with commercial Angus cattle, this will be a great opportunity for me to gain a different perspective of the beef industry’.
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 17
ASBP Cohort 7 Sires finalised Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has received outstanding support from Angus Australia members through the nomination of 73 sires. From the nominations 31 new sires have been selected to produce the Cohort 7 calves. Additionally, to provide genetic linkages, the list also includes: • Two influential sires from the United States (G A R Prophet and A A R TEN X 7008 S A) which are included in a progeny test program undertaken by the American Angus Association. • One sire from New Zealand (Storth Oaks Jack J7) which is included in progeny test programs undertaken by Beef and Lamb New Zealand Genetics, and • Two sires from Cohort 6 of the ASBP (Rennylea K178 And DENHOLM GLEN G10 BARTEL J41) QBGH221
The full Cohort 7 sire list is tabled on the following page. It is also available on the Angus Australia website in the catalogues section. Overall, the 36 bulls entering Cohort 7 of the ASBP are a high performance group averaging in the top 5% for the all Indexes. Importantly this high performance is also coupled with genetic diversity and representative of the modern Australian Angus population. Across the 7 Cohorts of the ASBP, there have now been 264 modern Angus bulls enter this industry leading program. The 2016 joining program to produce the Cohort 7 calves is currently underway with approximately 2000 cows across 6 co-operator herds being inseminated for the year. Each sire will be joined to approximately 55 cows to produce 30 to 35 calves. This is from a fixed time AI program utilising Vetoquinol advice and products such as the Cue-Mate devices.
NKLL076 NMML133
USA15719841
USA16295688
PAge 18
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
ASRK7
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 19
BOONAROO KERNAL K72
BOOROOMOOKA KULGERA K270 26/08/2014 AYRVALE BARTEL E7
BOWMONT KING K306
BROOKLANA M REALITY K57
CHELTENHAM PARK BERKLEY J7 1 8/09/2013
CLUNIE RANGE KALUHA K330
CLUNIE RANGE LEGEND L348
COONAMBLE K314
DENHOLM GLEN G10 BARTEL J41 28/06/2013 AYRVALE BARTEL E7
DULVERTON LARRY L154
ESSLEMONT LOTTO L3
HCAK72
NGMK270
SRKK306
AMQK57
HYEJ7
NBHK330
NBHL348
WDCK314
EDUJ41
NGCL154
WWEL3
-0.2 -0.9 +0.8 +3.0 +136 +120 +156 +125
ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241
CONNEALY EARNAN 076E
TE MANIA EMPEROR E343
KILLAIN ALASKA K18
MILLAH MURRAH LOCH UP L133 14/03/2015
KILK18
NMML133
TE MANIA BERKLEY B1
CONNEALY REVENUE 7392 GLENAVON C102
PA POWER TOOL 9108
BON VIEW NEW DESIGN 1407
THOMAS UP RIVER 1614
S A V 707 RITO 9969
KANSAS JUDD J82 TE MANIA EMPEROR E343
S A V 8180 TRAVELER 004
WK REPLAY
WATTLETOP LOCK L4
LAWSONS DINKY-DI Z191
TE MANIA BERKLEY B1
RENNYLEA EDMUND E11
HYLINE RIGHT TIME 338
2 5/06/2015 WERNER WESTWARD 357
+26 +2.4 -5.9 +69 +6.9 -0.8 -1.4 +0.9 +3.0 +142 +127 +159 +133 +1.1 +0.1 +0.2 +1.8 +124 +120 +128 +124
+15 +2.0 -4.4 +60 +5.7 +2.5 +1.8 -0.7 +2.4 +124 +119 +128 +122 +31 +3.2 -7.0 +71 +10.3 +1.1 +1.5 -0.1
+3.4 +150 +132 +165 +140
+0.1 +1.0 -0.9 +4.1 +157 +138 +179 +147
+43 +80
-3.2 -4.1 +4.3 +53 +96 -0.5 -2.6 +3.1
+0.2 +0.2 +1.1
+1.3 +115 +110 +112 +116 +1.6 +126 +118 +137 +122
+22 +3.4 -4.4 +68 +4.4 -0.8 -1.4 +0.8 +1.8 +112 +108 +117 +110 +128 +108 +17 +1.9 -4.4 +76 +5.4 -2.6 -2.9 +1.7
+106 +95
+19 +0.5 -3.9 +60 +7.9
+128 +114 +23 +1.2 -2.3 +88 +5.2 -1.6 -3.3 +0.1 +3.7 +125 +112 +150 +115 +106 +78
+2.2 -6.1 +4.2 +53 +92
+120 +123 +14 +1.6 -6.8 +71 +5.2 -1.5 -1.6 +0.8 +2.9 +140 +124 +162 +127 +24 +0.9 -5.2 +77 +12.4 +2.4 +1.3 +0.1 +3.5 +156 +127 +177 +145
+121 +102 +19 +2.4 -5.3 +73 +6.4 +0.2 -0.2 +0.2 +2.7 +135 +121 +149 +128 +98 +86 +14 +1.6 -3.6 +54 +4.4 +0.0 +0.0 +0.3 +1.5 +102 +101 +104 +102 5% 20% 10% 15% 20% 5% 15% 40% 55% 55% 10% 5% 5% 5% 5%
+1.9 +1.6 -5.1 +3.9 +51 +93 -0.1 -0.1 -3.5 +4.3 +41 +75 25% 25% 20% 40% 5% 5%
Average EBVs of ASBP Bulls Breed Average Percentile Rank
+100 +92 +18 +2.3 -6.2 +55 +0.9 +1.6 +1.8 -0.7 +1.4 +103 +101 +100 +104
+14 +3.8 -8.2 +57 +6.8 +3.1 +2.3 -0.2 +4.1 +160 +133 +188 +146 -1.3 +1.7 -6.1 +6.1 +59 +101 +134 +111 +23 +1.5 -4.7 +82 +9.4 +0.0 +0.3 +0.8 +2.7 +144 +126 +159 +137
+5.0 +2.4 -6.6 +3.1 +42 +77
+4.8 +4.2 -7.4 +1.7 +41 +80 +96 +75
+5.5 +4.3 -6.6 +1.9 +46 +86 +112 +115 +13 +3.7 -7.6 +69 +4.2 +1.3 +0.9 -0.8 +4.6 +152 +127 +187 +133
+3.6 +3.5 -3.0 +3.4 +48 +89 +115 +94 +18 +2.7 -7.6 +68 +8.4 +2.3 +0.5 -0.2 +4.2 +158 +133 +189 +141
+1.3 +0.8 -6.6 +3.4 +47 +89 +125 +87
+3.1 +3.5- -7.9 +3.7 +52 +96 +132 +120 +17 +2.9 -7.2 +79 +5.3 +1.8 -1.6 -0.6 +2.1 +144 +121 +156 +138
+1.1
+1.2 +1.8 -5.4 +4.5 +57 +107 +133 +107 +20 +3.1 -8.3 +77 +4.2 +1.3 +2.0 -0.5 +2.1 +147 +131 +158 +140
-4.7 -1.2 -6.1 +7.3 +57 +110 +141 +132 +17 +2.9 -4.0 +89 +4.3 -0.8 -1.3 +0.3 +0.6 +108 +105 +106 +110
-1.7 +1.3 -5.4 +6.5 +53 +97
+3.7 +2.9 -0.3 +2.5 +44 +79
+1.1
+1.1
-1.9 +0.7 -2.7 +5.3 +51 +94 +123 +111 +18 +1.5 -3.7 +75 +6.6 -1.8 -2.2 +1.3 +2.2 +124 +115 +137 +118
+2.0 +2.8 -3.3 +4.6 +51 +92 +121 +111 +22 +3.8 -8.4 +65 +8.0 +0.2 +0.9 +0.5 +3.1 +154 +130 +178 +141
+4.2 +3.4 -4.7 +2.3 +47 +85 +102 +72
+21 +3.6 -7.1 +67 +9.3 -0.2 -0.6 +1.9 +2.3 +141 +134 +153 +133
+2.0 +1.5 -0.8 +4.1 +158 +130 +185 +143 +25 +0.6 -4.1 +71 +7.3
+1.0 +1.8 -0.6 +3.3 +62 +112 +139 +91
+4.1 +1.5 -5.9 +3.0 +54 +95 +125 +110 +19 +3.0 -7.3 +82 +9.1
-1.7 -0.1 -4.5 +5.6 +51 +85 +116 +106 +14 +1.8 -3.6 +68 +2.5 +0.2 -0.4 +0.2 +0.9 +96 +95 +90 +100
+3.6 +4.3 -6.2 +2.3 +49 +89 +112 +65
+119 +118 +16 +3.4 -3.4 +76 +5.5 -0.3 -0.5 +0.7 +1.7 +113 +110 +117 +112
+3.0 +2.4 -7.8 +3.4 +48 +90 +110 +83
-1.3 -0.6 -5.4 +6.3 +57 +99 +131 +127 +13 +1.9 -5.5 +81 +6.3 +1.1 +1.1 -0.8 +3.8 +142 +119 +167 +130
+168 +14 +4.0 -8.8 +90 +5.3 -0.2 -0.8 -0.6 +3.4 +165 +128 +199 +146
+3.0 -0.2 -4.3 +4.2 +53 +103 +130 +105 +21 +2.8 -2.4 +73 +5.1
-2.2 -4.2 -3.5 +6.0 +54 +96 +124 +111 +14 +1.5 -4.9 +85 +8.9 +0.0 -1.5 -0.4 +3.4 +127 +112 +148 +117
+112 +72
+124 +122 +17 +2.0 -3.2 +76 +2.9 -2.2 -1.5 +0.4 +1.1 +115 +111 +119 +115
SILVEIRAS CONVERSION 8064
CARABAR DOCKLANDS D62 S A V NET WORTH 4200
17/01/2012
TRIO DOCKLANDS H1
NWPL4
RENNYLEA EDMUND E11
ELYH1
11/08/2014
22/07/2013 TE MANIA EMPEROR E343
RENNYLEA KODAK K522
NORK522
RENNYLEA G420
NZE19507013J7 STORTH OAKS JACK J7
5/08/2014
27/02/2014 RENNYLEA H106
RENNYLEA K178
RENNYLEA K835
NORK835
1 8/02/2014 PATHFINDER GENESIS G357 ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241
2 3/06/2015 BALDRIDGE DOWNLOAD Z013 B/R AMBUSH 28
2/08/2014
4/02/2015
21/08/2013 ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241 HAZELDEAN RENAISSANCE R13
SINCLAIR GRASS MASTER
12/08/2012 TUWHARETOA REGENT D145 HA PROGRAM 5652
NORK178
MURRAY DOWNLOAD L20
KANSAS JUDD L76
NKLL76
PATHFINDER KOMPLETE K22
HAZELDEAN JAIPUR J140
NHZJ140
SMPK22
HARDHAT GM GRASS KING Y21 K15 1 2/07/2014
DKKK15
NURL20
GLENOCH HINMAN H221
QBGH221
3/07/2015
G A R NEW DESIGN 5050
8/08/2014
GATES KIPLING K7
GLENAVON REVENUE L039
NFWL039
CONNEALY IN SURE 8524
5/02/2012
TUWHARETOA REGENT D145
DULVERTON FEATURE F221
TE MANIA AFRICA A217
USA17328461 G A R SURE FIRE
AYRVALE GENERAL G18
DULVERTON HARRY H035
15/08/2008 C R A BEXTOR 872 5205 608 S S OBJECTIVE T510 0T26
ASRK7
+43 +94
+4.5 -5.2 -3.6 +1.9 +48 +85
+4.7 +2.8 -7.6 +1.9
HIDDEN VALLEY COMMANDO D138 +2.0 +2.5 -7.4 +5.9 +61 +107 +151
SITZ UPWARD 307R
ARDROSSAN ADMIRAL A2
L T 598 BANDO 9074
+112
+4.7 +2.2 -6.5 +2.5 +45 +84 +102 +65
+20 +2.9 -5.1 +57 +5.3 +2.5 +1.7 -0.2 +2.3 +121 +118 +124 +120
+101 +15 +0.4 -5.6 +64 +7.3
SITZ UPWARD 307R
+47 +85
+3.9 +0.5 -4.3 +3.7 +44 +82 +107 +86
BOOROOMOOKA UNDERTAKEN Y145 +1.8 -0.3 -5.0 +5.1
BANNABY ADMIRAL D34
-1.0 -2.5 -0.4 +3.7 +144 +122 +169 +134
+21 +2.2 -4.9 +50 +6.2 +0.2 +0.0 +0.1 +2.7 +127 +114 +141 +121 +1.0 +0.1 -0.8 +1.7 +99 +99 +96 +102
+109 +87
+2.7 +155 +139 +176 +145
-2.2 -3.6 +2.4 +2.0 +143 +139 +155 +139
+19 +1.8 -2.8 +58 +5.1
+2.4 +2.5 -6.1 +3.2 +42 +81
ARDROSSAN EQUATOR A241 BOOROOMOOKA WARWICK W245 -0.6 +0.0 -5.2 +4.1 +51 +93
MATAURI REALITY 839
MILWILLAH GATSBY G279
TE MANIA BERKLEY B1
MATAURI REALITY 839
MILWILLAH GATSBY G279
+21 +3.0 -2.8 +83 +7.7
+3.7 +4.0 -7.6 +3.5 +54 +103 +134 +103 +19 +3.0 -4.0 +80 +6.8 -1.7 -2.5 +1.7
+5.1 +4.5 -4.9 +2.6 +57 +104 +129 +89
ce ced dtrs gl bwt 200 400 600 mcw milk ss dtc cwt ema rib rump rby imf abi dom hgrn hgrs
HIDDEN VALLEY COMMANDO D138 +0.2 -2.0 -4.9 +4.6 +62 +108 +147 +118 +23 +1.6 -3.3 +101 +8.1
TC ABERDEEN 759
RENNYLEA C574
S A V ADAPTOR 2213
maternal grand-sire
USA16295688 G A R PROPHET
3/01/2015
3 1/07/2015
4 /09/2014
9 /07/2015
1 5/07/2014
1/09/2014
11/07/2014
1 5/08/2014 BOONAROO GAIN G20 G020
MATAURI REALITY 839
25/09/2014 V A R RESERVE 1111
NGXL8
1 4/01/2015
BANNABY RESERVE K173
BONGONGO L8
ECMK173
30/07/2014 MATAURI REALITY 839
3 0/01/2015 TE MANIA GASKIN G555
AYRVALE LEGACY L21
BANNABY REALITY K63
HIOL21
15/08/2014 BOONAROO GUS G015
ANVIL KOKODA K267
HBUK267
ECMK63
15/06/2014 A A R TEN X 7008 S A
MYTTY IN FOCUS
9/02/2007
sire
AJC K41
dob
NXOK41
name
USA15719841 A A R TEN X 7008 S A
ID
ANGUS SIRE BENCHMARKING PROGRAM - COHORT 7 SIRE LIST - (October 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs)
6000th Calf Born in the ASBP Christian Duff, Strategic Projects Manager
A milestone was reached on the 12th August 2016 with the birth of the 6,000th calf from Cohort 6 of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP). This male calf was born at co-operator herd “Springmount”, Black Mountain NSW to sire Hardhat GM Grass Range Y21 J518. The ASBP commenced in 2010 with the first calves born in 2011, known as Cohort 1. Angus Australia is currently undertaking fixed time AI programs for Cohort 7, with calves to be born in the spring of 2017. Given this milestone, and the duration of the ASBP, it is timely to reflect on the objectives of this industry leading project and the information collated and analysed to date. As background, the ASBP is a major initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Vetoquinol, Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir. The objectives of the ASBP are: 1. Generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction. 2. Generate data for the validation & refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN. 3. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development. To achieve all three project objectives a comprehensive phenotypic and genomic database based on modern Angus genetics is required. Accordingly, a summary of the performance data recorded across all ASBP Cohorts to date, and analysed through Angus BREEDPLAN and ASBP Progeny Performance reports, shows the depth of information available. This is particularly evident for
the hard to measure traits such as abattoir carcase data, feed Intake and daughter fertility from natural matings (Table 1).
Table 1 – Summary of performance data recorded in the ASBP Trait # cohort Birth Weight Gestation length 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Scan EMA Scan Rib Fat Scan Rump Fat Scan IMF Net Feed Intake Days to Calving Carcase Weight Carcase EMA Carcase Rib Fat Carcase Rump Fat Carcase IMF MSA Ossification MSA Marbling Score MSA Index
4915 3585 4917 2307 2690 3400 3372 3361 3382 1726 958 1441 1436 1433 1454 1432 1437 1437 1385
1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3
A range of scored traits have also been recorded on ASBP progeny (Table 2). Several of these are currently analysed through Angus BREEDPLAN such as Docility, Calving Difficulty and the feet and leg structural traits.
Table 2 – Summary of scored trait data recorded in the ASBP Trait # cohort Calving Difficulty Score Docility Score Claw Set - Front Feet Angle - Front Claw Set - Rear Rear Legs - Hind Rear Legs - Side Muscle Score Condition Score Capacity Score Coat Score
4117 4881 2903 2902 2903 2903 2903 2915 2903 2901 2435
1,2,3,4,6 1,2,3,4,5 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4
Importantly, DNA has also been collected on all progeny with genomic profiles ascertained and stored on the Angus Australia database. ASBP progeny have a low density genomic profile stored with an average of 18,438 SNPs (i.e. gene markers). More recently tested calves (e.g. Cohort 5) have an average of 25,798 SNPs showing the transition to more SNPs being included on the low density genomic platforms.
The 6000th Calf Born in the ASBP at “Springmount”, Black Mountain NSW to Sire Hardhat Gm Grass Range Y21 J518
PAge 20
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
In conjunction with efforts of progressive Angus Australia members, the continually building Angus Australia phenotypic and genomic database, including the rich ASBP dataset, will underpin Angus Australia’s genetics research and development both now and into the future.
Angus Australia & Vetoquinol Strengthen Partnership Angus Australia is pleased to announce an extension to the commercial partnership with independent global animal health company, Vetoquinol, in support of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP). Angus Australia CEO, Dr Peter Parnell said “Due to the successful partnership over the past 12 months, particularly through involvement in the ASBP, it was an easy decision for both organisations to further strengthen the partnership for a 2 year period”. Family owned since 1933, Vetoquinol is the 9th largest veterinary pharmaceutical company in the world. Originating from France, Vetoquinol has expanded its’ International Business Operations, serving to strengthen its portfolio of products globally. Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol Technical Specialist of Reproduction for Australia & New Zealand explains that Vetoquinol views this partnership as a means to add value to Vetoquinol and Angus cattle producers alike. “Vetoquinol Australia recognise the value of genetics for the Australian cattle industry. Angus Australia’s sire benchmarking project is a key venture to improve the genetic technologies and selection tools available to enable Australian cattle producers to get ahead. Vetoquinol Australia are the leading providers of artificial reproduction technologies, so this partnership provides Australian beef cattle producers what they need, not only high quality genetic selection tools but the ability to realise their investment in genetics by using artificial reproduction
WIN
dr Sophia Edwards, vetoquinol to elevate their herds to the next level. Vetoquinol have a track record of providing the highest level of performance in FTAI programs. We can stand by a range of high quality products but also know that we can deliver on results”. Angus Australia’s Strategic Projects Manager, Christian Duff, believes that the continued partnership with Vetoquinol is crucial in providing successful AI results. “It goes without saying that an effective fixed time AI program underpins the overall success of the ASBP through the number of effective progeny per sire produced. The Angus Australia partnership with Vetoquinol ensures that the ASBP will continue with successful fixed time AI results. This is through the supply of products such as Cue-Mate® devices, but more importantly the technical support and advice they can provide through their experienced staff.”
$1,000 off the AI or ET bill 10 packages to be drawn!
Entries close 31 December 2016 Cue-Mate is Australia’s leading choice to synchronise your cows for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI), Superovulation and Embryo-Transfer (ET). Just by using Cue-Mate, you go into the draw to win $1,000 to offset your bill with the vet/AB technician to AI or ET your cows.
HOW TO ENTER
For every 25 animals inseminated with the use of a Cue-Mate device, you get a ticket to enter the draw. E.g. Purchase 25 devices (1 entry), 100 devices (4 entries). There are 10 packages to be won! Entries to be submitted by 31st December 2016. Prizes drawn by Angus Australia on 31st January 2017.
Scan the QR code, or visit the link below, to enter the draw. http://bit.ly/2bWQACC
vetoquinol.com.au Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 21
An Interview with Brad Gilmour: Commercial cattleman, advocate of FTAI. Dr Sophia Edwards, Technical Specialist Reproduction, Vetoquinol Brad owns and runs a family-based Angus breeder operation, Gilmour Pastoral, in South West Victoria that has approximately 1000 Angus breeder females. The target is to produce quality feeder steers. Generally 2/3 of the steers are sold at an average 450 kg weight to feedlots such as Rangers Valley and 1/3 are sold at an average 350 kg to domestic type feedlots such as Hopkins, River and TFI. Brad uses artificial insemination (AI) as a key tool to be able to use modern genetics to ensure quality products to supply these markets.
When and why did you start AI in your herd? The very first AI program we did was in the early 80’s. We wanted access to some high quality proven genetics, to physically purchase these bulls was outside of our budget. Our aim at the time was to produce high quality females to improve the base herd.
Now fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) is part of your annual breeding activities, what motivated you to adopt this process over conventional AI?
Greg Heeney (Key Account Manager Vetoquinol Australia) and, Right: Brad Gilmour (Gilmour Pastoral) 3 week period, (allowing for those that arrive very early), and at weaning are in a heavier weight range. We believe this is due to both genetic gain and early birth. As the majority of the cows calve early, we have found that cows now have longer to begin cycling for next joining. As a result the calves are born earlier, thus heavier at weaning. Those heifers from that calf crop reach their target joining weight earlier, so at 15 months they are ready to join.
When we commenced AI in 1981 we used heat detection. We then went to a 5 day synchronisation program where we used aids such as Kamars and Tail paint to identify those on heat. This process was frustrating as we often found it difficult to be sure which cows were really on heat. In 2010 we started our first FTAI program as part of the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project. The first program we used was the BoSynch 4, which involved handling the cows on 4 occasions through the yards to apply the Cue-Mate and other drugs and AI the cows. During the Angus Sire Benchmarking Project in 2011, we moved to using the BoSynch 3 protocol which only involved 3 handlings. Having the cows and calves in the yards one less day was a real plus! At each time we followed the program to the letter.
Many commercial and seedstock cattle breeders have heard about FTAI, but have never used it. Do you have any advice for fellow breeders that may be considering FTAI in their herds?
Why do you continue to use FTAI in your herd after the ASBP programs?
• If doing multiple mobs always muster / yard in the same order.
We have found that FTAI offers us a range of economic benefits. There is less time in the yards as compared to when we run heat detection programs. We have found a higher conception rate as less cows are being missed from not truly knowing when they are on heat, and we have found that we now have a tighter calving which has resulted in more even calves at weaning. There are many other management benefits with less stress on both cattle and humans. The AI occurs all on one day, so we are not fiddling about for five days! We have found that through the use of AI we have maximised the weight gain quickly and all born in a narrow window. The AI calves are all dropped within a
PAge 22
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
We have found that we only use cows in our programs that calve in the first 21 days of the calving season. If the feed is tight, we avoid having first calf cows in the AI program. Our total joining period is for 6 weeks. We do one round of AI and then the bull goes in with the cows for a following 5 weeks.
Any lessons learnt? Yes:
• Use drugs recommended by program. • AI at recommended times. • Have cows on rising plane of nutrition prior to beginning program and don’t compromise nutrition during program. • Keep mob sizes to AI technician and your capabilities to adhere to recommended time frame.
Can you share some of your results with us? Figure 1 and 2 summarises the results from Gilmour Pastoral FTAI programs from 2010 to 2015 in both the cow and heifer groups.
In 2010, we used the BoSync 4 program which included the use of the Cue-Mate® device with 4 handlings. In 2011 we changed to the BoSync 3 program, which still included the use of the Cue-Mate® but removed one day in the yards. We didn’t see any changes in pregnancy rates in changing to this 3 handling program. Average Pregnacy Rate to FTAI (64%)
70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2010
2011 FTAI (Day 0)
2012 1st Cycle
2013
2014
2nd Cycle
2015
Empty
Figure 1 - Pregnancy rates of Angus cows to FTAI, and the 1st and 2nd return cycles at Gilmour Pastoral during the 2010 to 2015 spring breeding seasons. 80%
Average Pregnacy Rate to FTAI (67%)
70% 60% 50%
In the autumn 2011 program, the heifers (Figure 2) were joined at 15 months of age, and due to good summer rains we had good growth in the heifers making them have an average weight of 320 to 360 kg at the time of AI. Interestingly on the day of AI, 13 of the heifers didn’t appear to be cycling, but 11 of those still calved to AI. We would have missed these animals in a heat detection program. We missed giving three heifers a dose of GnRH at the time of AI, those animals didn’t hold to AI, so you must use the GnRH. In the spring 2011 program (Figure 1 and 2), we only included cows that had calved in the first 3 weeks. All heifers and cows were in condition score 2 to 3, but were on a rising plane of nutrition, which is easier to achieve in our country. We re-used the Cue-Mates® from the previous spring in a group of 57 cows, to get a pregnancy rate of 59.4%, we prefer not to re-use devices after this result. We ensured that every animal had GnRH! In the spring 2012 AI, we had an average of 63.9% across all the cows. However one group of 51 cows had a result of 45% to FTAI. While the result over all groups was good, we felt that the poor result from that group of cows was mostly due to nutrition, it certainly impacted the end result.
40% 30% 20% 10% 0%
2010 (Spring)
2011(Autumn)
FTAI (Day 0)
1st Cycle
2011(Spring) 2nd Cycle
2015(Spring) Empty
Figure 2 - Pregnancy rates of Angus heifers to FTAI, and the 1st and 2nd return cycles at Gilmour Pastoral during the 2010, 2011 and 2015 spring and autumn breeding seasons.
Steer progeny from Brad Gilmour’s ASBP herd
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 23
Genetic Evaluation of Angus Animals Continues to Grow Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager The Angus breed continues to lead the Australian beef industry with the adoption of breeding and genetic technologies with breeding values now calculated for 2.18 million animals in the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation. Angus BREEDPLAN is the genetic evaluation program adopted by Angus Australia and the New Zealand Angus Association for Angus cattle in Australia and New Zealand. Angus BREEDPLAN analyses are conducted by the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI), using software developed by the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU), a joint venture between NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England. Approximately 850 members of Angus Australia and the New Zealand Angus Association now actively participate in Angus BREEDPLAN, with 96% of animals recorded with Angus Australia with a birth date between 2011 and 2015 having estimated breeding values (EBVs) calculated. Highlighting the commitment of Angus Australia and New Zealand Angus Association members to the use of the latest technologies, nine million performance records are now analysed within the Angus BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation, representing approximately 460,000 calving difficulty scores, 360,000 gestation length records, 1.2 million birth weights, 1.5 million weaning weights, 1.1 million yearling weights, 730,000 final weights, 2.5 million live animal ultrasound scanning measurements, 285,000 scrotal circumference measurements and 180,000 mature cow weights.
PAge 24
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; spring 2016
Coupled with this performance information, genomic (i.e. DNA) predictions are now incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for approximately 19,500 animals. The high utilisation of breeding and genetic technologies is a point of difference for the Angus breed and is enabling Angus animals with superior genetic merit to be identified and used widely in Angus breeding programs to improve the profitability of Angus genetics in beef supply chains supplying both the domestic and export markets. Analysis of the performance information that has been collected on Angus seedstock animals demonstrates that the genetic merit of Angus animals is now, on average, over $80 per cow mated more profitable than the equivalent Angus animals in 1990, with the genetic improvement that has been achieved primarily resulting from Angus animals being 63kg heavier live weight at 20 months of age, and having carcases that are 41kg heavier (hot standard carcase weight at 25 months), 0.6% higher yielding with 1.6% more intramuscular fat (in a 400kg dressed carcase). The economic value of the accumulated genetic gains that have been achieved in the Angus-influenced segment of the Australia beef industry during this time have been estimated to be in excess of $2.5 billion, with additional improvements in profitability in Angus beef operations also having been achieved due to changes in management and production practices over this time.
Performance Records Analysed in Mid-September 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN Genetic Evaluation Calving Ease Gestation Length Birth Weight 200 Day Weight 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weight Mature Cow Weight Scrotal Size Days to Calving Scan P8 Fat Scan Rib Fat Scan EMA Scan IMF Carcase Weight Carcase Rib Fat Carcase Rump Fat Carcase EMA Carcase RBY% Carcase IMF NFI-p NFI-f Docility
Angus Australia
Angus New Zealand
Total
n/a 303,494 971,832 1,008,082 792,045 479,173 124,020 220,531 245,774 516,818 516,790 517,311 468,658 12,829 3,089 10,775 5,034 1,212 9,778 3,340 3,499 n/a
n/a 57,148 300,187 509,680 317,637 252,404 57,533 64,765 44,087 150,681 150,525 150,718 116,190 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 n/a
466,845 360,642 1,272,019 1,517,762 1,109,682 731,577 181,553 285,296 289,861 667,499 667,315 668,029 584,848 12,829 3,089 10,775 5,034 1,212 9,778 3,340 3,499 83,630
New Educational Brochures Two new educational brochures are now available to Angus Australia members.
The “Selecting Your Next Angus Bull” brochure offers helpful information regarding:
Understanding Embryo Transfer
• Setting a breeding objective
Embryo transfer (ET) offers considerable opportunity to increase the genetic merit of a herd by enabling greater dissemination of genetics from superior females than would otherwise be possible.
• Understanding non-genetic influences on bull appearance and performance
Produced as part of Angus Australia’s commercial partnership with Vetoquinol, the “Understanding Embryo Transfer” brochure offers helpful information regarding:
• Selecting a seedstock breeder
• Using Angus BREEDPLAN information • Considering genetic conditions • Assessing breeding soundness
• Why embryo transfer?
• Considering breeding health
• Advantages of embryo transfer vs artificial insemination
• Considering other selection criteria of importance
• Applications of embryo transfer
Copies of each booklet are available from the Breeding section of the Angus Australia website. The Selecting Your Next Angus Bull brochure can also be mailed upon request by contacting Liz Roan, Education Officer on (02) 6773 4602 or education@angusaustralia.com.au.
• Basic scheme of embryo transfer • General procedural steps • Selection and management of donor females • Superovulation • Recovery of embryos • Handing of embryos • Transfer of embryos • Synchronisation of oestrus for embryo transfer
Selecting Your Next Angus Bull Careful selection of the most appropriate bulls offers a considerable opportunity to increase productivity and profitability within a beef breeding enterprise.
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
PAge 25
An Introduction to Genomic Technology Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager
What is Genomics? Genomics is the term given to describe a range of DNA based technologies concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes, being the complete set of genes present in an organism.
together, either G to C or T to A. There are approximately 3 billion base pairs in bovine DNA, with the sequence of base pairs determining the ‘message’ or functionality of DNA.
In layman’s terms, genomics refers to technologies that provide information about an animal’s genetics by analysing and interpreting the animal’s DNA.
Of importance for genomics, the sequence of base pairs differs between individuals, with differences in the base pair sequence providing the basis for genetic variation between individuals. All current applications of genomics in a beef enterprise involve analysis and interpretation of an animal’s base pair sequence.
Common current applications of genomics include: • parentage verification • management of genetic conditions • change in qualitative traits (coat colour, polledness) • genetic improvement in production traits • assessment of breed composition
What is DNA? Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an exceptionally important molecule found in the nucleus of all bovine cells. It is often described as the ‘blueprint’ of an organism because it codes the instructions for how that organism will develop, function and appear. In a breeding context, DNA is important as it contains an animal’s genes. In beef animals, DNA is bundled into chromosomes. Beef cattle have 30 chromosome pairs, with each pair including one chromosome inherited from the sire and one from the dam. Because the progeny inherit chromosomes from both parents, the genetic ‘blueprint’ is passed on from one generation to the next.
What is a Gene?
Animal
Made of Cells
Within each cell nucleus chromosomes
Chromosomes are made of DNA
Structure of DNA DNA looks like a long twisted ladder, or double helix. The sides of the ladder are made up of alternating sugar and phosphate molecules, with the rungs connecting the sugar molecules and being known as nitrogenous bases. There are four different nitrogenous bases, Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G) and Cytosine (C), with each rung of DNA being made up of two bases linked
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A gene is a base pair sequence at a particular location on the chromosome which codes for a specific product. It is estimated there are between 22,000 and 28,000 genes contained within a beef animal’s DNA. Genes are separated on chromosomes by areas of ‘non-coding DNA’ for which no function has been identified, but still makeup part of the animal’s genotype. For each gene there may be 2 or more variations, known as alleles, which can result in different phenotypes or observable characteristics. For example one of the genes influencing coat colour has three alleles, the “e” allele for red coat colour, the ED allele for black coat colour and a “Wild type” E+ allele. Which alleles the animal has, and how those alleles interact with each other determines the coat colour of the animal.
What is a Gene Marker (or DNA Marker)? A gene or DNA marker is a known, heritable base pair sequence which is associated with a particular gene. The DNA marker sequence does not necessarily have to be part of the gene that codes for the trait but only associated with it, therefore the value of the genetic marker will vary. There are several types of DNA markers, but those most commonly being used in the beef industry are microsatellites, indels and SNPs (pronounced “snips”).
What is a Microsatellite? A microsatellite is a repeat of a particular base pair sequence, usually two or three base pairs, at a specific location in an animal’s DNA. (e.g. CACACACA). The number of base pair repeats differs between animals. Microsatellites form the basis for traditional DNA parent verification, which use multiple microsatellites to determine a calves’ parentage through the exclusion of possible candidates which do not have the same microsatellites.
What is an Indel? An indel is an insertion or deletion of a particular base pair sequence at a specific location in an animal’s DNA. Indels are often associated with undesirable recessive genetic conditions, and are used to identify animals who appear normal but possess (or carry) an undesirable recessive allele within their DNA.
What is a SNP? Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are markers where there is a difference in a single base pair. For example, in the figure on the left, the top animal has a “C & G” base pair at the particular location in the DNA, whereas the bottom animal has a “T & A” base pair. While early DNA technology only evaluated an animal’s DNA for a relatively small number of SNPs, SNP chips now routinely evaluate animals at many thousands of individual SNPs. For example, DNA chips with 7,000 (i.e. 7K), 50,000 (ie. 50K) or 800,000 (ie. 800K) SNPs on them are now available. SNPs are the most common form of DNA marker and are now utilised within the Angus breed for parentage verification, for identification of animals carrying undesirable alleles for some genetic conditions, and as the basis for the calculation of genomic predictions for production traits.
What is a Genomic Prediction? As each production trait is influenced by many genes, inferring genetic merit for a particular trait requires the accumulated effects of many markers. Genomic
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are markers where there is a difference in a single base pair.
predictions take the genotype of an animal as collected using dense SNP chips (e.g. 50,000 SNPs), to estimate the animal’s breeding value based on the known effect of each SNP on the respective trait of interest.
Genomic Testing in Practice In broad terms, genomic testing of beef animals involves several main processes. 1. Collection of a DNA sample from the animal. Tail hairs and semen are the most common sample types currently collected on Angus animals. 2. DNA Extraction: Use of specialised laboratory equipment to extract the DNA from the nucleus of the cells present within the DNA sample. 3. Genotyping: Laboratory analysis of the DNA to determine the animal’s genotype, being the base pair sequence (or DNA marker) that the animal possesses at specific locations within its DNA. 4. Interpretation of the animal’s genotype: Software analysis of the animal’s genotype to provide informative information about the animal’s genetics. For example, comparison of an animal’s genotype with the genotype of prospective parents to determine parentage, or utilisation of an animal’s genotype to predict its breeding value.
Further Information To further discuss genomic technology, please contact Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager, on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia. com.au. Additional information regarding the utilisation of genomics in an Angus beef breeding enterprise is also available from the Angus Australia website.
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Considerations When Utilising Genomics for Increased EBV Accuracy Andrew Byrne, Breed Development & Extension Manager Angus seedstock breeders across Australia are now utilising the latest generation of breeding and genetic technology, genomics, in increasing numbers, with genomic information now incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for over 19,500 animals.
information from four different genomic products, being the i50K and HD50K products offered by Zoetis Animal Genetics, and the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP-LD and GGP-HD) products offered by the Animal Genetics Lab at the University of Queensland.
When combined with pedigree and performance information, genomic predictions add additional information to the calculation of Angus BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), enabling the generation of EBVs with additional accuracy, and ultimately enabling more accurate selection decisions to be made.
When making a decision as to what genomic product will be used, it is important to consider:
Genomic testing is however a considerable expense and so any investment in testing seedstock animals needs to be carefully evaluated to maximise the benefits that are obtained.
Consideration 1: When will DNA Samples be Collected? DNA samples for genomic testing can be collected on animals of any age, and so should be undertaken at a time that best fits in with other normal, routine management practices. A good strategy is to collect hair samples on all calves at a young age (e.g. weaning) and store the samples for genomic testing at a later date. To best preserve the sample, hair samples should be placed in either a plastic sealable sandwich bag or an envelope, clearly identified, and stored in a dry, dark environment. If collecting hair samples, collection should not be done on very young calves (e.g. at birth). Hair samples must have clearly visible follicles before they are suitable for testing.
Consideration 2: What DNA Samples will be Collected? Tail hairs, semen straws, or tissue samples can be accepted by Angus Australia for genomic testing, with tail hairs being most commonly utilised. When considering which sample type will be collected, it is important to consider that additional fees apply for semen or tissue samples to cover the additional expenses associated with DNA extraction and storage.
Consideration 3: Which Genomic Product will be Utilised? Angus BREEDPLAN currently incorporates genomic
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• The density of the genomic product. In most cases, testing animals with a low density product (i.e. i50K or GGP-LD) is adequate for the inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN. A high density product (i.e. HD50K or GGP-HD) would only be considered if it was deemed advantageous to store a higher density genetic profile for inclusion in future research, or to assist the research efforts of genotyping companies. • The traits for which genomic predictions will be provided. Genomic predictions are incorporated into Angus BREEDPLAN for 14 traits from the Zoetis i50K and HD50K products, and 11 traits from the GeneSeek GGP-LD and GGP-HD products. • The accuracy of the genomic predictions that will be provided. The additional accuracy provided by the incorporation of genomics will differ by product, by trait, and for each individual animal subject to the accuracy of its existing EBV. Information regarding each different genomic product, including the traits for which genomic predictions are provided, and the additional EBV accuracy provided by the inclusion of genomic predictions from each product is displayed in Table 1.
Table 1 : Additional Accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBV when Genomic Prediction is Incorporated
Initial EBV Accuracy
Trait 20 % Zoetis i50K / HD50K
GeneSeek GGP-LD / GGP-HD
60 %
80 %
Calving Ease Direct
+24 %
40 % +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 %
Calving Ease Direct
+ 8%
+4 %
+2 %
+0 %
Calving Ease Daughters +20 %
+10 %
+4 %
+1 %
Birth Weight
+31 %
+18 %
+8 %
+2 %
200 Day Growth
+20 %
+10 %
+4 %
+1 %
400 Day Weight
+25 %
+14 %
+6 %
+2 %
Gestation Length
+38 %
+23 %
+11 %
+3 %
200 Day Growth
+26 %
+14 %
+6 %
+2 %
400 Day Weight
+32 %
+19 %
+9 %
+2 %
600 Day +38 % information is Weight problematic,
+23 % such as
% +3 % in+11small herds,
Mature Weight has +40 %been +25 removed % +12 % from +4 % its or when an Cow animal Milk +8 % +2 % contemporary group +30 % +17 % Scrotal Size
+43 %
+27 %
+14 %
+4 %
Rib Fat
+25%
+14%
+6 %
+2 %
400 Day Weight
+25 %
+14 %
+6 %
+2 %
+4 %
+1 %
• In situations where little information is recorded with Carcase Weight +14 % +6 % +2 % Angus BREEDPLAN for +25 the% animal, such as recently Eyeoverseas Muscle Areasires+18 % +9 % +4 % +1 % imported It is also important to be mindful that genomic Rump Fat +19 % +10 % +4 % +1 % information is of limited value if the animals being Intramuscular Fat +13 % +6% +3 % +1 % tested are not related to the animals that were used toGeneSeek developCalving the Ease genomic reason, the Direct +product. 8% +4For % this +2 % +0 % GGP-LD / genomic testing should only be conducted on black Calving Ease Daughters +20 % +10 % +4 % +1 % GGP-HD Angus animals (or Red Angus at least one Birth Weight +31 % animals +18 % with +8 % +2 % black Angus parent). 200 Day Growth +20 % +10 % +4 % +1 %
Consideration 5: Cost Mature Cow Weight of +17Testing % +8 %
+15 %different +7 % genomic +3 % +1 % The cost ofMilk testing with each product Scrotal Sizeranging+24 % $65 +13 to % $145 +6 % +2 % differs, with costs from per animal, Weight +12being % +6 % +2 % +1 % dependingCarcase on the product utilised. Eye Muscle Area
+18 %
+9 %
+4 %
+1 %
Information regarding the cost of testing with each Intramuscular Fat +10 % % different genomic product+19is%displayed in+4Table 2.+1 % Table 2 : Cost of Genomic Testing for Inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN
Mature Cow Weight +17 %
+8 %
+4 %
+1 %
Genomic Product
Milk
+15 %
+7 %
+3 %
+1 %
$64.70
+24 %
+13 %
+6 %
+2 %
Zoetis i50K for Angus
Zoetis
Scrotal Size Carcase Weight
+12 %
+6 %
+2 %
+1 %
Zoetis HD50K for Angus
Zoetis
$91.00
Eye Muscle Area
+18 %
+9 %
+4 %
+1 %
$72.60
+19 %
+10 %
+4 %
+1 %
GeneSeek GGP-LD
Animal Genetics Laboratory (University of Queensland)
Intramuscular Fat
GeneSeek GGP-HD
Animal Genetics Laboratory (University of Queensland)
$145.20
Consideration 4:: What will beforTested? Table 2 Cost ofAnimals Genomic Testing Inclusion in Angus BREEDPLAN
In contrast to performance information, there is no Genomic Product to collect DNA LAboratory costinINC. GST requirement samples for all animals a Zoetis $64.70 Zoetis i50K contemporary group. for Angus Zoetis Zoetis HD50K Testing can consequently be conducted as many$91.00 or few for Angus animals as desired, depending on the objective. Animal Genetics Laboratory (University of Queensland)
$72.60
Animal Genetics Laboratory (University of Queensland)
$145.20
GeneSeek GGP-LD Common
testing strategies include:
GeneSeek • GGP-HD testing
an individual animal
• strategically testing a group of animals of specific interest, for example candidate bulls for use in a breeding program • testing an entire calf drop When making a decision as to what animals will be tested, it is important to consider the incorporation of genomic information is of more value when an animal’s existing EBV has low accuracy. For example: • When an animal is very young • For traits that are hard to measure, or traits that cannot be measured prior to an animal entering the breeding herd • For traits that have a low heritability
LAboratory
cost INC. GST
* Processing fees also apply for all genomic products. Processing fees are ~ $4.00 - $6.00 per sample depending on the number of samples being submitted, with additional surcharges for semen and tissue samples * Prices were correct at the time of writing. To check current prices, please refer to the Regulations and Fees on the Angus Australia website
Consideration 6: Obtaining Advice Optimal utilisation of genomic technology will vary with each individual seedstock enterprise. In addition to being a considerable investment, utilisation of genomic testing should be considered in association with other components of the seedstock breeding program, including the performance recording program being undertaken, and the use of reproductive technologies. To obtain further advice, contact Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Andrew Byrne on (02) 6773 4618 or andrew@angusaustralia. com.au. Information is also available from Zoetis Animal Genetics staff on 1300 768 400.
• In situations where collecting effective performance
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Capitalising on the Genetic Variation between Angus Animals Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) has demonstrated that there is great potential to achieve genetic improvement in Angus breeding programs by capitalising on the genetic variation that exists between Angus animals.
Traits Analysed BIRTH WEIGHT: Weight at birth in kilograms recorded on both steer and heifer progeny. Lower values indicate lighter birth weights.
A recent project undertaken by Angus Australia assessed the variation in the average performance of progeny from sires in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 of the ASBP.
GESTATION LENGTH: Length of time in days from conception to birth recorded on both steer and heifer progeny. Lower values indicate shorter gestation lengths.
This project has illustrated the considerable genetic variation that can be found between Angus animals and the opportunity that consequently exists to improve the productivity and profitability of Angus beef breeding enterprises by utilising superior genetics.
200 DAY WEIGHT: Weight at 200 days of age (i.e. weaning weight) in kilograms recorded on both steer and heifer progeny. Higher values indicate heavier weaning weights.
Background The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program is an initiative of Angus Australia that aims to a) generate progeny test data on modern Angus bulls, particularly for hard to measure traits such as feed efficiency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes and female reproduction; b) generate data for the validation and refinement of Angus BREEDPLAN; and c) build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus animals for genomic technology validation, research and development.
400 DAY WEIGHT: Weight at 400 days of age (i.e. yearling weight) in kilograms recorded on both steer and heifer progeny. Higher values indicate heavier yearling weights. 600 DAY WEIGHT: Weight at 600 days of age (i.e. 20 months) in kilograms recorded on both steer and heifer progeny. Higher values indicate heavier weights. DAYS TO CALVING: Length of days from the start of joining (i.e. bull in date) to calving. This is recorded on the heifer progeny for their first joining as yearlings. Lower values indicate shorter days to calving and improved female reproduction.
The ASBP program is in its 7th cohort, with each cohort joining on average 40 sires a year to approximately 2000 Angus cows to produce 25 progeny (50:50 steers and heifers) per sire using fixed time AI. In this program, the progeny of each sire are comprehensively performance recorded across a range of traits relating to fertility, weight, feed efficiency and carcase merit.
CARCASE WEIGHT: Weight of the hot standard carcase in kilograms at 750 days of age (i.e. 25 months) recorded on steer progeny. Higher values indicate heavier carcase weights.
Project Design
CARCASE RUMP FAT: Subcutaneous fat measurement in mm at the P8 rump site in a 400 kg carcase measured on steer progeny. Higher values indicate more rump fat.
To evaluate the difference in the average progeny performance of high and low performing sires within each cohort of the ASBP, progeny performance data was collected for all major traits and the standard BREEDPLAN adjustments and contemporary groupings applied. Performance data such as shear force, MSA index, MSA ossification and MSA marbling that are not included in the routine Angus BREEDPLAN analysis were split into the same contemporary groups as carcase weight. The performance data was then analysed through the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) to generate least squares means (LSMs), being each sire’s average progeny performance for each trait. Once the sire LSMs were obtained, the average progeny performance for the highest five and lowest five performing sires in each cohort were calculated for each respective trait, followed by the conduct of a T.test to quantify whether the difference in progeny performance between the highest and lowest performing sires was statistically significant or not.
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CARCASE EYE MUSCLE AREA (EMA): Eye muscle area in cm2 in a 400 kg carcase measured on steer progeny. Higher values indicate larger eye muscle areas.
CARCASE RIB FAT: Subcutaneous fat measurement in mm at the 12th and 13th Rib site in a 400 kg carcase measured on steer progeny. Higher values indicate more rib fat. CARCASE INTRAMUSCULAR FAT (IMF): Percentage of intramuscular fat (ether extracted at the UNE meat science laboratory) in a 400 kg carcase measured on steer progeny. Higher values indicate more intramuscular fat. NET FEED INTAKE – FEEDLOT (NFI-F): Feed intake at a standard weight and rate of weight gain recorded on steer progeny at Tullimba Research Feedlot. NFI is expressed as kilograms of feed intake per day, with lower values indicating better feed efficiency through less feed intake for the same weight and rate of weight gain. MEAT STANDARDS AUSTRALIA (MSA) MARBLING SCORE: Marbling score recorded by the MSA grader in the chiller on steer progeny. Higher values indicate more marbling in the carcase.
MEAT STANDARDS AUSTRALIA (MSA) OSSIFICATION: Ossification score recorded by the MSA grader in the chiller on steer progeny. Lower values indicate younger physiological maturity and superior eating quality. MEAT STANDARDS AUSTRALIA (MSA) INDEX: MSA Index recorded by the MSA grader in the chiller. MSA Index is an indication of the overall eating quality of beef from the carcase as influenced by a range of factors such as marbling score and ossification, with higher values indicating higher eating quality. SHEAR FORCE: Force required to pull a mechanical blade through a piece of cooked beef from the striploin sample of the steer progeny in kilograms. It is measured through the UNE meat science laboratory with lower values indicating less shear force and more tender beef.
Differences in Progeny Performance Between Highest and Lowest Five Performing Sires in Each Cohort CALVING EASE AND FERTILITY (Birth Weight, Gestation Length, Days to Calving) The progeny of the five sires in each cohort with the heaviest progeny at birth were on average 4.9 kilograms heavier when born than the progeny from the five sires with the lightest progeny at birth, whereas the progeny by the five sires in each cohort with the shortest gestation length were born on average 6.8 days earlier than progeny by the five sires with the longest gestation length. Likewise, the daughters by the five sires with the shortest days to calving calved on average 37.1 days earlier than the daughters by the five sires with the longest days to calving in each respective cohort. This indicates there is considerable potential to improve calving ease and female fertility through selection of Angus animals with superior genetics for these traits.
Table 1 : Difference between average progeny performance of highest five & lowest five performing sires for birth & maternal traits Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Average
birth weight 4.4 kg 4.8 kg 5.5 kg 4.9 kg
gestation length 7.0 days 5.9 days 7.4 days 6.7 days
days to calving 45.7 days 44.8 days 20.8 days 37.1 days
GROWTH (200, 400 and 600 Day Weights) The progeny of the five sires in each cohort with the heaviest progeny at weaning were on average 18.8 kilograms heavier than the five sires with the lightest progeny at weaning. Similarly, progeny by the five sires with the heaviest 400 and 600 day weights were on average 34.9 kg and 43.8 kg heavier than progeny by the five sires with the lightest 400 and 600 day weights in each respective cohort. This variation indicates the considerable potential to improve the growth of animals at certain stages of development through selection of Angus animals with superior genetics for these traits, and ultimately to reduce the age at which sale progeny meet target weights.
Table 2 : Difference between average progeny performance of highest five & lowest five performing sires for growth traits (200, 400 and 600 days) Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Average
200 day weight 15.7 kg 23.3 kg 17.4 kg 18.8 kg
400 day weight 28.4 kg 35.0 kg 41.3 kg 34.9 kg
600 day weight 35.6 kg 44.8 kg 51.1 kg 43.8 kg
FEED EFFICIENCY (Net Feed Intake - Feedlot) The difference in the net feed intake of progeny from the five sires with the lowest net feed intake and the five sires with the highest net feed intake across the first three cohorts of the ASBP was 1.51 kg/day, meaning that progeny of the most feed efficient five sires in each cohort consumed approximately 1.5 kg/day less than the five least efficient sires at the same weight and rate of weight gain. This demonstrates the significant potential to increase the feed efficiency through selection of Angus animals with superior genetics for net feed intake.
Table 3 : Difference between average progeny performance of highest five & lowest five performing sires for Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Average
Net Feed Intake - Feedlot 1.24 kg/day 1.70 kg/day 1.58 kg/day 1.51 kg/day
CARCASE COMPOSITION (Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Intramuscular Fat, Rib Fat & Rump Fat) The progeny of the five sires with the heaviest carcase weight progeny at slaughter had a dressed carcase weight that was on average 50.5 kg heavier than the progeny of sires with the lightest carcase weights. Similarly, the eye muscle area was on average 11.4 cm2 larger, the intramuscular fat 4.8% higher, the rib fat 6.0 mm greater and the rump fat 7.1 mm greater when comparing the average progeny performance of the five highest and lowest performing sires for each of these traits in each respective cohort. This demonstrates the significant potential to improve carcase composition through selection of Angus animals with superior genetics for these traits.
Table 4 : Difference between average progeny performance of highest five & lowest five performing sires for Carcase Composition Traits (Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area, Intramuscular Fat, Rib Fat, Rump Fat)
Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Average
Carcase Weight 49.9 kg 46.5 kg 55.3 kg 50.5 kg
Carcase ema 9.1 cm2 12.6 cm2 12.4 cm2 11.4 cm2
Carcase imf 4.4 % 5.3 % 4.6 % 4.8 %
Carcase rib fat 7.2 mm 5.0 mm 5.8 mm 6.0 mm
Carcase Rump 6.9 mm 8.3 mm 6.2 mm 7.1 mm
CARCASE QUALITY (MSA Index, MSA Marbling, MSA Ossification Score, Shear Force) When assessing MSA grading performance across cohorts 1, 2 and 3, the progeny of the five sires whose progeny achieved the highest MSA index scores ranked 2.5 points better than the average progeny performance of the five sires whose progeny had the lowest MSA index scores. Likewise, the average progeny performance for
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CONTINUED
Capitalising on the Genetic Variation between Angus Animals
the five sires with the most marbling was on average 168.3 MSA marble score points higher than the five sires whose progeny had the least marbling, the average ossification 18.4 points lower for the progeny of the five sires with the least ossification, and the shear force 0.9 kg less for the progeny of the five sires with the highest meat tenderness. This demonstrates the significant potential to improve carcase and subsequent eating quality through selection of Angus animals with superior genetics for these traits.
Table 5 : Difference between average progeny performance of highest five & lowest five performing sires for Carcase Quality traits (MSA Index, MSA Marbling, MSA Ossification & Shear Force)
Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 3 Average
MSA Index 2.1 3.1 2.3 2.5
MSA Marbling MSA Ossification Shear Force 154.0 15.8 1.0 194.0 23.1 0.9 157.0 16.2 0.9 168.3 18.4 0.9
To capitalise on the genetic variation that exists, Angus producers should establish a clearly defined breeding objective and use animals carrying genetics that are aligned with this breeding objective. Angus BREEDPLAN EBVs and selection indexes should be utilised to evaluate the genetics of each animal available for selection, while also considering other important selection criteria such as genetic condition status, breeding soundness, health status and the temperament of each animal. For optimal results, it is important that selection decisions are not distracted by aesthetic features or the influence of non-genetic factors on the appearance and performance of animals. Making considered selection decisions using all the information available on each animal offers the potential to best utilise the considerable genetic differences that exist between Angus animals and to maximise the genetic improvement that is achieved with an Angus beef breeding program. References
Conclusion This project has revealed that there is a significant amount of genetic variation between animals within the Angus population and this variation presents a lot of opportunity to improve the productivity of Angus beef enterprises by utilising better genetics.
http://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/marketing-beefand-lamb/documents/meat-standards-australia/tt_whole-set.pdf
angus sire benchmarking project - cohorts 1-3 highest 5 sires in each cohort
4.9 6.7 37.1 18.8 34.9 43.8 1.5 50.5 11.4 4.8 6.0 7.1 2.5 168.3 18.4 0.9
kg/ kgs days days kgs kgs kgs day kgs cm2
%
mm mm
-
-
-
kgs
lowest 5 sires in each cohort birth Gestation days to 200 day 400 day 600 day net feed carcase carcase carcase carcase carcase msa msa msa shear weight length calving weight weight weight intake weight ema imf rib fat rump fat index marbling ossification force
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Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; spring 2016
From the Angus BREEDPLAN Desk Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
Once again, it has been a busy few months for Angus BREEDPLAN, with the submission of performance information continuing at record levels alongside staff training and the development of a number of new education materials.
Fortnightly Angus BREEDPLAN analyses. The Angus BREEDPLAN analyses have been conducted on a fortnightly basis since the start of September and this will continue through to the end of December 2016, at which time the BREEDPLAN analyses will return to its regular monthly schedule. The additional analyses aim to provide members with increased flexibility and improve the ability to access updated EBVs on animals during this peak period of performance data collection.
Current 2016 Angus BREEDPLAN Analysis Schedule Submission Analysis Results Available (Indicative) Deadline
November Mid November December Mid December January
October 13th October 30th November 13th November 25th December 8th
November 1st November 14th December 1st December 12th December 23rd
Note: The dates for the availability of results are indicative only. They are provided to assist with planning but should not be considered as guaranteed dates.
Angus Australia is interested in hearing from members of any additional periods where fortnightly BREEDPLAN analyses would be beneficial. If there is a period that you would like considered, please email the month/s in question and how it would benefit your herd to breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
Member Services Team Now Processing Performance Data In the past year we have been working hard to train new staff and are pleased to advise that the processing of performance information for Angus BREEDPLAN has now been fully incorporated into Angus Australia’s existing Member Services Team. While the Member Services Team will be undertaking all administration tasks, all BREEDPLAN enquiries should still be directed to Ashleigh Horne, Project Officer (Angus BREEDPLAN) on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@ angusaustralia.com.au
Are your animals being scanned at the wrong time? It is critical that animals are in appropriate condition when live animal ultrasound scanning measurements are collected and consequently, condition of stock should be the most important consideration when making a decision about when to scan animals.
ashleigh horne, project officer, angus breedplan Scanning animals when they are in appropriate condition ensures that there will be sufficient variation between animals to allow genetic differences to show up. If all animals are in very poor condition, it would be expected that they would all have very similar rib and rump fat depths (i.e. 1-2mm) and negligible marbling. In this scenario, scanning would be of little benefit as a means of identifying animals that are genetically different for fat depth and genetically superior for IMF. Effective results may still be achieved for EMA as sufficient variation is likely to exist between animals irrespective of condition. As a rough guide, animals require a minimum average rump fat depth of 4-5mm (or a minimum average rib fat measurement of 3 mm) to facilitate the collection of useful scanning measurements. Results for IMF will be further optimised if the majority of animals have between 2 – 8% IMF when scanned. The effectiveness of the current scanning machines decreases when measuring IMF levels outside this range. If animals have been in poor condition and have put on the required 4 – 5 mm of fat in a relatively short period, then there may still not be sufficient variation between animals to allow genetic difference to show up, particularly for IMF. Members who are in any doubt regarding when to scan their animals, should discuss their situation with an accredited scanner or contact staff at Angus Australia.
New Collection Guidelines for Angus BREEDPLAN are now available A new education resource is available to Angus Australia members outlining the guidelines for the collection of performance information for Angus BREEDPLAN. Electronic copies of the updated collection guidelines are available from the BREEDPLAN section of the Angus Australia website, or alternatively a hard copy can be mailed upon request by contacting Ashleigh Horne on (02) 6773 4603 or breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au. It is essential that all performance information submitted to
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
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Angus BREEDPLAN is collected in accordance with these trait No. processed guidelines.
34223 Calving Difficulty Score 38547 Birth Weight 38820 200 Day Weight Day Weight The400 BREEDPLAN performance data that is 18758 sent to Angus 18601 600 Day Weigh Australia on a daily basis continues to keep staff busy. The 12835 Mature Cow Weight
Performance Data Processing Statistics
table below provides a snapshot of some of the traits that are regularly submitted to Angus Australia. This data was added to the Angus Australia database between the 01/01/2016 and the 31/08/2016.
trait
No. processed
Ultrasound Scan Data* Scrotal Circumference Docility Scores Structural Scores Net Feed Intake - Feedlot Net Feed Intake – Post Weaning
15105 7582 14595 3845 42 62
*Ultrasound scan data includes records for eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and intra-muscular fat
Contact Details for Angus BREEDPLAN
trait
No. processed
Please remember that Angus Australia is processing trait No.now processed
Calving Difficulty Score Birth Weight 200 Day Weight Analysis 400 Day Weight 600 Day Weigh Mature Cow Weight
34223 38547 38820 18758 18601 12835
15105 Ultrasound Scan Data* enquiries. The new contact details for Angus BREEDPLAN are: 7582 Scrotal Circumference Angus Scores Australia 14595 Docility Structural Scores Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 3845 Net Intake - Feedlot Ph:Feed 02 6773 4600 | Fax: 02 6773 309542 62 Net Feed Intake – Post Weaning E: breedplan@angusaustralia.com.au
all performance information and fielding any BREEDPLAN
*Ultrasound scan data includes records for eye muscle area, rib fat, rump fat and intra-muscular fat
Sam Hunter awarded LIVEXForum Scholarship Diana Wood, Marketing Manager
Sam Hunter has been awarded the inaugural Angus Analysis Australia Foundation LIVEXforum Scholarship, and will travel to Canberra at the end of October to attend the LIVEXforum. The Angus Australia Foundation was pleased to offer members of Angus Youth the opportunity to participate in the LIVEXforum. The scholarship was open to 18-30 year olds, with a strong interest in the export industry and the Australia beef industry. Mr Hunter has spent the last 18 months working as a Livestock Manager for Landmark in Yass NSW, after starting his career in the agency business in the busy Wagga Wagga selling centre prior to this.
Angus Australia Marketing and Communications Manager Diana Wood said the providing young Angus and beef industry enthusiasts the opportunity to attend events such as the LIVEXforum are about expanding their knowledge of the industry and being able to take what they learn from these events back into their professions. ‘These events are all about sharing information and insight into the livestock export trade, breaking down knowledge barriers, being open about industry challenges and demonstrating industry’s commitment and ongoing effort to improve animal welfare in supply chains,’ said Mrs Wood.
‘Alongside this position I maintain a strong interest in seedstock and commercial cattle with a preference for Angus cattle’, says Mr Hunter. ‘I enjoy agricultural media production, marketing and sales and relish the opportunity to further expand my knowledge’, he says. ‘ I’m looking forward to making more professional contacts through LIVEXForum and further developing industry skills. A long time participant in the Angus Youth program, Mr Hunter developed his passion for the beef industry through work experience with the Chase family of Waitara Angus, Trangie NSW. And from his work with Waitara Mr Hunter has had the opportunity to meet and network with hundreds of like-minded participants. Mr Hunter has been a regular at the Angus Youth National Roundup over the years, and at the 2016 event held in Armidale he was awarded the coveted Grand Champion Parader prize.
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
Sam Hunt pictured with Lane Evans at the 2016 Angus Youth National Round up in Armidale.
Appreciating the Semex Kansas State University experience Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
As a commercial beef cattle producer from Glen Innes, NSW, Laura Hollingworth gained an enormous amount from the opportunity she was afforded by Angus Australia and the Angus Australia Foundation after being awarded the Semex Kansas State University Scholarship in 2015. ‘The opportunity to study at a tertiary level at one of the leading agricultural schools in America was excellent,’ says Laura. ‘I have enjoyed access to world class educational facilities, passionate and learned professors, and a host of learning resources including K-State's online and physical library database’. During her time at Kansas State University, Laura developed some great relationships with her lecturers, particularly Dr’s Dave Nichols, Larry Corah and KC Olson. Laura continues to communicate with these mentors and believes that she is very fortunate to have met such knowledgeable and experienced cattlemen. Laura focussed her study program around commercial cattle production including visual assessment, heifer development, staff management and leadership, forage identification and development, breeding, and animal health. Laura saw these subject choices as a way to greatly increase her knowledge in these areas and to help equip her with the skills and resources to continue furthering her education.
‘My recent experience as the Semex Kansas State University scholar was by far the most worthwhile educational experience I have ever had’ Being afforded this award has meant that Laura has now been able to step back and assess the beef cattle production business program at home, along with her performance in it. Her time in Kansas has meant that Laura has taken the time to look at the way they run the family business, how she works as a member of the team and also the performance of her section of the business. Whilst in the USA, Laura was very proactive in contacting ranchers and businesses to learn from their operations. ‘I visited dozens and dozens of commercial ranches and seedstock producers who were each so forthcoming with their willingness to share their knowledge and industry insights’, say Laura.
Laura Hollingworth is pictured with Gaylon Fink of Fink Beef Genetics (Angus & Charolais), Manhattan, Kansas who was a great mentor to Laura whilst in the US.
‘The American ranchers were incredibly hospitable and I will always remember their generosity to me as a visitor to their country. One of the most beneficial aspects of my trip to the USA was the relationships I have developed with other cattle producers, many of which I now maintain contact with from both a resource and mentor point of view’. Laura was very fortunate to share part of her time in Kansas with previous Semex Kansas State University Scholarship winner, Nick Boshammer, whom was an excellent resource and friend to Laura whilst visiting the USA. Nick’s help and support during her time in Manhattan, Kansas allowed Laura to make the most of her experience, as he effectively showed her the ropes. Laura has acknowledged the support she has received from Semex, Angus Australia and Kansas State University for the opportunity she has received from winning this scholarship, as well as Bob Dent for encouraging her to apply. And finally without the support of her father Butch and brother, Dan whom both enabled Laura to apply for the scholarship by allowing her to take four months off work to travel to the USA, this life changing trip would not have been possible. ‘I will always be thankful for this experience which has served to foster my commitment to the Australian beef cattle industry, and I am excited about the possibilities within our industry and my small role in it into the future’, says Laura.
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Teys Australia supports Angus Youth Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
Iconic meat processing company Teys Australia has partnered with Angus Youth Australia to be the naming rights sponsor of the 2017 Angus Youth National Roundup. Teys has had a long tradition of sponsoring the Roundup each year, but in 2017 has increased their involvement. Grant Garey, the General Manager for Feedlots with Teys Australia has highlighted the need to support the future of the beef industry as a key reason for their involvement and in particular to encourage the learning and development opportunities of the youth in the industry. ‘And we certainly want to raise awareness about Teys Australia among the youth of the industry’, he said. ‘We specifically want to support and promote the Angus breed as it has strong alignment with our premium brands; Teys Certified Angus, Riverine Premium Beef and Grasslands Premium Beef’. The Teys Australia Angus Youth National Roundup will take place in Mt Gambier, South Australia from the 12 – 15 of January 2017. This will be the first time the Roundup has been held in South Australia. Coordinator Kate Fairlie is very excited to have Teys Australia on board. ‘The Teys Australia Angus Youth National Roundup is the largest single breed event of its kind in Australia. To receive
ENTRIES NOW OPEN
this kind of support from a well renowned company in the beef industry cements the fact that the Roundup and the Angus Youth program as a whole is extremely important in the development of young people in the beef industry’, Ms Fairlie said. Angus Australia, Marketing and Communications Manager Diana Wood confirms Ms Fairlies’ statement by adding that it is great to see the recognition given to the Angus Youth program by Teys Australia ‘Teys Australia’s involvement highlights the importance of all facets of the beef industry supporting the development of youth in agriculture. To have Teys Australia as a major partner is a real credit to the Angus Youth program, with a number of past participants of the this program currently working for the company’, said Mrs Wood. The 2017 Teys Australia Angus Youth National Roundup in Mt Gambier will be the 36th year that the event has been held. In 2016 over 220 participants were involved in the educational opportunities and competitions on offer when the Roundup was held in Armidale, NSW. For more information on further sponsorship opportunities or the event itself, please contact Teys Australia Angus Youth National Roundup Coordinator Kate Fairlie 0448 248 598 or fairlie.kate@gmail.com
- for the -
TEYS AUSTRALIA ANGUS YOUTh NATIONAL ROUNDUP visit www.angusyouth.org
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
Angus performance in RAS Beef Challenge Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
Angus and Angus influenced cattle have reigned supreme over the competition in the RAS of NSW’s Annual Beef Challenge feedlot competition, taking out numerous major awards. The Sydney Royal Beef Challenge attracts entries from commercial and stud beef cattle producers from around Australia and is held at Wilga feedlot, Bellata, in North West NSW. The feedlot based Challenge sees steers and heifers entered in either a 70 days on feed domestic class or 100 days on feed export class. Entries are judged as pens and as individuals. In just their second year of competition, Ben and Wendy Mayne, Texas Angus, Warialda NSW won Champion and Reserve Champion team in the domestic competition and Champion individual in the Export competition, along with a myriad of other prizes along the way. On the back of their bull sale results earlier in the year, The Mayne Family has capped of a stellar year. “We saw this competition as an opportunity to test our cattle against other pure bred and cross bred cattle and validate and backup our claims of producing high performing cattle” says Ben Mayne. “This is our second year in the RAS Beef Challenge and we are very happy with our results and to see our pure bred Angus steers and heifers performing so well, especially when they were competing against crosses with the added advantage of hybrid vigour”, says Wendy Mayne. Mick and Pip Doolan, Coonabarabran NSW, were on hand to receive the award for Reserve Champion team in the Export competition with the pen of Angus steers, exhibited by AV & LM Doolan. Having had success in this competition on past occasions, the Doolan’s were very pleased to see that they can consistently breed cattle that perform.
live assessment
Domestic Pen 3rd Texas Angus (Angus steers) Export Pen 3rd Dobikin Past Co Angus (Angus steers) Export Individual 1st Dobikin Past Co Angus (Angus steer)
AVERAGE DAILY GAIN
Domestic Pen 1st 2nd 3rd Export Pen 1st 2nd 3rd
Texas Angus (Angus heifer) Texas Angus (Angus heifer) Texas Angus (Angus heifer) Texas Angus (Angus steer) AV & LM Doolan (Angus steer) Texas Angus (Angus steer)
FEEDLOT TOTAL
Domestic Pen
1st 2nd 3rd Export Pen 1st Domestic Individual 2nd 3rd Export Individual 1st 1st 1st 1st Export Pen 3rd Domestic Individual 1st 1st 1st 1st Export Individual 1st 1st 1st 1st Export Pen 1st Export Individual 1st Domestic Pen
Texas Angus (Angus heifers) Southern Border Partnership (Angus steers) Texas Angus (Angus heifers) Texas Angus (Angus steers) Texas Angus (Angus steer) Texas Angus (Angus steer) AV & LM Doolan (Angus steer)
CARECASE GRID
Domestic Pen
Domestic Pen
2.97kg/day 2.88kg/day 2.79kg/day 2.53kg/day 2.31kg/day 2.30kg/day
Crown State Meat Co. (Angus steers) Texas Angus (Angus heifers) Dobikin Pastoral Co. (Angus steers) AV & LM Doolan (Angus steers) Texas Angus x 4 Dobokin Angus x 4 AV & LM Doolan Crown State Meat Co. x 4 Dobikin Pastoral & Co. (Angus steer) Dobikin Pastoral & Co. (Angus steer)
PROFITABILITY
Texas Angus (Angus heifers) Texas Angus (Angus heifers) AV & LM Doolan (Angus steers) AV & LM Doolan Angus
1st 2nd Export Pen 3rd Export Individual 1st
TASTE TEST
Southern Border Partnership (Angus steers) Crown State Meat Co. (Angus steers) Trambus Pty Ltd (Angus cross steers) Southern Border Partnership (Angus steer)
DOMESTIC CHAMPION TEAM - Texas Angus DOMESTIC RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - Texas Angus EXPORT CHAMPION INDIVIDUAL - Texas Angus EXPORT RESERVE CHAMPION TEAM - AV & LM Doolan Angus
TASTE TEST AWARDS
Domestic Pen Gold Medal Silver Medal Bronze Medal Bronze Medal Export Pen Silver Medal Silver Medal Silver Medal Bronze Medal Bronze Medal Bronze Medal Bronze Medal Bronze Medal
Southern Border Partnership Crown State Meat Co. Southern Border Partnership Texas Angus AV & LM Doolan Texas Angus Trambus Pty Ltd AV & LM Doolan Texas Angus Texas Angus Crown State Meat Co Dobikin Pastoral Co.
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Wendy, Rosie and Ben Mayne pictured with some of their Angus cows and calves Bottom Right: Ben & Wendy Mayne, Texas Angus
Angus shines on in domestic section Kristen Frost, The Land
Following on from their success in the export section of the RAS Beef Challenge in 2015, Ben and Wendy Mayne, Texas Angus, Warialda NSW, have dominated the domestic section in this years competition. Mr Mayne sees the competition as a way to benchmark their operation and determine how they measure up against not only fellow Angus breeders but all the other breeds and cross breeding systems (that have the added advantage of hybrid vigour) within the beef industry as a whole.
steers and heifers were 12 months-old and went into the Wilga feedlot weighing about 320 kilograms. The top pen’s average daily weight gain was just over 2.5 kilos a day with the top performing animal recording 2.97 kilos a day. The top pen were heifers, as was the top individual. “This was a phenomenal result for these heifers, they didn’t have a growth promotant and were also competing against steers” Mr Mayne said.
“What better way to test our genetics against the rest of the commercial and stud world,” Mr Mayne said.
“Wendy and I believe one of the biggest attributes to where we are is the way we run our cattle. People don't realise how hard we push our cows,” Mr Mayne said.
The domestic team results read first and third in the feedlot total, equal first in the carcase grid, first and second in profitability and third in the live assessment. Overall they won champion and reserve domestic teams.
“Only the highest performing and most fertile cows stay and over many years of not changing our strategy of how we breed our cattle, the performance is certainly entrenched right throughout our herd.
In the Individual domestic results, in daily weight gain they placed first, second and third and in the feedlot total they took out both second and third placings.
“It comes down to the way we manage our cattle – they are always in working order and they have to produce consistently each year otherwise they are gone.”
In the teams export results they placed first in the feedlot trial, in the individual export they came in first and third for daily weight gain, as well as winning the overall champion export individual.
“Profitability is the key driver of our operation and our herd strives to maximise kg/ha without jeopardising fertility. Weight is so important and this comes from that extra rib.”
What’s impressive about their outcome is, these steers and heifers are not the top-line of their genetics that are entered into the competition.
Over the last 20 years the Mayne’s have undertaken extensive artificial breeding programs to accelerate the genetic gain, diversity, performance and carcase quality of their herd without chasing extremes.
Originally the Texas Angus commercial and stud herds were run separately, but the crippling drought forced the Mayne’s to run both together.
“That is where we have probably shone through, we haven’t gone too extreme in carcase values and kept our weight and performance,” Mr Mayne said.
“With the recent drought, the commercial herd was the first to go. Basically we just built on to the stud numbers,” Mr Mayne said. “We cut about one-third of our bulls, so it’s the bottom third of the progeny that become these steers and vice versa with the heifers.
For the last two years of the RAS challenge, the Mayne’s have scored the Highest marbling animal.
“We class up what we want to keep, what we want to sell for breeding and what’s left goes into this competition, so it’s not the best of our genetics that are entered.” This year there was only 70 steers they had to choose from for both export and domestic classes. Both the domestic
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
“Some people say high performance cattle can't marble but to have the highest marbling steer (scoring 7) and pen last year and to repeat having the highest marbling steer score of 6 this year on 100 days feed – that’s a is a pretty big feat. A lot of other steers and heifers need 280 days on feed to achieve similar marble scores,” Mr Mayne said. “The biggest point of difference now is we have actually got the data in front of us to say this is what Angus cattle can do and we have the data to prove it.”
Beef challenge success for commercial producers Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
The opportunity to get detailed feedback on their Angus cattle has seen Ambrose and Lisa Doolan and family, ‘Toorawandi’, Coonabarabran NSW, prove the performance of their cattle for the second year in a row in both the domestic and export markets of the RAS of NSW Beef Challenge. In 2015, the Doolan’s were awarded Reserve Champion domestic individual. 2016 brought even greater success with a pen of Angus steers winning Reserve Champion Export Team.
‘We like to select for growth and carcase quality, with good rib and rump fat, as well as maternal traits.’ With the feedlots as their target market for both their heifers and steers, success in a competition such as the RAS Beef Challenge provides the Doolan’s with the perfect scenario to benchmark both their steers and heifers. ‘It’s a good way for us to see how we stack up against other producers and see the feedback for how well they perform in the feedlot, as well as their carcase and eating quality,’ Mr Doolan said.
The Doolans were also awarded first place in the export feedlot total for an individual animal, first for profitability in the export pen and export individual and first place in the carcase grid for domestic individual.
'We like to select for growth and carcase quality, with good rib and rump fat, as well as maternal traits.’ Over the past couple of years the Doolan Family have increased their production and are now running 1,400 Angus breeders over 3,650 hectares. ‘We focus on growth and producing something people want to eat’, Ambrose Doolan said.
Ambrose & Lisa Doolan with Angus cattle at ‘Toorawandi’, Coonabarabran. Photo by Rachael Webb
Mick,Pip & Genevieve Doolan, AV & LM Doolan
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Twelve months on and the records keep rolling Twelve months ago the cattle industry experienced what could only be described as a buoyant market. In September 2015 the beef cattle industry experienced a shift in confidence as Angus steers broke through the 400c/kg mark and the record average price for Angus bulls sold at auction in Australia was smashed. Given the conditions across much of Australia at the time, no one could have foreseen that twelve months on, seed stock and commercial cattle producers would still be experiencing record breaking prices. The Millah Murrah Angus bull sale held near Bathurst on September 1st 2016 exceeded all expectations as the record average price for all breeds sold at auction in Australia was eclipsed. The sale received a 100% clearance of 109 bulls to average an astonishing $16,348. This result was a $1,452 improvement on the $14,896 record the same vendor set in 2015 and a new Australian record for bulls sold at auction for all breeds in Australia. Reaching a top price of $85,000, (a more modest result than the $150,000 achieved in 2015), was Lot 13, Millah Murrah Loch Up L133. The 788kg son of Thomas Up River 1614, was purchased by Ascot Angus and ABS Australia. Needless to say $85,000 is currently the highest price paid for an Angus bull at auction in 2016. The strength of the average price is an indication of the confidence in the beef industry and the genetic improvement that can be
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
obtained from using recorded Angus genetics. Vendor Ross Thompson credits this shift in beef industry confidence for the stunning result. ‘It was a colossal sale, but certainly indicative of the new economy in the beef cattle job. We are starting to see the premiums come back through in to the bull market,’ said Mr Thompson. ‘It is not that surprising that record averages at bull sales are being achieved, as the industry is seeing a re-pricing in the commercial market ,‘ he said. ‘And given the climate, the next big thing we will expect to see go through the roof is the commercial cow market, as restockers look to rebuild herd numbers in a climate that has seen the national cow herd fall to an all time low’. Angus Australia Marketing and Communications Manager, Diana Wood noted that this result comes off the back of the start of a very strong spring bull sale season. ‘Since July 1st, an analysis of reported bull sale results shows that at least 4,407 registered Angus bulls have been sold at auction across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania to average $7,661,’ said Mrs Wood. The total number of bulls sold for the year currently sits at 7,820, at an average of $6,952. As the bull season season is about to wrap up, Angus
37 Angus cows and calves, 2-2.5 years old made$3,000 on AuctionsPlus. Image courtesy of AuctionsPlus
Jacki Chard, Ross Thompson, Jim Wedge, Andrew Bickford, Dimity Thompson, Jane Thompson, Paul Dooley, Wyatt Thompson & Bill Cornell with $85,000 Millah Murrah Loch Up L133 image courtesy of Ben Simpson
breeders are on track to have once again sold in excess of 8,000 bulls for the year. But it is important to keep in mind that this does not include any private bull sales. Dr Peter Parnell, Chief Executive Officer of Angus Australia has highlighted that confidence in the beef industry is an at all time all high. ‘Coinciding with the escalation of the value of commercial cattle, the record sale prices for high quality seedstock across all breeds is very positive for the beef industry’, said Dr Parnell. ‘In the Angus breed we have consistently seen record sale clearances and average prices achieved for breeders of well recorded registered bulls. This is a positive reward for those breeders who have invested in the long-term genetic improvement of their seedstock for performance traits valued in the supply chain - such as growth, marbling and yield,’ he said. On the back of good rainfall, a favourable seasonal outlook and reinvigorated restocker demand, the commercial sector is certainly reflecting this positivity throughout the entire industry. 500c/kg has become the new 400c/kg for steers and heifers regularly hit 400c/kg. At the Roma store cattle sale on July 5th, 21 decks or 750 mixed sex EU Angus weaners, 7 to 10 months old, from the Shaw Family’s, JS Grazing Co, Injune Queensland achieved record breaking prices. Watkins and Co livestock agent Brad Neven said the JS Grazing weaner sale represented the highest average for a line of weaner steers ever sold at Roma. 468 weaner steers averaging 296kg, topped at 408c/ kg to average 400.4c/kg, (average of $1,185 per head).
Julie & Jeremy Shaw, JS Grazing Co. Roma, QLD in front of their record breaking Angus weaners
282 weaner heifers averaging 270kg, topped at 402c/kg to average 389c/kg, (average $1,053 per head). More recently at the Central Tablelands Livestock Exchange, Carocar NSW, on August 12, 26 Angus steers, 199kg, 9-10 months and offered by GD Millar made 512c/ kg or $1,020. The same vendor offered 17 Angus heifers, 188kg, to top the sale at 404c/kg or $760. Leongatha VIC 15/09/16 Pilkington & Toohey, Sandy Point, sold 45 Angus steers, from $1150-$1400, which equalled 460-505c/kg. The higher price was for steers weighing 277kg. Restockers continue to outlay in excess of $2,000 for cows and calves at producers look to rebuild numbers. At Bairnsdale, VIC on August 26, Angus heifers and cows with mixed age calves at foot, sold by JT & JA Vardy topped the sale at $2,220. While Wangaratta VIC 7/09/16 Angus cows and calves on account of Hepner made $2,600. On AuctionsPlus on September 23, 37 Angus cows 2-2.5 years, with calves at foot reached $3,000.
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Angus Australia to offer Graphic Design Services Diana Wood, Marketing and Communications Manager
Angus Australia is pleased to welcome Ebonie Sadler-Small to the team as the Graphic Design and Marketing Officer. Ms Sadler-Small is a recent graduate from the University of Technology Sydney and has worked at AM Printing Services and Qantas Airways as a Graphic Designer. Ms Sadler-Small joins the Marketing and Communications team and will be responsible for the production of Angus Australia’s marketing material, the Angus Bulletin and will also be involved with the maintenance of the website and production of the weekly eNewsletter. With the addition of Ms Sadler-Small to the team, Angus Australia will now be offering a full suite of graphic design services to members, from complete sale catalogue production, through to flyers and newspaper advertisements.
Ebonie Sadler-Small, Graphic Design and Marketing Officer
While she has been more involved with the butchering side of the beef world, Ms Sadler-Small is looking forward to learning more about Angus cattle and the beef industry, as well as designing material for a more rural audience. For more information on graphic design services please contact the Marketing team.
by Angus Australia Angus Australia will now be offering a full suite of graphic design services to members, from complete sale catalogue production, through to flyers and newspaper advertisements
7
Bringing your
Reasons to breed angus
home
When purchasing a bull, care and handling after the sale can be as important as the purchase itself. Looking after your bull well during the Initial stages of his working life may ensure longevity and success within your breeding herd. and g the most widespread Angus are rapidly becomin beef breed in the world. • Discuss Purchase te with the carrier, resting procedures tempera after for long sought Temperament trips, keenly expected is an important characteristic when selecting ility which quiet handling. delivery time, truck condition and a bull. Selecting a bull that profitab maygreater be flighty the to or aggressive due is n will expansio life difficult for you each time Thismake the reasons • Give ear tag and brand numbers to the carrier he isofhandled. Here are some Note which bulls continually and make sure you have the carrier’s using Angus. push to the centre of a mob, be achieved phone number. canaround, Angus. • run or are unreasonably ia are choosing If buying bulls from interstate, Australnervous, aggressive or organise any necessary excited. why beef producers in health tests before
logo design
promotional items newsletters
rather than the and Both domestic temperament shown in the targeting the high ring. cattle. Feedlots premium for Angus prefer Angus and Korean markets quality Japanese ability. Several growth and marbling Angus When transporting your new because of their bull insurance against loss feed almost exclusively in transit, accidental loss of feedlots in Australia use, or infertility, is sometimes Japanese B3 market. provided by vendors. Where cattle for the long-fed it is not, it is worth considering. s purchase tips: After re-stocker by demand are also in high Angus weaners • When purchasing, ask a wide range which health treatments programs, targeting he has received. for pasture finishing to heavy grass-fed domestic steers • Treat and handle him quietly of markets from at all times - no dogs, no buzzers. Talk to him and export bullocks. give him time and room to make up his mind.
Delivery
• With more than one bull from different
origins, you must be able to separate them ility on the truck. 2 Marke t Versat • Make sure that the truck tremendous market floor is covered to known for their
Arrival
When the bull or bulls arrive home, unload them at the yards into a group of house cows, steers or herd cows. Never jump them from the back of a truck directly into a paddock—it may be the last time you see them. Bulls from different origins should be put into separate yards with other cattle for company. Provide hay and water, then leave them alone until the next morning . The next day, bulls should receive routine health treatments. If they have not been treated before, all bulls should be vaccinated with:
Angus
AND 3 Superior Fertility Maternal Ability
FOR more information, please contact ebonie sadler-small
leaving and requirements must be met beforework out if any other cattle can come into another State.
When buying bulls from far away, you may often have to fit in with other delivery arrangements to reduce cost. You should make it clear how you want your bulls handled.
• 5-in-1 vaccine; prevent bulls from slipping. Sand, • vibriosis vaccine; Angus are well sawdust or a floor grid grow to heavy market will have the ability to also prevent bulls from being damaged by Market Demand Market Versatility • leptospirosis vaccine versatility. They over fat. Theydown going (if in areas like the Hunter in transit. without becoming where leptospirosis exists); weights quickly weights, if desired. • If you can arrange it, put to finish at lighter a few quiet cows or steers Profitability Carcase • three-day sickness have the ability on high muscling the truck with the bull. Let vaccine (if in areas where carcase quality, them down into a yard with this sickness can cause problems). the bulls for a while Angus have excellent providing maximum before loading and after Finishing ability maturity patterns unloading. Give particular attention and moderate to preventing new bulls bringing www.angusaustralia.com.au • Unload and reload during vibriosis into a herd. Vibriosis, market versatility. a sexually transmitted disease, the trip as little as possible If necessary, rest causes infertility with and abortions and is most Treat bulls kindly your impatiencewater and feed. commonly introduced to a clean herd by or nervousness an infected bull. These bulls is easily transmitted to an animal unfamiliar show no signs of the illness. to you and unsure of his environment. Vaccinated bulls are free from vibriosis, so vaccinating bulls against the disease should be a routine practice. go in calf quickly reach puberty early, Vaccination involves two injections, Angus Angus females 4–6 weeks apart, at the to a late age. • Make sure the carrier knows which breed regularly time of introduction, and then bulls can be even and continue to mixed a booster shot every year. together. high fertility Complete the vaccinations 4 for maintaining reputation a weeks before joining. have . Angus cows seasonal conditions ability. under difficult good milking mothers with are excellent easy care cattle. They are easy calving,
R R R
‘Meating’ more of your markets
purchase delivery after purchase tips arrival mating new young bulls managing older herd bull quality mating l ability duringMeat northern australia superior fertility & materna pool market versatility large documented gene ance Market demand best all round perform hardiness & efficiency
02 6773 4609 | design@angusaustralia.com.au | www.angusaustralia.com.au Table 1 ASBP Cohort 4 sires with an above average Angus Breeding Index (ABI) and below average NFI-F EBV (July 2016 BREEDPLAN analysis)
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
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If you use a professional carrier: #A N G U S P R E M I U M
sale catalogues advertising brochures & flyers
At the sale, note any changes of temperament by individual bulls. Some bulls that are quiet in the yard or paddock may not like the pressure and noise of the auction and become excited. Others that were excited beforehand get
much worse in the sale ring d and can really perform. Use a yard 1 Market Deman currently pay the or paddock behaviour as a guide, export markets
Member services
2016 Stats
Figures are based on period 1 January 2016 to 31 AUG 2016
During the period of 1st January 2016 to 31st August 2016, the Member Services team have registered 49,673 animals.
We have processed a total of 12,179 transfers. We produced 171 sale catalogues with a total of 8,931 lots.
Female: 26,479 Male: 20,440 Steers: 2,754
DNA
HBR Registrations: APR Registrations:
DNA Genetic testing
Female: 14,624 Males: 13,861 Steers: 442
ACR Registrations: Female: 1,377 Males: Steers: 1,557
A total of 18,098 DNA samples were submitted for testing. Please see below for a brief break-up Female: 7,792 Males: 5,629 Steers: 560
RAR Registrations:
Female: 49 Males: 32 Steers:7
MBR Registrations: Female: 1,249 Males: 812 Steers: 166
BASE Registrations:
Figures include Export registrations. Figures consist of APR,ACR & MBR Base registrations Female: 1,388 Males: 106 Steers: 22
AM: 1,071 CA: 1,167 DD: 4,495 NH: 1,033
Pestivirus: 605 Mannossidosis: 20 Coat: 263 Storage: 873
DNA Parentage testing i50K: 3,257 HD 50K: 44 GGPLD: 1,452
DNA Parentage testing SEQ & SNP: 2,933
Microsatellites: 276
Memberships: TOTAL MEMBERS 2015: 3,402 Full: 1,017 | Commercial: 2,030 Junior: 331 | Life: 24
New Members 2015: 120 2016: 260
2016: 3,851 Full: 1,065 | Commercial: 2,325 Junior: 435 | Life: 25
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; spring 2016
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Certified Angus Group’s Signature Angus Pure
Protecting proof of empire in the reign of Angus Alex Druce, The Land Newspaper
IT’S a staple at high-end steakhouses and highway McDonald’s.
“Products that haven’t gone through that... risk cheapening the brand.”
If you have picked up a menu anywhere during the past eight years, chances are you’ve come across Angus beef.
Certified Angus Group Pty – previously Certified Australian Angus Beef – has expanded to meet demand in the past five years to encompass two main roles.
The 2008 explosion of Angus into the Australian mainstream saw a stampede of new products jostle for a place on the plate – hamburger mince to premium rib eye – in what was surely one of the decade’s most successful brand movements.
The first is the promotion and marketing of its own two beef brands, Certified Australian Angus Beef and Angus Pure.
That’s where Kate Brabin comes in.
The second is providing Angus breed verification services for a host of other tasty producers – from Thomas Foods International to Jacks Creek, Rangers Valley, Bindaree Beef, Nippon, and the Manildra Group.
As chief executive of Certified Angus Group, it is Ms Brabin’s job to help keep Angus ahead of the pack.
Ms Brabin said the fight to uphold Angus’s premium status was a constant.
But a breed doesn’t stay at the top of the table by itself – even if beef is booming.
And the key to sorting the premium product from the pretenders is an independent quality check that links paddock to plate. “The explosion (of Angus products) was a huge benefit to Angus producers,” Ms Brabin said.
“I’d say that’s probably relevant to any brand,” she said. “So what you have to do is maintain individuality and offering a difference to the customer. Angus as a breed is just one point of difference for people who like beef.”
“If people are eating more Angus they’re selling more cattle.
The answer? Provenance.
“But where it can get dicey is people slapping ‘Angus’ on a product as they please.
“People want to know where the cattle were grown. Are they from the Southern Darling Downs? Cape Grim? The Adelaide Hills?
“It may be Angus beef, but they haven’t quantified their product other than that fact. “For something being a beef breed that relies so much on consistency and an image of quality, it is very important people know they’re getting something independently checked and verified.
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
“What were the cattle fed? Have they been treated with hormones or antibiotics? “If you can show people and the story resonates, the more chance the product has of remaining relevant.”
Bruce Dwerryhouse, “Sunshine”, Glenellen, north of Albury, has been breeding Angus cattle for 20 years and is impressed with the breed's evenness, mothering ability and growth rate.
An even line is the best Julia Wythes Fairfax Media
BRUCE Dwerryhouse loves an even line of cattle. And even though the decision 20 years ago to move to a purebred Angus herd was market driven, he couldn’t be happier. Mr Dwerryhouse, along with his wife Gillian, of “Sunshine”, Glenellen, 25 kilometres north of Albury, runs about 300 purebred Angus breeders on 600 hectares spread over three blocks.
He said his steers average around 480 kilograms at 15 months old, and are sold direct to feedlots. He keeps 50 of his top heifers as future replacements, while the rest are sold to feedlots or to Coles. “The feedlots are keen to keep our cattle,” he said. Mr Dwerryhouse said the Albury area has also been ideal for raising good cattle. “It is fantastic. Albury is a wonderful area,” he said.
Mr Dwerryhouse is a retired agribusiness lender with Rural Finance Corporation of Victoria and also worked for Rabobank.
His property has mostly grey granite, loam and clay soils, and he said the area receives around 685 millimetres of rain a year, which mostly comes in winter and spring.
“I’ve really done that for 40 years,” he said.
He said the area has very hot summers.
“I always had a farm, but I retired four years ago.” Mr Dwerryhouse began his Angus herd with 40 heifers brought in from Tasmania, and hasn’t looked back.
Mr Dwerryhouse said he has been pleased to see the breed development and marketing carried out by Angus Australia.
“We have been very happy running the Angus cattle.
“It has been very encouraging,” he said.
“I like to have a very even line of cattle.”
He said the recent boost in beef prices has also been a bonus.
One thing Mr Dwerryhouse insists upon is buying quality bulls. “Because of the popularity of the breed, it has made it easy to get good stud bulls,” he said. Mr Dwerryhouse calves his herd in September, and said the Angus mothers have been ideal. He weans in the yards and paddock, and the weaners are put onto improved pastures.
“It is very gratifying to see where the prices are at at the moment,” he said.
“They are really good mothers, and very good milkers, They just suit us, they are easy-care cattle.”
Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
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World Angus Forum – Scotland, June 2017 Peter Parnell, CEO Angus Australia
Angus enthusiasts from across the world will be travelling to Scotland in June next year to attend the World Angus Forum and associated events. The World Angus Forum has been conducted every four years since the first Forum in Australia back in 1969. This is the first time for many decades that the Forum will been conducted in Scotland, the traditional home of Angus.
The World Angus Forum will be conducted in Edinburgh between 21-26th June 2017, with associated optional tours of England, Scotland and Ireland, as per the following schedule:
England Tour:
Friday 16th June – Tuesday 20th June 2017
World Forum:
The World Angus Forum provides a great opportunity for Angus breeders and supporters from across the world the meet and exchange contacts, ideas and knowledge about Angus. The Forum in Scotland will undoubtedly be a great celebration of the worldwide success of Angus in recent decades. The previous World Angus Forum was conducted in New Zealand in 2014, and the next Forum will be celebrated in Australia in 2021.
Wednesday 21st June – Monday 26th June 2017
Scotland Tour:
Tuesday 27th June – Sunday 2nd July 2017
Ireland Tour:
Saturday 24th June – Monday 26 June 2017 Further details on the World Angus Forum will be included on the Angus Australia website as it becomes available. You can also register your interest on the World Angus Forum website http://worldangusforum2017.com/ Angus Australia is working with Quadrant Australia (www. quadrantaustralia.com) to develop a tour package for those members who would like to travel as a group to the Forum. Once full costings of attendance are available they will be included on the Angus Australia and/or Quadrant Australia websites.
ANGUS WORLD FORUM SCOTLAND 2017 JOIN THE ANGUS DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE 2017 WORLD ANGUS FORUM TO BE HELD IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. ●
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE :See the sights of London including options to see theatre in the West End ● Network and Learn at the 6 day World Angus Forum ● Enjoy the 7 day Post Tour of the famous Angus herds of Scotland
Register your interest now with the team at Quadrant Australia Quadrant Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 536, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 ABN: 95 003 857 449
1300 301 128
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Angus Bulletin — spring 2016
www.quadrantaustralia.com
1300 301 128 (free call)
Instagram.com/QuadrantAustralia
02 6651 1722 (fax)
Facebook.com/quadrantaust
bookings@quadrantaustralia.com
02 6651 1722
www.quadrantaustralia.com
angus australia staff directory Peter Parnell
MARKETING, communications and youth
Finance & ADMINISTRATION
CEO
Chief Executive Officer M: 0428 918 632 P: 02 6773 4605 E: peter@angusaustralia.com.au
Ron Bower
Anna Lee
Administration Manager - Accountant
Accountant's Assistant
P: 6773 4607 E: ron@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4612 E: anna@angusaustralia.com.au
Sue Webeck
Amanda Wolfe
Accountant's Assistant
Administration Officer
P: 02 6773 4606 E: sue@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4600 E: amanda@angusaustralia.com.au
Diana Wood
Robyn Brazier
Marketing & Communications Manager
Marketing Assistant
P: 02 6773 4601 E: marketingmanager@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4609 E: marketing@angusaustralia.com.au
Haylee Herriot
Ebonie Sadler-Small
Angus Youth Development & Education Officer P: 02 6773 4622 E: youth@angusaustralia.com.au
Graphic Design & Marketing Officer P: 02 6773 4623 E: design@angusaustralia.com.au
Software development
Commercial Development Manager P: 02 6773 4608 M: 0488 758 360 E: liz.pearson@angusaustralia.com.au
Software development
commercial development
Liz Pearson
Christopher de Crespigny Information Systems Manager P: 02 6773 4619 E: christopher @angusaustralia.com.au
Michael Ainsworth
Mark Evered
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmer
P: 02 6773 4610 E: michael@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4610 E: mark.evered @angusaustralia.com.au
Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; spring 2016
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Member services
breed development and extension
Strategic projects
angus australia staff directory Christian Duff
Nick Butcher
Strategic Projects Manager
Project Officer, ASBP
P: 02 6773 4620 M: 0457 457 141 E: christian@angusaustralia.com.au
M: 0427 701 236 E: nick@angusaustralia.com.au
Andrew Byrne
Ashleigh Horne
Breed Development & Extension Manager
Project Officer, Angus BREEDPLAN
P: 02 6773 4618 M: 0418 412 042 E: andrew@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4603 E: ash@angusaustralia.com.au
Liz Roan Education Officer P: 02 6773 4602 M: 0448 888 410 E: education@angusaustralia.com.au
Lee-Anne Turner
Hannah Bourke
Member Services Manager
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4604 E: lee-anne@angusaustralia.com.au E: regos@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4621 E: hannah.bourke@angusuaustralia.com.au
Esther Glasgow
Samantha Hamilton
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4611 E: esther@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4613 E: sam@angusuaustralia.com.au
Joy Howe
Kelso Looker
Member Services Officer
Member Services Officer
P: 02 6773 4615 E: joy.howe@angusaustralia.com.au
P: 02 6773 4614 E: kelso@angusaustralia.com.au
Lou Wood Member Services Officer P: 02 6773 4617 E: office@angusuaustralia.com.au
Angus Australia Locked Bag 11, Armidale NSW 2350 P: 02 6773 4600 | F: 02 6772 3095 | E: office@angusaustralia.com.au PAgeWebsite: 48 Angus Bulletin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; spring 2016 www.angusaustralia.com.au
www.angusaustralia.com.au