Grey Poll genetics progress at Figtree

THE Figtree Poll Stud continues to progress its’ Poll Genetics. The latest stud sires are doing what we hoped in adding some thickness to the length and frame that we have in abundance. Take a look at the pics of some of the calves at 6 months.

The stud was established by Norm and Val Tuxworth of the Cairns based trucking firm. They foresaw, earlier than most, the increased importance to the Cattle Industry of Polls. They spared no expense in investing in quality grey poll genetics from leading studs.

Ron and Jan Collier took over the stud after selling their New England holdings where they were large scale Angus breeders for the B3 market. They wanted to return home to Far North Queensland which is home to the family.

Each year Ear Notch samples are sent away for DNA Poll Testing. The Collier’s generally succeed in having around 75% returned as Homozygous Poll ( PcPc ). An outstanding result for a Poll Seedstock producer as they are. If you haven't had a chance to read up on Homozygous Poll bottom line means even mated to Horny cows, very rare to have a horned calf. A huge plus for many reasons. We have not dehorned in years. What a relief.

Poll genetics are complicated, still not plentiful and present a challenge to stud masters to do it well. Avoiding single trait selection for a balanced animal and keeping a strong poll pedigree, but not staying in too close require research and skill.

We are working hard to keep all other important traits moving forward in the herd. Our females have plenty of scale and frame. We don’t want to get them any bigger/high maintenance – very inefficient. Now we are attempting to add a good shot of width and muscle.

Polls are sometimes criticized as lacking Bone. Usually people assess Bone on the easy to see foreleg and comment on leg thickness.

In the Collier’s view the length of Bone is more important as it determines muscle length and thus saleable meat yield. Fertility is another particular focus as it is the biggest profit driver of all. The days to calving interval and age of first calf are available for each female. We scrutinise this data carefully. The summer calf drop usually gives 40-50% of the calves in the first 21 day cycle of the joining.

We were particularly proud of this result in our Tropical Brahmans as 60% is considered the benchmark in

British Breeds in temperate and kinder climates.

Our cattle are well handled and pattable in the paddock. They would have to be seriously mishandled to stir up. They are used to bikes and our working Kelpies – regrettably we no longer use horses.

Bulls and Heifers generally available. Paddock sale bulls are in condition score 3-4. They are not sale prepped fat. We regard this practice as a regrettable, apparent requirement of multi vendor Bull Sales.

Ron and Jan look forward to welcoming you to ‘Figtree’ at 235 Turner Road, Tarzali on Sunday, August 13. For more information phone 0400 348 481 or 0455 670 007, or email ronandjancollier@ bigpond.com