Spring 2021 SBTS & TBTS Update

SPRING 2021 UPDATE

That’s A Wrap! 2016-2021 SBTS & TBTS Project Phases Successfully Completed

T

he Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS) and Tropical Beef Technology Services (TBTS) projects have provided a wide range of extension initiatives

and technical support activities to increase the use and

SBTS & TBTS PROJECTS: 2016-2021 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

understanding of BREEDPLAN and related genetic technologies in the Australian beef industry since their inception in 2005 and 1997, respectively. The most recent funding rounds for the SBTS and TBTS projects, in the five year period between 1 July 2016

Over the past five years, key outcomes delivered by the SBTS and TBTS projects have included: n Presentations at 225 events, including

and 30 July 2021, have now been successfully completed.

The third and sixth rounds of the SBTS and TBTS projects, respectively, were joint initiatives between Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and 21 stakeholder breed associations. Throughout the two projects, the five SBTS and TBTS extension officers have provided support to approximately 3,500 seedstock producer members of stakeholder breed associations, the majority of whom are located across the breadth of Australia (Figure 1).

Regional Forums, BullSELECT workshops and other industry events, to a combined audience of 9,500 individuals. n Over 435 written documents and articles,

including those published in SBTS & TBTS Updates and stakeholder breed association magazines. n 43 videos, including 30 short videos and 13

Major Achievements of the SBTS & TBTS Projects

SBTS & TBTS webinars.

The key achievements of the most recent phases of the SBTS and TBTS projects have been outlined below:

n Over 800 social media posts via the SBTS &

TBTS Facebook and Twitter accounts.

1. Genetic Progress

n Technical advice and support to the 21

One objective of both projects was to facilitate an increase in the rate of genetic improvement observed in stakeholder breed associations. Pleasingly, the rate of genetic improvement for both SBTS and TBTS stakeholder breed

stakeholder breed associations and their 3,500 seedstock producer members, including just over 500 individual herd consultations.

associations has increased over the duration of each project.

Of particular note is the rapid improvement in the rate of genetic gain between the 2019 and 2020 calving drops in

associations (Figure 3). With the impacts of the two projects

SBTS stakeholder breed associations (Figure 2), and between

likely to be observed over the next few years, we expect these

the 2018 and 2020 calving drops in TBTS stakeholder breed

trends will continue.

SBTS & TBTS provide a national extension network for genetic technologies for the Australian beef seedstock industry 1

SBTS STAKEHOLDERS - GENETIC PROGRESS

IN THIS ISSUE That’s A Wrap! 2016-2021 SBTS & TBTS Project Phases Successfully Completed

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The Lowdown on Longevity

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Beef Australia 2021

6

Get Social With SBTS & TBTS

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CALVING YEAR Figure 2. Genetic progress across the 1991 to 2020 calving drops for SBTS stakeholder breed associations, with the three phases of the SBTS project also shown.

BREEDPLAN Top Tips: Collecting Samples for DNA Testing

8 2. Extension Initiatives

Farewell Tim: TBTS Technical

Officer Tim Emery Returns to QDAF

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events included 26 SBTS & TBTS Regional Forums aimed at seedstock producers that were held at various locations around Australia, a number of BullSELECT that SBTS and TBTS project staff were invited to speak at. Project staff also wrote over 435 articles on a wide range of beef breeding and genetics topics, including those for the 10 editions of the SBTS & TBTS Update magazines that were published

AGBU Director Dr. Rob Banks Steps Down

and their commercial bull-buying clients. Together, SBTS and TBTS project staff

workshops aimed at commercial producers and numerous other industry events

New Selection Index Documentation Released

resources for and providing a range of extension activities to seedstock producers presented at a total 225 events to a combined audience of 9,500 individuals. These

‘WagyuEdge 2021 Conference and Tour

Extension personnel were kept busy over the past five years developing numerous

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over the duration of the project. SBTS and TBTS personnel also provided over 150 articles for stakeholder breed association magazines.

ABRI Celebrates 50 Years of Operation 14

TBTS STAKEHOLDERS - GENETIC PROGRESS

Second Round of ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ Short Videos Released

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BREEDPLAN Top Tips: Storing Samples for Future DNA Testing 17 Optimise Joining Using MateSel 17

CALVING YEAR Accessing Support in Application of Genetic Technologies

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Figure 3. Genetic progress across the 1991 to 2020 calving drops for TBTS stakeholder breed associations. The six phases of the TBTS project are also shown.

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Figure 1. The majority of SBTS & TBTS stakeholder breed association members were located across Australia and New Zealand.

With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, the development

reports (once available) via the following link: https://www.

of e-media resources became a greater focus for extension

mla.com.au/research-and-development/search-rd-reports/.

personnel, especially as opportunities to deliver in-person

Future Technical Support and Extension

events remained scarce. SBTS and TBTS project personnel

While opportunities for renewed project funding are still

developed 30 short videos, including those for the

being explored, the SBTS & TBTS extension teams would like

‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ short video series, over the

to reassure our readers that we will continue to be available

last 18 months of the two projects. Thirteen webinars were

to provide technical advice and support. SBTS and TBTS

also delivered. Many of the project resources were shared

resources will remain available via the project websites, and the

via the SBTS & TBTS social media channels, with project

team will continue to develop additional resources as needed.

staff making over 800 social media posts throughout the

We hope to share information about the future structure of the

projects.

two projects with you all soon.

3. Additional Project Achievements A further achievement of the SBTS project was the development of a ‘Beef Genetics Champions Network’ for extension personnel and others involved in beef genetics extension, with three events (in 2019, 2020 and 2021) successfully delivered for this group.

The most recent phase of the TBTS project also focused on supporting the BIN projects being conducted by multiple stakeholder breed associations, particularly in regard to data collection and submission. The TBTS project also supported the Repronomics project by disseminating results out to industry, with a particular focus on increasing the uptake and use of fertility traits, such as Days to Calving, and genomics information in Northern Australia.

Final reports for the SBTS and TBTS projects are still being finalised and will be made publicly available at a later date.

For those of you interested in reading further details about the achievements of the latest SBTS (P.PSH.0714) and TBTS (P.PSH.0786) projects, we encourage you to access these 3

The Lowdown on Longevity

O

ne question that is asked regularly is why the BREEDPLAN analysis does not include a Longevity EBV. The primary reason for the absence of this

EBV is a lack of data of sufficient quality. There are also some questions as to whether a single Longevity EBV is the best approach to measure the productive life of beef cattle. This article aims to discuss these points whilst also encouraging greater recording of the relevant data.

The merits of increasing longevity in cattle production are obvious. Increasing the longevity of cows means that they remain in the herd for longer. This allows the number of replacement heifers to be reduced, leading to lower replacement costs and increased income as more heifers are available for sale. Older cows also tend to have higher rebreeding rates, less calving difficulty and be better mothers in general (including maternal behaviour and milk production). Bull replacement costs will also be reduced if bulls are retained to older ages. Partially

insufficient animal disposal data has been submitted to allow

offsetting these gains is the loss in potential genetic progress

the calculation of a Longevity EBV in BREEDPLAN.

as the average age of cows and/or bulls gets older (increasing

There are also some risks involved with the recording of and

generation interval), though this will be more apparent in

selection based on longevity data. The first is where bull breeding

seedstock than commercial herds. The loss in potential genetic

herds have different selection criteria to the commercial herds that

progress occurs where older cows and bulls are retained at

ultimately use the bulls. For instance, most bull breeding herds will

the expense of younger replacements with superior genetics

have access to more records, be it parentage, genetic conditions

(assuming genetic progress is being made in the herd).

and/or EBVs, and these will influence the decisions made to keep a cow or not. Thus the criteria used to determine whether a cow

Recording of Longevity Data

is retained, will be different in seedstock herds as opposed to

Since 2013, BREEDPLAN has enabled the recording of female

commercial herds. This will reduce the value in commercial herds

disposal information via the Days to Calving (DtC) data

of a longevity trait that is defined in seedstock herds under different

submissions (Excel templates and BREEDPLAN compatible

selection criteria. Additionally, a Longevity EBV may promote

herd recording computer programs). Utilising the DtC data

recording and selection practices that could be detrimental, e.g., if

submission system was preferred as both traits require the date

herds retained older cows in order to record how long they remain

and reason for cow disposal. Research at the time found that

productive. This approach reduces the genetic progress possible

the existing cow disposal data provided to the breed societies

across all traits as the number of genetically superior (assuming

via cow inventories was insufficient due to the lack of detail

genetic progress is being made) younger animals coming into

on the reasons why individual cows were disposed. These

their herd is reduced. The genetic diversity of the herd will also be

reasons are important to determine whether the reason for

reduced due to the presence of more siblings and parent offspring

cow disposal had a genetic basis or not (e.g. if removed due

pairs, which in turn further reduces the potential genetic progress

to performance or due to injury). More detail about recording

and increases the inbreeding in the herd.

female disposal data can be found in the ‘Recording Days to Calving Information’ tip sheet, available via the Help Centre

Selection on a single Longevity trait versus component traits

on the BREEDPLAN website. This can be found by typing ‘Longevity’ into the Help Centre search.

When one considers the longevity of cows and bulls in a herd,

Before an EBV for a new trait can be published, genetic

there are a number of traits that contribute to when these animals

evaluation systems such as BREEDPLAN require thousands

leave the herd. Most longevity style EBVs/EPDs have identified

of records to determine the trait’s genetic architecture. This

that the failure of a cow to get pregnant is the leading cause of

genetic architecture includes calculating how much of the

cows leaving a herd, while other traits that affect longevity of

variation in the new trait is due to genetics (heritability) and

both cows and bulls include structural failure, temperament,

the relationship with other traits in the analysis. To date,

health, calf performance, body condition and/or age. The multi4

faceted composition of longevity raises questions about whether BREEDPLAN CODES USED TO RECORD FEMALE DISPOSAL INFORMATION

it would be better to select directly on the component traits than on the composite trait that is longevity. There are BREEDPLAN EBVs available for some of these component traits in breeds with sufficient data collected and, for those where access to these

The codes that are used to record a female disposal event in Days to Calving data submissions can be found in the ‘Recording Days to Calving Information’ tip sheet, available via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website. Some commonly used female disposal codes are:

EBVs is not yet available, phenotypic selection (based on visual appraisal) is also possible, although less effective.

Selecting on a composite trait like longevity, rather than on its individual component traits, has a number of downsides. The first issue is control. Direct selection allows the emphasis to be

A - Cast for age

applied directly to the component traits that are causing issues

C - Calving incident (e.g. dystocia, prolapsed etc.)

in your and/or your bull buying clients’ herds. For example, if the major cause of cows being removed from the herd is due

D - Disease (e.g. pesti, eye cancer etc.)

to them not rearing a calf every year, then it is logical to put

F - Not in calf (i.e. failed preg test or did not calve)

more selection pressure directly on fertility (e.g. via the Days to

J - Cull unjoined heifer surplus to requirements

Calving EBV) and/or ease of calving traits (e.g. via the Calving

P - Poor performance (e.g. poor milking, low body condition etc.)

Ease EBVs). If bull structural failure is an issue, then more emphasis should be placed on the Structural Soundness EBVs

Q - Appearance (type, colour, markings, Society standards etc.)

if available, or structural scoring/visual appraisal if these EBVs are not currently available for your breed.

S - Structural problem (e.g. feet, legs, navel etc.)

The more traits that underpin a composite EBV, such as

T - Poor temperament

longevity, the higher the chance that selection for improvement

W - Calved but failed to rear calf to weaning

in one component may lead to other component traits moving in the wrong direction. The presence of antagonisms between

Y - Unknown cause

the component traits will decrease the heritability of the

Z - Accident (e.g. injury, drowned, poisoned etc.)

longevity trait, which in turn decreases the selection response possible for longevity. This is likely why international studies

traits and existing EBVs are modelled within the BreedObject

of longevity style traits have found they have heritabilities of

software. As such, the resulting BreedObject selection indexes

around 0.1, which is similar to the heritability of the Days to

account for longevity through correlated traits (e.g. fertility).

Calving trait (one of the lowlier heritable BREEDPLAN traits).

Therefore, when beef producers use these selection indexes as

A comparison of longevity and Days to Calving is made more

part of an animal selection strategy (see article on page 12),

valid given the key role of fertility in determining cow longevity.

Furthermore, antagonistic interactions may also exist between

longevity is factored in.

longevity and existing BREEDPLAN EBVs. This demonstrates

Summary

why it is important to know the genetic architecture of the

This article demonstrates the importance of, and how to

longevity trait before such an EBV is released to the industry.

record, female disposal information to enable research into a

Although BREEDPLAN does not currently have a Longevity

Longevity EBV for BREEDPLAN. Specifically, the importance

EBV available, the relationships between the trait, its component

of recording the reason why an animal was culled or died is highlighted. One of the benefits of evaluating longevity as a single trait is that it only requires the recording of a single data record, which contrasts with the need to collect data for each of the component traits (e.g. fertility, structural soundness etc.) separately. The cost of only recording a single longevity trait is the loss of control and loss of selection accuracy over which specific component traits are being improved. EBV selection for most longevity component traits is already possible via BREEDPLAN for breeds that have collected and submitted sufficient data for these traits. Phenotypic selection is also an option, although less accurate, for those that do not yet have access to all of the longevity component trait EBVs. 5

Beef Australia 2021

S

BTS and TBTS staff once again had the pleasure of being involved in the triennial beef industry showcase event, Beef Australia, held in Rockhampton on 2-8 May.

SBTS and TBTS staff took the opportunity early in the week to attend several property tours. The two tours that the team chose to attend were properties of two seedstock producers that are advocates of BREEDPLAN, which they have used successfully to improve their herd’s performance. Both were put forward to host Beef Australia property tours by Paul in his role as Breed Society representative on the property tour organising committee.

On the Monday, Paul, Catriona and Tim took the opportunity to travel to Belah Valley Marlborough, home of CBV Brahmans run by Alf Collins. Here they listened to guest speakers ranging from researchers, agricultural advisors to producers who gave an insight into the importance of reproduction, genetics, and running a profitable business. An amazing display of around 1000 cattle, split into different mobs, were in the yards and nearby paddocks. Alf explained why the cattle were in those mobs, which varied from cows that had had 6 calves in a row right through to young future sires.

TBTS Technical Officer Paul Williams at the Jarrah Cattle Company Property Tour at Beef Australia 2021.

On Tuesday, Boyd and Paul hopped on a bus and headed to “Glenarchy” Banana, the home of Jarrah Cattle Company, where they were greeted by hosts Sam, Sarah and the extended

moving on to the homestead for morning tea. After morning tea they were shown both Hereford and Jarrah Red cows and calves before spending time looking over this year’s sale

Becker family. On arrival there was a drive around the property showcasing the pastures, yearling heifers and older sires before

The week-long trade stall in the Durack Pavilion offered an opportunity for SBTS and TBTS staff to catch up with beef producers and other industry service providers.

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bulls and discussing how the Becker family run a vertically integrated beef cattle operation consisting of commercial, trade and bull breeding herds. The Becker family led discussions on the importance of succession planning within a business and a panel session after lunch to finish the day.

The week-long trade stall in the Durack Pavilion, shared with BREEDPLAN and HerdMASTER, allowed SBTS and TBTS staff to catch up with producers and industry service providers.

With COVID-19 restrictions having prevented face-to-face meetings in 2020, it was a great opportunity to see everyone in person. It was encouraging to have numerous seedstock producers (both new and long-standing) reach out and wanting to learn more about the benefits of BREEDPLAN and what exactly is involved (e.g. submitting data, contemporary groups etc).

Throughout the week, SBTS and TBTS staff took the opportunity to attend seminars relating to genetics and reproduction and visit stakeholder trade sites to talk to breed society staff and members. The team also attended a number of meetings and functions, which helped to establish new networks and build on existing ones.

Once again, our team thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to chat with beef producers and industry service providers from around

Some of the cattle on display at the CBV Brahman Property Tour at Beef Australia 2021.

Australia and are looking forward to doing it all again in 2024!

Get Social With SBTS & TBTS SOCIAL MEDIA

B

eef producers can keep up to date with the latest developments in genetic technologies and the activities of SBTS and TBTS by following SBTS and TBTS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

http://facebook.com/SBTSTBTS

Articles and information on upcoming events (e.g. webinar series, BullSELECT workshops) are routinely posted on Facebook and Twitter.

The YouTube channel contains video presentations from past webinar series and short ‘Understanding BREEDPLAN EBVs’ video clips.

http://twitter.com/SBTSTBTS

TO FOLLOW > SBTS and TBTS on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube simply go to the SBTS or TBTS website and click on the relevant icon, or go directly to the SBTS & TBTS Facebook account at http://facebook.com/ SBTSTBTS, Twitter account at http://twitter.com/SBTSTBTS or YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/sbtstbts.

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http://youtube.com/user/sbtstbts

BREEDPLAN Top Tips: Collecting Samples for DNA Testing

T

here are several different sample types that you can collect on your animals for DNA testing purposes.

While you should choose the most convenient for your

n Semen samples can be collected from mature bulls.

individual circumstances, be aware that some sample types

it can be used to procure DNA when the physical animal

While other sample types can be collected when bulls are still immature, one advantage of a semen sample is that

can only be collected once an animal reaches a certain age. In

is not readily available (e.g. overseas and/or deceased

general:

sires). Semen straws should be thawed prior to postage;

n Tissue sampling units (TSUs) can be used from birth

however, they should not be left to sit at room temperature

onwards. TSUs allow beef producers to collect an ear plug

for prolonged periods of time. Semen straws should also

sample from their animals using a specialised applicator

be protected to prevent damage while in transit; placing

gun. TSUs are often collected in conjunction with calf

each straw inside an empty pen is a good option. If sending

tagging and have a unique barcode system that can be

multiple straws, each should be placed into a separate sealed

linked to the animal ID tags (including NLIS tags). This

plastic bag to prevent contamination of all straws should

barcoding system, along with machine processing, means

one break in the post. Please note that only unopened

that sample mix-ups are less likely than for other sample

semen straws can be processed.

types. TSUs can be shipped at room temperature; however,

No matter the sample type you decide to use for DNA

once the tissue samples have been collected, TSUs are not

testing, remember that it will take time for the samples to be

suitable for long term storage in a home environment.

processed by the genotype service provider and for results

n Hair samples can be collected once animals are aged

(i.e. parentage and/or genetic conditions) to be returned for

60 days or older. Hair samples are collected by pulling

you. Single-Step BREEDPLAN results (currently available for

approximately 40 hairs from the tail switch of an animal.

Angus, Brahman, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and Wagyu) will

These hairs should be clean (i.e. free from any foreign matter

take some additional time as they must wait to go through

such as manure) and dry. As the DNA is contained in the

the next scheduled BREEDPLAN analysis. For those wanting

root bulb, it is important that hair samples are pulled rather

Single-Step BREEDPLAN results for sale catalogues, it is

than cut. Collecting hair samples from calves younger than

recommended that genotypes are sent in at least six months

60 days of age is not recommended as the hair roots are still

in advance of the analysis for which you plan to extract sale

developing. Instead, hair samples are commonly collected at marking and/or weaning. Hair samples are also suitable

catalogue information. This gives you some leeway in case re-

for long term storage at room temperature.

sampling is required.

Tissue sampling units (TSUs), pictured, can be used to collect DNA samples.

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Farewell Tim: TBTS Technical Officer Tim Emery Returns to QDAF

F

TBTS project manager, Steve Skinner, said “Tim’s inclusion in

ollowing a successful secondment with the TBTS project, Tim Emery has returned to his position as a Beef Extension Officer with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF). In his nearly five years with TBTS, Tim worked closely with the commercial beef sector in northern Australia to explain the benefits and encourage the use of BREEDPLAN information in animal selection decisions. This role kept Tim on the road as he presented at many workshops and events across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Tim also worked alongside TBTS Technical Officer Paul Williams to support the northern Australian seedstock industry, often presenting at Regional Forums and other SBTS & TBTS events.

the TBTS project has been very successful, providing more scope for increasing the adoption of BREEDPLAN technologies by seedstock and commercial breeders in Northern Australia. Tim is a very effective communicator with high energy; attributes that are essential for effective extension positions. ABRI has appreciated his involvement and look forward to continuing to work closely with QDAF staff.”

The SBTS & TBTS team wish Tim well as he returns to QDAF and look forward to working with him in his current role.

TBTS Technical Officer Tim Emery presenting to a group of beef producers during his time with the project.

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WagyuEdge 2021 Conference and Tour

A

marquee industry event, two years in the making after a tumultuous 2020 thanks to COVID-19. A privilege to meet again with 400 delegates face to face and an

additional 60 online, a first for WagyuEdge to be fully streamed online to our global audience.

The conference focused on providing insights into the Wagyu supply chain within our shores and beyond, involving many high-class speakers to deliver three days of magnificent talks and demonstrations. Included were the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition awards where records were broken in our biggest competition to date, along with a highly successful Elite Wagyu Sale. The WagyuEdge tour followed, with a 3.5-day trip through central QLD ending in Rockhampton, visiting some of the best, operations throughout.

The conference was kicked off by the launch of the AWA 20212031 Progeny Test Program (PTP), a program set to drive the Global Wagyu sector into the future. AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh said that over the last five years there has been an

Dr Rob Banks, AGBU, presented research findings on the Australian Wagyu population and prefectural structure on day one of the WagyuEdge 2021 Conference.

80% increase in growth trait recording and 135% in carcase trait recording, highlighting that performance recording drives genetic evaluation.

that we shouldn’t be naïve about our opponents however we

In launching this program, AWA Genetic Projects Manager,

also shouldn’t listen to everything we hear.

Laura Penrose highlighted a foundation of two partnerships

We were joined by Mr Scott Richardson, Managing Director,

which would assist in delivering this program - Zoetis and

Stone Axe Pastoral Company to address the Stone Axe journey

Vetoquinol. Dr Sophie Edwards, Marketing and Technical

and how it became what it is today. Their vision at inception was

Manager for Vetoquinol joined us to speak about accelerate

to be an Australia Fullblood Wagyu herd, producing a premium

the genetic resources of the breeding and how Vetoquinol can

product in an environmentally and animal-friendly way.

support producers in achieving their breeding outcomes.

The Australian Country Choice group of companies is now

Day one also welcomed Dr Rob Banks and Dr Kirsty Moore

the largest vertically integrated, family owned beef and cattle

from the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU). Dr Banks

company in Australia, and globally. It’s a fourth-generation

delivered findings from their research into the Australian

family owned business, and is now lead by Anthony Lee,

Wagyu population and prefectural structure. Dr Moore

CEO ACC. Mr Lee discussed the ACC diversification, with

has been pivotal in the analysis of the Net Feed Intake data

200,000 head on 2 million acres. 55,000 head in three feedlots

which has come from Kerwee lot feeders. The evening saw

and 350,000 head processed annually through their very own

our welcome function along with the announcement of the

processing plant in Cannon Hill. The ACC Wagyu program

Inaugural AWA Net Feed Intake Awards.

was a highlight of his talk.

Day two started with a market overview for premium beef

Arthur Dew’s, Longford Station is well respected for its

exports by Jason Strong, Managing Director, Meat & Livestock

Fullblood cattle, producing some of the best Wagyu bulls in the

Australia. Over the past 18 months, the world has significantly

country as well as a long standing live export market with Japan.

changed in terms of red meat supply and demand and the

An early pioneer in the industry, Arthur has a commitment to

industry is not keeping up with our commentary and analysis

improving the genetics of the Australian herd. Arthur joined

of what’s truly happening. Highlighting that globally there are

us to speak about the development of the Longford herd and

many consumers who can afford premium beef products and

where they are headed.

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Mr Jeremy Cooper was the recipient of the 2019 AWA

third largest meat producer in Japan and have just launched

Fellowship, he joined us to speak about his learnings from his

their brand “Eight Blossom Beef ”, partnering with Australian

time spent in Japan and looking at implementing them here

Wagyu producers to grow their business.

in Australia. Mr Coopers fellowship research was looking at

With COVID restrictions not allowing our international

variations in early life nutrition between Australia and Japan

delegates and speakers to attend, we turned to technology to

and how it can be applied to the Wagyu industry in Australia.

hear from Brian Angus of Woodview Wagyu, or better known

The most important takeaway is that Wagyu in Japan are a

as Mr. Wagyu South Africa, about his journey to establishing

national treasure, and they are cared for in a way which almost

Wagyu production in South Africa. Woodview Wagyu Beef

eliminates environmental factors, which we can’t do here in

focuses on quality and integrity through the Wagyu South

Australia.

Africa certification program.

Day two was concluded by a session focusing on research

Australian Agricultural Company is Australia’s oldest

updates in Japanese Black cattle, with Professor Takafumi

continuously operating company, established in 1824 and

Gotoh and Professor Kenji Oyama joining us online from

they are committed to innovative environmental management

Japan. They discussed changing production systems in japan

which protects their resources and focus heavily on rigorous and

and genetic improvement of Japanese black cattle.

continuous improvement. Their research and advancements in

Dr Brendon O’Rourke from Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural

their poll production program have been at the forefront for

Institute and discusses the importance of DNA testing to

them for a number of years. Matius Saurez, AACo Regional

establish genetic recessive conditions, where there is a total of

Manager Breeding and Genetics, said that they always aim

168 conditions in all beef cattle, 12 of which are relevant to

to make use of the most advanced, innovative technologies

Wagyu cattle.

available.

Starzen Australia is part of the global Starzen Company and

Peter Gilmore, Managing Director, Irongate Wagyu says that

their goal is to become a global company that delivers everyday

the essential tools to the Irongate Wagyu business are Matesel,

happiness through our food value chain. Kosuke (Johnny)

Data Capture, Data Analytics, the 1%’s and a Concept Beef

Shimazoe, Director, Starzen Australia and Kosuke (Oscar)

Brand. Mr Gilmore attributes their ability to achieve a 1.2kg

Kuroda, Sales Manager, Starzen Australia joined us live and discussed the Starzen operation. In Japan the operation

ADG over the 14 days of yard weaning, to their use of creep

includes 7 processing plants for beef and pork alongside 5

feeding. Mr Gilmore joined us live online to deliver his exciting

manufacture plants and 5 retail pack plants. Starzen are the

WagyuEdge presentation.

WagyuEdge 2021 tour attendees visited a number of Wagyu operations throughout central Queensland over their 3.5 day tour.

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New Selection Index Documentation Released

I

n recent months, the SBTS & TBTS extension team, in conjunction with BREEDPLAN staff, have reviewed the BREEDPLAN tip sheets relating to selection indexes. A

A BREEDPLAN GUIDE TO ANIMAL SELECTION

number of new tip sheets, both general and breed specific, are now available in the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website.

BREEDPLAN recommends using selection indexes

The general selection index tip sheets are:

(where available) as part of a selection strategy

1. An Introduction to Selection Indexes

which also includes other selection tools (e.g. EBVs

and visual assessment). By initially ranking animals

This tip sheet introduces BreedObject selection indexes,

using an appropriate selection index, beef producers

outlines what selection indexes are available, and explains

ensure balanced selection for traits important to their

how to interpret selection indexes. It also provides a brief

production system. The BREEDPLAN best practice

guide to using selection indexes in animal selection.

guide to animal selection is to:

2. A BREEDPLAN Guide to Animal Selection

1. Identify the selection index of most relevance to

This tip sheet provides a detailed best practice guide

you.

to using BREEEDPLAN information, alongside other selection tools, for animal selection. Advice on pre-sale

2. Rank animals using the chosen selection index.

preparation for bull buyers is also provided.

3. Consider the individual EBVs of importance.

Two breed specific tip sheets are also available and replace the

4. Consider other traits of importance.

previous ‘Interpreting Breed Selection Indexes’ tip sheet. These are:

For

1. Using Breed Selection Indexes

further

information,

please

see

the

‘A

BREEDPLAN Guide to Animal Selection’ tip sheet, available via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN

This tip sheet provides you and your commercial clients

website.

with a reference guide to assist in the identification of the most relevant selection index for your (or your clients) production system(s). This tip sheet includes an overview

2. Breed Selection Indexes: Technical Specifications

of the available breed society selection indexes and a guide

to using these in animal selection.

This tip sheet has been designed for those of you who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the technical specifications for each of the available selection indexes. This tip sheet provides an overview of the BreedObject selection index development process. The blue profit driver graph, the red EBV weightings graph and the green predicted response graph for each selection index, as were available in the previous ‘Interpreting Breed Selection Index’ tip sheets, can also be found here.

We encourage you to consider sharing these new selection index tip sheets with your commercial bull buying clients, particularly the ‘A BREEDPLAN Guide to Animal Selection’ and the relevant ‘Using Breed Selection Indexes’ tip sheets.

You are welcome to link to these tip sheets via your own websites and/or social media sites. You may also wish to reference these tip sheets in your sale catalogues. If doing so, it is recommended that you link directly to the version located on the BREEDPLAN website, rather than host a local copy on your own server. This will ensure that any future updates to the tip sheets are automatically captured.

12

AGBU Director Dr. Rob Banks Steps Down

D

r. Rob Banks, Director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) since 2012, has stepped down.

Established in 1976 and based in Armidale, AGBU is

a joint venture between the University of New England (UNE) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. With a large team of research scientists working across a range of livestock industries, AGBU is a world leader in R&D for genetic evaluation and improvement systems, including BREEDPLAN. Rob will be well known to many of our readers, both through his time as Director of AGBU and through his previous industry roles. These include nearly 25 years with Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), where Rob undertook a number of roles including time as a Project Manager for the

Dr Rob Banks, Director of the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, has recently stepped down.

genetics R&D program, and Southern Australian Manager where he was responsible for overall supervision of the

significant since the launch of BREEDPLAN in 1985. One such

southern Australia on-farm R&D program. Rob also led the

major advancement has been the introduction of single-step

development of the LAMBPLAN genetic evaluation system

genomic analysis which provides significant potential for faster

for the Australian Meat Sheep Industry in the late 1980s and

genetic progress with direct benefit to the livestock industry.”

into the 1990s.

“The AGBU team have done really great work to deliver

During Rob’s tenure as Director of AGBU, genomics has

this advance, and I know that they will continue to deliver

emerged as the major advancement in the genetic improvement

outstanding R&D for the industry under the Acting Director Dr.

of Australia’s livestock industries. Rob has overseen the AGBU

Steve Miller.”

team as they worked to develop and implement these new

Over his tenure as Director of AGBU, Rob and his team

technologies into Australian sheep and beef genetic evaluation

have worked closely with ABRI staff, including BREEDPLAN

analyses.

and SBTS & TBTS extension staff. The SBTS & TBTS team

“It has been a great privilege to work with the AGBU team

thank Rob for his support of beef genetics extension during

during the past 8+ years,” says Rob. “We have seen profound

his time at AGBU and extend our best wishes for his future

changes in our operation environment which have been the most

endeavours.

13

ABRI Celebrates 50 Years of Operation

E

arlier this year, the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) celebrated a milestone achievement of 50-years of operation.

advancements being developed by the university and

ABRI’s humble beginnings date back to July of 1970, with

its establishment, in 1972, when ABRI was announced as

the technology being used within agricultural and rural industries. The first significant achievement came soon after the operator of Australia's National Beef Recording Scheme

ABRI’s founder, the late Dr. Arthur Rickards OAM and his colleagues setting out to establish a technology transfer unit

(NBRS).

at the University of New England (UNE). At the time this was

One of the first major software advancements by ABRI was

considered an ambitious move, but with Arthur’s pioneering

in 1985, using a very advanced system of genetic evaluation

spirit, ABRI was established.

of beef cattle that was developed by UNE’s Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU). ABRI gave the technique the product

Arthur had initially worked for the UNE Farm Management

name of BREEDPLAN, and together with AGBU, developed a

Service Centre (FMSC) which was run between 1965 and 1970. The FMSC provided comparative analysis services of

BREEDPLAN suite of genetic evaluation software.

farm records to farm management and consulting professions.

Well ahead of its time, ABRI worked to digitise livestock

Arthur was instrumental in extending the centre’s work of

performance records, using the power of the computer to

forward planning using linear programming techniques.

analyse data. Before BREEDPLAN, the only way to assess the worth of a bull was to look at it and make educated guesses

It was during his time in this role that Arthur saw an infrastructure gap between the research conducted by the

about its traits, or to draw on a breeder’s hand-written records.

UNE and its application into farming practices. Arthur set out

ABRI built a system that drew on objective measurements of how

to establish ABRI, with a mission to close this gap.

a bull’s offspring performed, then fed those measurements into a

ABRI was created as a national agribusiness service

computer to build a comparison of how the calves thrown by a

which facilitated a connection between the technological

bull compared with the calves of all the other bulls in the database.

Ian Locke (ABRI Chair) with Hugh Nivison (ABRI Managing Director) and Deidre Rickards at the Armidale celebrations.

14

Current and former BREEDPLAN extension staff catch up at the Rockhampton celebrations.

L-R Catriona Millen, Alex McDonald, Tim Emery, John Bertram, Don Nicol, Boyd Gudex and Paul Williams.

Farmers had been keeping their own similar records for centuries, but digitisation meant that many more records could be analysed, at a greater level of complexity. It was an example of “Big Data” analysis decades before the term Big Data was invented.

After 50 years of data collection, across millions of animals, across an ever-expanding list of traits, BREEDPLAN is working with billions of data points and delivering results that ABRI could only have dreamed about in early 70s.

In addition to BREEDPLAN, ABRI provide a wide range of agribusiness information products and services to the domestic and international livestock industries, catering to a variety of

SBTS Technical Officer Boyd Gudex with BREEDPLAN's Nicky Turner and Maddy Taylor at the Armidale celebrations.

species, from beef and dairy cattle to sheep to goats, horses, elk, alpaca, buffalo, and wildlife.

Currently, ABRI has over 60 employees and is under the leadership of managing director, Mr Hugh Nivison.

“ABRI software led the world in 1972, and it still leads now, even though we have much more competition. The work that was done for the beef industry 50 years ago built a platform for innovation and value that has revolutionised not just the cattle industry, but livestock industries across the world.” Hugh said.

To celebrate their 50-year anniversary, ABRI hosted two events.

The first in Rockhampton, coinciding with Beef Australia 2021 and the second in Armidale, where ABRI was established and

Tim Emery, Anastasia Fanning (ABBA), Paul Williams, Catriona Millen and Steve Skinner at the Rockhampton celebrations.

its head office remains.

15

Second Round of ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ Short Videos Released

T

he Southern (SBTS) and Tropical (TBTS) Beef Technology Services projects are pleased to announce the release of seven short videos for the ‘Recording for

people prefer to receive information via visual or audio means.

“In developing the ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ videos, we wanted to provide a visual learning tool that will complement

BREEDPLAN’ video series. Ranging from three to six minutes

the existing written documentation”.

in length, each video gives a short overview of the methods and considerations when recording performance information

It is also anticipated that the ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’

for BREEDPLAN traits. These seven videos compliment the

short videos will be of use to beef producers who wish to

12 ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ videos that were released in

quickly refresh their knowledge around recording a particular

August 2020.

trait. “Breeders may watch the relevant video before heading out

These seven videos are:

to the yards to collect that trait,” she said.

1.

Recording Mature Cow Weights

2.

Recording Docility Scores

3.

Recording Flight Time

4.

Recording Buffalo Fly Lesion Scores

5.

Recording Coat Scores

n A dedicated playlist on the SBTS & TBTS YouTube channel.

6.

Recording Tick Scores

The SBTS & TBTS team wish to thank the following studs who

7.

Recording Structural Soundness Information

provided photos and video footage for use in the ‘Recording for

SBTS Technical Officer, Catriona Millen, said that while there

BREEDPLAN’ video series: Glendale Gelbvieh and Red Angus

All ‘Recording for BREEDPLAN’ short videos are available via: n The searchable Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website,

and,

are a number of written resources on recording performance

Stud, Gyranda Santa Gertrudis Stud, Seifert Belmont Reds, Vix

data for BREEDPLAN (e.g. the BREEDPLAN Tip Sheets), some

Devons and Wirruna Poll Herefords.

16

BREEDPLAN Top Tips: Storing Samples for Future DNA Testing

T

he long term storage of DNA samples, both for animals with samples already submitted for testing and for those where no DNA testing is envisioned in the near

n Future testing on untested animals (alive or dead). The

storage of samples collected on every animal in the herd allows future testing of any animal if any questions

future, is highly recommended. Done correctly, the DNA

regarding parentage and/or genetic condition status arise.

samples can stored at very low cost and provide ‘insurance’

This includes future genetic conditions that we are not yet

against a number of eventualities including:

aware of.

n Retest required. A small number of samples will require

retesting before a valid DNA result can be obtained.

Of the three main types of DNA samples available (see

Therefore, the collection and storage of a second spare

‘BREEDPLAN Top Tips: Collecting Samples for DNA Testing’

sample when the first is collected allows a resample to

in this magazine), hair samples are particularly well suited for

be sent to the laboratory without the need to muster the

cheap and convenient long term storage. It is recommended

animal back into the yards for resampling.

that the hair follicles are placed in clearly identified individual

n Further testing on already tested animals. Breeders may initially

paper envelopes and stored in the dark at room temperature

only perform one of the smaller DNA tests (e.g. parentage

(e.g. in an office draw or filling cabinet). The storage of hair

verification) but decide they want more DNA information

samples in plastic bags can lead to them 'sweating' and going

(e.g. genetic conditions or 100k genotype) in the future. There

mouldy which can adversely affect the DNA quality. Neither

is no guarantee that the laboratory will have sufficient sample remaining from the first submission, so having a second sample

semen straws nor TSU samples are recommended for long

in storage is convenient for resubmission.

term storage at room temperature.

Optimise Joining Using MateSel

S

MateSel is a valuable addition to the BREEDPLAN suite of tools that are offered by the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) in Armidale, NSW.

MateSel creates additional genetic progress within a breeding

Seedstock members interested in learning more about MateSel should visit the BREEDPLAN website or contact staff at SBTS or TBTS.

eedstock producers in Australia who are members of a breed society with a published Selection Index are encouraged to consider using the MateSel mating

optimisation tool when planning their upcoming joinings. program by generating a suggested mating list from a list of sires and dams that a seedstock producer nominates as being available for use within their upcoming joining program.

MateSel not only allows seedstock producers to maximise genetic progress whilst managing inbreeding, but will also save significant time previously spent compiling mating lists.

MateSel is fully customised to the breeding program of each individual seedstock operation with the seedstock producer choosing acceptable inbreeding limits by selecting one of three breeding strategies, “Genetic Diversity”, “Balanced” or “High Genetic Gain” and providing details of their desired breeding objective. Results from the MateSel analysis are returned promptly, usually within one working day.

17

Accessing Support in Application of Genetic Technologies

F

or support and assistance in the use and understanding of the different genetic technologies that are available, including BREEDPLAN, BreedObject Selection Indexes, Internet Solutions, Completeness of Performance, GeneProb, Mate Selection Software & DNA based tools, or to discuss any of the information included in this edition of the SBTS & TBTS Update, please contact one of the following SBTS & TBTS Technical Officers:

BOYD GUDEX (SBTS)

CATRIONA MILLEN (SBTS)

(02) 6773 1711

(02) 6773 3357

0437 468 159

0409 102 644

boyd@sbts.une.edu.au

catriona@sbts.une.edu.au

PAUL WILLIAMS (TBTS)

CAREL TESELING (SBTS)

(02) 8880 7703

(07) 4927 6066

0439 368 283

0427 018 982

carel@wagyu.org.au

paul@tbts.une.edu.au

IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON SBTS AND TBTS PLEASE CONTACT: Tropical Beef Technology Services Telephone: (07) 4927 6066 Email: office@tbts.une.edu.au Web: http://tbts.une.edu.au

Southern Beef Technology Services Telephone: (02) 6773 3555 Email: office@sbts.une.edu.au Web: http://sbts.une.edu.au 18