Pin-pointing northern Australia’s best breeding cattle

Beef tenderness under the research spotlight CRC science helps increase beef price premiums

Autumn 2007 Contents Pin-pointing northern Australia’s best breeding cattle...... 3 CRC science helps increase beef price premiums...... 4 Beef tenderness under the research spotlight...... 5 Beef identities draw strong crowd for 2007 Feeder Steer School...... 6 Maternal efficiency - Giving the girls more credit...... 7 Tailored on-farm strategies targeting market and regional specifications ...... 8 Editor’s Note Tough or tender? Politicians put to the test...... 10 Welcome to another edition of the Beef CRC Publications ...... 11 Beef Bulletin. Following a massive Beef Calendar of Events ...... 12 response to the most recent Beef Bulletin released in December 06 the Beef CRC will now generate four Beef Bulletins a year, Summer/Autumn/ Winter and Spring editions. If you missed the December edition you can find it at www.beefcrc.com.au then click on the Publications tab. There you will find the current and past Beef Bulletin editions. In this Autumn edition of the Beef Bulletin, the Beef CRC’s major research projects are featured including the latest from a project pin-pointing northern Australia’s best breeding cattle. In this story the first results aiming to make northern breeding herds significantly more profitable and productive using genetics are outlined and while there is still a long way to go before the research is fully complete, early signs are favourable. Beef tenderness is also under the Beef Bulletin spotlight. Tenderness is one of the most important traits influencing consumer preference for beef and this story outlines research underway by the Beef CRC to uncover some of the deeper truths about what influences tenderness in beef. And if you’re a southern cattle producer, feedlotter or processor, get ready for the release of seven years of research aimed at tailoring precision breeding and management strategies to target regional and market specifications for southern Australia. This edition ©2007 Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies. This of the Beef Bulletin will wet your book is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 appetite with a small taste before (Commonwealth), no part of this publication may be reproduced by any the full release of results to be made process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission public later this year. of the copyright owner. Neither may information be stored electronically Don’t forget, if you know of in any form whatsoever without such permission. Enquiries should be someone who would like to receive addressed to: the Beef Bulletin, please contact the Beef CRC Headquarters on (02) 6773 Beef CRC 3501 or [email protected] CJ Hawkins Homestead University of New England Enjoy the read and I do hope a bit ARMIDALE NSW 2351 of rain has found you over the past couple of months. AUSTRALIA [email protected] Disclaimer: Any information provided in this book is intended as source of  information only and is no advice, endorsement or recommendation. Warwick Fraser Pin-pointing Northern Australia’s best breeding cattle

he first results from research potential to create significant a long way to go, these initial aiming to make northern production and profit benefits for results are extremely promising,” Tbreeding herds significantly the producer.” Dr Hawken said. more profitable and productive using genetics have been received. “Currently animals are selected The next step according to Dr for breeding purposes based on Hawken will now involve ensuring The Beef Cooperative Research accuracy, determining how much Centre (CRC) project is focussed desired traits such as growth earlier heifers reach puberty, on increasing weaning rates, one and carcase and beef quality,” Dr discovering the associations of the most important components Hawken said. between genes for puberty and of profitable northern cattle “But this new research will allow subsequent cow breeding and re- production. cattle producers to use a DNA test breeding performance (to ensure Leading the research effort is Beef to remove some of the guesswork no unfavourable consequences CRC researcher, Dr Rachel Hawken from selecting the best breeding for either the cow or calf from of CSIRO, who is currently pin- females,” she said. earlier breeding) and validating pointing the genes the markers in other and gene markers cattle breeds. which affect the age at which heifers “The markers will reach puberty. Age …this new research will allow cattle now be validated of puberty is the producers to use a DNA test to remove against a larger earliest component some of the guesswork from selecting the population to ensure of reproductive best breeding females. the results are robust. performance in We will also take a Brahman cattle and closer look at these hence, one of the markers, in particular most important. Using the Beef CRCs extensive the neighbouring genome regions database of accurate measurements to identify any other variations in “Ideally northern cattle producers in tropically adapted cattle, Dr the DNA which may help explain want a female which reaches Hawken was able to extract the affect of age of puberty more puberty quickly, allowing her to information from almost 600 precisely,” Dr Hawken said. become pregnant and therefore Brahman animals which have been calve earlier, but without individually screened for 10,000 When completed, this research will compromising survival of the cow genetic markers. The genome (a form part of the Beef CRCs goal or the calf, or ignoring the cow’s complete set of the 10,000 genes) of increasing the gross revenue of reproductive performance after for each of these animals will be Australia’s beef industry by at least her initial calving” Dr Hawken analysed against the measured $179 million per annum. said. performance information to Project collaborators include CSIRO uncover the relevant DNA tests. “Using genetics, the Beef CRC’s Livestock Industries, Queensland research is developing a selection “Initial results, new to hand, have Department of Primary Industries tool to tailor production towards revealed a handful of markers and Fisheries, Animal Genetics breeding females with a younger closely associated with age of and Breeding Unit and University age of puberty, providing the puberty. While we still have of Queensland.

 CRC science helps increase beef price premiums

Meat and Livestock Australia pricing and qualitative information Qualitative information collected survey has found Meat from 70 non-MSA butchers, 30 in the survey includes individual Standards Australia (MSA) MSA butchers and 20 wholesalers cut performance for the month, as A per month from across Australia. well as specials, promotions and graded steak achieved a price premium 10 percent higher than Information will be collected weekly satisfaction with product quality. non-MSA steaks. throughout the month to ensure a The retail and wholesale pricing relative sample.” Mr Dart said. MSA is a unique beef grading system data will be provided to MLA on underpinned by Beef Cooperative A percentage of participants from a monthly basis. The survey will Research Centre science which, each state will be used in the sample provide the basis to accurately depending on how the beef is and will be weighted based on the track trends in the wholesale and cooked, guarantees tenderness. number of outlets in that state. retail sectors. According to MSA Manager, Information collected from butchers More than 100 MSA butchers Cameron Dart the price premiums and wholesalers includes prices for contributed to the most recent three were led by MSA cube rolls and whole carcase and broken carcase monthly survey which revealed 90% MSA butt fillets, which received 16% sales, carton sales and all cuts of of butchers selling MSA beef regard and 11% price premiums, MSA and non-MSA beef. the quality was ‘good to excellent’. respectively. When asked to rate the “MSA retailers in all usefulness of MSA point of sale material, 67% of states have reported The results reinforce the fact premiums for the popular MSA butchers said it was primals such as loin cuts that consumers are willing to ‘somewhat useful to very and rumps. The results pay more for quality useful’ and a further 11% reinforce the fact that noted that it was ‘extremely consumers are willing useful’. “The pricing information will to pay more for quality.” Mr Dart An independent economic study also help us highlight potential said. completed in 2006 by The Allen opportunities for adding value Consulting Group found MSA To help quantify the impact of MSA to other primals such as the delivered $244 million in price on beef pricing, MLA has employed knuckle and blade that can premiums for the cattle industry a leading research company to also achieve a premium when between 1999 and 2006. conduct national butcher and underpinned by MSA.” wholesaler pricing research. “Wholesalers in most states are also “The research is being conducted reporting consistent premiums for via telephone interviews to collect MSA carton beef,” Mr Dart said.

 Beef tenderness under the research spotlight

ave you ever wondered why opposite sides of the country as part of you can cut some steaks the project. The east coast herd, based in Hwith a butter knife, whilst New South Wales consists of Brahmans others test out the toughest of sourced from commercial and Beef teeth? CRC research herds across central Queensland and Angus cattle from Beef CRC has put the spotlight on beef the Glen Innes and Trangie Research tenderness, one of the most important traits influencing consumer preference Stations in NSW. for beef. The west coast herd features Brahmans The Tenderness Project is focussed from properties in Northern WA and on uncovering some of the deeper Angus cattle from Vasse Research truths about what influences Station south of Perth. tenderness in beef. According to Ms Cafe more than 2500 “We already know a lot of the weaners were DNA tested for genetic ingredients to producing tender markers associated with tenderness beef,” Beef CRC PhD student to find 400 animals which were Beef CRC PhD student Matt Wolcott ultrasound scanning Linda Cafe of the New South genetically ‘tender’ or ‘tough’. Brahmans at Glen Innes for fat depth, muscle area and Wales Department of Primary intramuscular fat. Industries said, “but less is known “Interactions between the genetic about the newer genetic markers marker for tenderness and a number Currently both herds have entered for tenderness.” of commercial traits are being feedlots following a six month studied,” Ms Cafe said. “For instance, backgrounding phase. The herds will “The project is investigating how new half of the herd will receive a growth tenderness markers work, and how be finished on a standard grain ration promotant (HGP) to allow studies on for between 80 to 110 days. After they interact with other management the interaction between HGPs and and processing options which will grain finishing the WA herd will be tenderness in animals with different slaughtered at Harvey Beef, and the allow a better understanding of their tenderness markers.” impact on muscle.” NSW herd at John Dee in Ms Cafe said. Queensland. “These tenderness “Comprehensive carcase markers are related The project is investigating how new and meat quality data will to genes controlling then be collected, including calpain and tenderness markers work, and how they specific measurements of calpastatin, two factors interact with other management and objective meat quality after known to be involved processing options… different ageing periods, and in protein breakdown consumer sensory testing,” in muscle, and which Ms Cafe said. also contribute to meat tenderisation (or ageing) after “The carcases with be hung slaughter.” Ms Cafe said. “This should be interesting considering conventionally or tenderstreched to HGPs and the tenderness genetic allow us to look at the interactions The Tenderness Project forms part markers work on the same protein between the processing option and the of the Beef CRCs ‘High quality beef system.” different tenderness markers” for global consumers’ program, research which is forecast to value add Information on growth rates, The study is supported by NSW DPI, Australia’s beef industry by at least temperament, feed efficiency and AgWA, Victorian DPI, Murdoch $43 million per annum. body composition will be collected in University, University of New England, Two separate cattle herds of around addition to the biological data revealed SARDI, CSIRO and University of 400 head have been established on from analysis of muscle samples. Queensland.

Feed time. Brahman and Angus cattle feeding from electronic feed intake recorders at the Beef CRC Research Feedlot, Tullimba

 Beef identities draw a crowd for Feeder Steer School

rganisers and participants of the Armidale Feeder Steer OSchool are calling the 2007 Feeder Steer School in Armidale another rousing success. More than 80 participants from across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria representing all levels of the cattle and feedlot industry attended the school, with a particular focus from the feedlot and stock agent sector. The program featured the beef industry’s biggest players delivering the latest Beef CRC research and practical skills to help improve the paddock to plate supply chain. Representatives from Australia’s Tom McLeish from TopX Longreach made it through rising floodwaters to attend largest cattle producer, the Australian Agricultural Company, Australia’s the feedlot industry or Brett Campbell him from attending the school. largest processor, Australian Meat of Australian Meat Holdings, the “We’ve had seven to eight inches Holdings and one of the countries biggest buyer, processor and exporter of rain at Longreach this month largest feedlots, Rangers Valley, of cattle in Australia.” addressed participants. (January), followed by another three Substantial feedlot industry growth to four inches, so I just made it out Beef CRC Extension Specialist, Bob in Queensland resulted in a sharp ahead of the rising floodwaters,” Mr Gaden of the New South Wales increase in the number of northern McLeish said. D e p a r t m e n t of Primary Mr McLeish said TopX Industries says management identified the ongoing There has been a dramatic increase in the the school as a good education opportunity. popularity of the domestic demand for beef and that has school confirms prompted resurgence in the domestic feedlot “There has been a that the right dramatic increase in- information is industry throughout Queensland. the domestic demand being delivered. for beef and that has “Word of prompted resurgence participants and was a key reason mouth about the school has been in the domestic feedlot industry why Tom McLeish, a stock and phenomenal, so we are obviously throughout Queensland,” he said. station agent with ‘TopX’ in hitting the mark.” Mr Gaden said. Longreach attended the school. “I hope to learn skills from this school “Not everyday do you hear the to allow me to give producers, from Mr McLeish told the Armidale President of the Australian Lot Feeders’ whom we source feedlot Express not even rising floodwaters Association, Malcolm Foster, offer his in western Queensland could stop cattle, relevant market information thoughts on the growing strength of and the best way they can meet that market.” The school was a mixture of young and old with teenager Andrew Black from Charters Towers making the long trip to take part. With an upcoming role planned in his family’s beef cattle operation, the school provided a valuable grounding. “It’s really good and I’m learning some things that will be pretty handy at home,” he told the Armidale Express between conscientious note taking. “We get a chance to look at new methods and better ways of doing things.” Planning has already begun for the  Andrew Black was the youngest participant in the Feeder Steer School 2008 Armidale Feeder Steer School. Giving the girls more credit

ulls get all the press, but it’s The performance of each animal in correlation between herds. At each cows who consume more these two herds will be regularly scanning, the industry cows will than 70 per cent of a herd’s monitored in feed environments be bled and checked for levels of Bfeed requirements, helping turn fluctuating between extremes of the IGF-1, which is an indicator of grass into calves. high and low nutrition. Net Feed Intake (NFI) efficiency. It’s a fact some feel is overlooked in the Assessment of how the cows adapt A subsidiary goal of the project industry’s emphasis on commercial to changing conditions will cover is to identify a trait or genetic traits like lean meat yield. not only physiological changes, like marker to indicate NFI, without fat cover, ovarian activity and calf Investigating these concerns, a the great expense of measuring birth and weaning weights; but also individual animal feed intake comprehensive Beef CRC project hormone profiles, metabolic factors over a 70+ day period. across southern Australia is like glucose and fatty acid levels, examining whether bull selection and certain genetic markers. “NFI is currently very hard to strategies impact on measure in animals “maternal efficiency” in the paddock, so in fundamental areas we’re looking for like fertility and the A comprehensive Beef CRC project is other indicators,” ability to wean a calf. examining whether bull selection strategies Mr Graham says. “If we continue to impact on maternal efficiency. Mr Graham also favour bull selection notes that while the using commercial research herds will traits like yield and Pasture monitoring will be linked to have pre-arranged nutritional feed efficiency, are we getting animal performance for a gauge of changes imposed upon them, females that are less maternal?” asks feed conversion efficiency. Beef CRC Researcher John Graham, the scanning times mean that A second component of the project of the Victorian Department of the industry cows will also be involves 8000 BREEDPLAN- Primary Industries. recorded at seasonal extremes of recorded cows in the national feed availability. Mr Graham says it’s a question beef herd - 4000 Angus, and 2000 that’s being asked within the beef each of Hereford and Shorthorn “It means we can look for traits that industry, and which the Beef CRC - and is looking at changes in body enable some animals to effectively Maternal Efficiency project hopes to composition across seasons. use body reserves, or put those resolve by assessing 500 females in reserves back on as feed becomes Intramuscular fat (IMF) levels and available,” Mr Graham says. a research station environment, and fat score will be recorded using live 8000 out in the field in commercial animal scans in these cows twice a “By 2010, the beef industry will herds. year for two years. These industry have a better picture of how popular Two specially selected research herds cows are now undergoing their commercial traits are impacting on are being used in Western Australia first scan as yearlings; they will the cow herd - if they are having an and South Australia, each carrying be scanned again just before their effect - and perhaps be on the way 250 cows with known BREEDPLAN first calf, at that calf’s weaning, and to having some extra traits to help values for either high and low Net before their second calf. the beef industry more effectively Feed Intake (NFI), or high and low The research herds will be scanned target ‘efficiency’ in its cow herd,” fat levels. at the same time, ensuring data Mr Graham says. Tailored on-farm strategies targeting market and regional specifications

seven year Beef Cooperative significant effect on Research Centre (CRC) final eating quality project targeted to boost in favour of animals Aproduction and profitability for that grew fast after cattle producers across southern weaning compared Australia is almost complete. to those that grew slow over the same The Regional Combinations project time period,” Mr has identified the best combination McKiernan said. of ingredients for southern cattle production which includes genetics, “ A d d i t i o n a l l y nutrition and management. But like when we looked any recipe, the outcome depends on at the economics, the mix. the fast-grown animals were vastly According to Beef CRC Research better economically Leader, Bill McKiernan of the New than slow-grown South Wales Department of Primary - especially at the Figure 1: A range of sires with varying potential for Industries, Regional Combinations is New South Wales carcase traits were used in this project developing management and precision site where there was breeding strategies tailored to specific still a substantial across southern Australia. To ensure regional or market specifications. margin, even after adjusting for industry-specific goals were achieved, “For example, if a producer supplies the extra costs involved in growing a number of producers, processors the local trade, not only do they have pastures to achieve the increased and feedlotters from across southern to maintain a high level of retail beef growth rate,” Mr McKiernan said. Australia were also directly involved in the project. In NSW, these included yield (RBY) and beef eating quality, According to Mr McKiernan, the Kooba Station at Darlington Point but they must also ensure they NSW and Victorian sites identified owned by AgReserves Pty Ltd, and are growing stock as efficiently as clear differences in the eating possible,” Mr McKiernan said. Cargill through their quality between carcase types and “Jindalee” feedlot and abattoir works “Tailored management and breeding between carcase classes which at Wagga Wagga. strategies developed will guarantee favoured high intramuscular fat cattle producers, feedlotters and (IMF)-sired progeny. The project targeted a variety of processors can meet their specific market specifications and temperate “These findings were also supported production systems. requirements in the most cost by similar trends in the Western effective way.” Australian data,” Mr McKiernan said, “Producing beef of consistent high “With operating costs increasing by “and clearly suggest that selection of quality is vital to the profitability, the day, profit margins are under sires should be made with specific efficiency and the future of Australia’s pressure. So allowing the industry importance placed on the desired beef industry”, Mr McKiernan said. to consistently produce a tailored final carcase outcomes required like “Australia’s customer base, both here product with a higher value, will high yield or high IMF.” and abroad require different inputs along the beef supply chain. We must create significant economic gains,” “The results also demonstrate that it Mr McKiernan said. meet these needs to maintain our is possible to select for both RBY and status as one of the world’s biggest Approximately 2,500 steers and IMF simultaneously. But because beef exporters.” heifers across four southern states of the positive association of fatness were assessed in the exercise and with eating quality, care should be Research herd according to Mr McKiernan, early taken when selecting sires of high Sires with accurate EBVs for findings are looking very positive. yield potential (or with high RBY% EBV’s), not to unduly decrease carcase type (RBY - high yield, IMF Results have found large effects fatness.” Mr McKiernan said. - high marbling, or both), some of from the genetics and smaller but which had been used in previous important effects from growth rate. Background Beef CRC studies, were chosen to generate specially designed progeny “For instance, we’ve done an The ‘Regional Combinations’ Project groups. Many of these sires were analysis of different growth paths brought together scientists from four used in common across the ‘Regional which show there is a small but State Departments of Agriculture Combination’ sites, and this allocation, plus the linkage to previous studies, Steers during backgrounding on the fast growth treatment greatly increased the power of the experimental design. Sires were chosen to generate progeny with a wide range in retail beef yield and marbling. Potential for high yielding carcase types was drawn from sires of European breeds (Charolais, Limousin and Belgian Blue) and for high marbling types (Black Wagyu sires). Angus sires were chosen on their Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for either or both of high retail beef yield  will most certainly increase market Collecting carcase data on the kill floor at John Dee, compliance and improve herd Queensland profitability, particularly as the beef industry moves towards a true value-based marketing system. This research indicates there are few if any interactions between backgrounding growth and genetic potential that affect carcase traits at finish for the range of growth rates studied. This means we now have increased confidence in predicting how various genetic/ breed types will react under most environmental conditions. Information is also being generated from this project at the Western Australian and Victorian sites about best calving times in those particular environments. In Western Australia, winter-calving was consistently more profitable than spring-calving.

Industry outcomes Economic values have also been and high marbling providing sires collected and final analysis of the calculated for each of the production with objective ranking for these traits. data is now virtually complete. systems. This will generate “best bet” Red Wagyu sires were also included Results indicate that carcase type has decisions about the combinations of to assess their dual-trait potential (see a major impact on the ability of cattle genotype and growth rate. Figure 1). to meet variable and exacting market Full results from the ‘Regional Growth treatments differed to best specifications. Market specifications Combinations’ Project will be already have requirements for suit each region. They were applied presented at a two-day industry weight and fatness, but are likely between weaning and finishing to conference currently being planned to incorporate additional traits like steers and heifers of different genetic by the Beef CRC for early 2008. potential for carcase type. eating quality and meat yield in the future. Important findings about Full details for the conference will All carcase types, but not all breeds or the carcase types showed the high be outlined in upcoming editions sires, were used at all sites. However, yielding types produced carcases of the Beef Bulletin and on the Beef many of the sires were common of acceptable eating quality, though CRC website, www.beefcrc.com.au across sites, establishing the genetic below the quality of those bred for links required to combine data for higher fatness. This indicates that Project supporters analysis of effects, and in particular those types can add value to the end New South Wales Department to allow examination of genotype by product in terms of increasing total of Primary Industries, Victorian environment interactions. quantity of an acceptable product but Department of Primary Industries, may need to be aimed at markets not South Australian Research and requiring particularly high marbling Results Development Institute, Department and meat quality attributes like the Comprehensive data on growth of Agriculture and Food AgReserves long fed Japanese trade. rates, carcase traits and meat quality Pty Ltd, Alcoa Farmlands WA, as well as actual and predicted The combination of particular carcase Cargill Beef Australia and E.G. consumer eating quality were types with appropriate management Green and Sons.

Final results from this project are now being released and include: • Clear demonstration of the effects of the genetic and growth treatments on production, carcase characteristics, meat quality, market compliance and profitability. • Encouraging strategies to improve meat quality (both yield and eating quality), since it is likely to become an increasingly important issue for future markets, both domestic and export. Results are clearly showing the benefits of both growth path management and selection of appropriate breed types. • Showing how major economic benefits can be gained by better matching the animal requirements of production systems to pasture availability, specifically in timing of calving to minimise the need for supplementary feed inputs and to maximise cow reproductive and lactation performance. • Demonstrating how results from these experiments are twofold in value and effect: they will supply input data while clearly highlighting the need for the development of models which can incorporate the complexities of breed/carcase type, animal growth and carcase end points, to assist producers to optimise their production system for the most profitable outcome. • Expanding the results from the individual sites with forthcoming analyses combining data across all sites, which has the designed statistical strength of many common sires. This will allow a wider examination of interactions, estimation of sire effects and correlations and other issues that will be important for future modelling.  Tough or tender? Politicians put to the test

oliticians in Canberra have producers to predict the eating calmer animals who take longer to been put through their paces quality of their herd without having cover the distance produce progeny Pby beef technology which to send them to slaughter. with better eating quality.” Dr can predict whether they would be Burrow said. tough or tender to eat. “Using a Flight Time recorder animals are measured on the time “Flight Time is a simple objective Flight Time is a Beef Cooperative taken to cover approximately two measure every producer with a Research Centre (CRC) technology metres after leaving a weighing cattle crush can use. Not only can and formed part of an exhibition crush. This Flight Time is then used it help predict eating quality, but held at Parliament House to predict an animal’s eating quality other important traits like growth, showcasing the feed conversion and best of the national feedlot and transport Cooperative Research Recent feedlot Flight Time trials found performance.” Centres’ Programme. calm cattle achieved a price premium of Recent feedlot Flight According to Beef $80-$100 per head over nervous cattle… Time trials found CRC CEO, Dr Heather calm cattle achieved a Burrow, research has price premium of $80- found a link between $100 per head over nervous cattle, the temperament of an animal as well as its growth and feed with calm cattle able to increase (measured by its flight time) and efficiency in a feedlot.” their weight by up to 70kgs more its eating quality and feedlot “Nervous animals who cover the than nervous cattle during feedlot performance. As a result, the Beef distance quickly record a fast Flight finishing. CRC developed a simple, on- Time score and are likely to produce farm system which enables cattle The CRC Showcase gave Australia’s progeny whose meat is tough while 226 Members of Parliament and Senators the opportunity to take a first-hand look at the country’s leading research providers, with a handful recording their own flight times to determine if they were tough or tender. Local Member for New England, the Hon. Tony Windsor MP was there and was pleased to see a CRC based in his electorate highlighted as one of Australia’s leading CRCs. “Having the Beef CRC chosen to showcase their activities in Parliament House is a great recognition of the success and value of the work they are doing in developing practices to keep Australia’s beef industry at the leading edge.” “I congratulate the excellent team that has been assembled in the New England and encourage them to keep working hard to maintain Australia’s position at the top of the world’s beef producing nations,” Mr Windsor said. During the showcase the Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop presented the inaugural STAR Award for Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) engagement with Small and Medium New England MP, Tony Windsor and Senior Advisor, Graham Nuttall Enterprises (SMEs) to Brisbane- 10 speaking with Beef CRC CEO, Dr Heather Burrow in Canberra. based CAST CRC. Want the latest beef research?

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Producing Quality Beef Regular Research Updates If you produce beef, this booklet has As Australia’s largest integrated beef been written for you. Whether you are a research project, the Beef CRC has a seedstock breeder, commercial breeder, wealth of information which is released backgrounder, finisher, processor or on an ongoing basis. From research chef, you have an influence on the updates, to latest the in genetic and consumer’s eating experience. management technologies. Make sure you’re kept in the loop!

Achievements of the Beef CRC: A Australian Beef - the Leader! platform for the next 10 years Conference Proceedings This booklet tells you everything you In 2006 over 200 delegates attended the need to know about the groundbreaking Beef CRC conference where the results research undertaken by the Beef CRC of two phases of Beef CRC research was since it was established in 1993. The showcased. Papers included in these Proceedings are from well-respected booklet summarises the Beef CRC’s overseas speakers as well as leading major achievements and presents an Australian scientists in the fields of overview of the latest Beef CRC which quantitative genetics, molecular genetics, is focused on gene discovery and gene meat science and management and expression by simply explaining how genomics research will influence cattle breeding and nutrition. management practices over the next 10 years.

Genetics CD and Nutrition, Meat Key Messages for Commercial Science & Health CD Breeders in Southern Australia This two CD pack is a summary of A simple dot point summary of the GENETICS findings of the Beef CRC main messages from Beef CRC research as well as a summary of nutrition, for commercial beef producers in meat science and health & welfare southern Australia. outcomes. The CDs contains a variety of documents, from simple summaries, to scientific papers and slides.

Beef Bulletin Beef CRC Fact Sheets The Beef Bulletin is a glossy feature A range of Fact Sheets are available on line at magazine filled with the latest Beef www.beefcrc.com.au. CRC news and research developments. The Beef Bulletin puts the spotlight on how the latest research is being adopted by industry and features some Livestock Library of the Australian beef industry’s biggest players. The Beef Bulletin is also home to An online library for beef and sheep industry pucliciation the beef industry’s most comprehensive at www.livestocklibrary.com.au events calendar.

11 Calendarof Events

APRIL 11 ...... Red Angus National Show and Sale, Dubbo, NSW 5 ...... Red Poll Group Breedplan cut-off 12-14. . . .Ag-Grow Field Days, Emerald, Qld 5-18. . . . .Royal Easter Show, Sydney, NSW 13 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Ballarat, Vic 20 ...... Blondes Group Breedplan cut-off 13 ...... Tenant Creek Show, Tenant Creek, NT 20 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Cloncurry, Qld 13-14. . . .Mudgee Small Farm Field Days, Mudgee, NSW 23-26. . . .Applied Grazing Course, Hughenden, Qld 17 ...... 2007 BIA AGM and Council meeting, Albury, NSW 24 . . . . .MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Fitzroy Crossing or Broome, WA 17-19 . . . .Southern Beef School, Glenormiston, Vic 26 . . . . .Closing date for submissions to the 2007 BIA National 17-19. . . .AgForce State Conference, Goondiwindi Qld Conference 18 ...... 2007 BIA National Conference, “Getting capital back 26 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Dampier, WA into agriculture”, Albury, NSW 27 ...... Limestone Coast Meat Profit Day, Lucindale, SA 18 ...... 2007 Pfizer Gala Dinner and BIA Award Presentations, 27 ...... Angus Argentino Group Breedplan cut-off Albury, NSW 27 ...... Feeding for Profit, Hughenden, Qld 18-25. . . .Grazing for Profit School, Dubbo, NSW 27-28. . . .Kapunda Farm Fair, Kapunda, SA 20-22. . . .Farm Fantastic Field Days, Caboolture, Qld TBC. . . . .MLA Meat Profit Day, Lucindale, SA 23 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Launceston, Tas 25 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Warragul, MAY Vic 1-2. . . . .Beef CRC Scientific and Industry Review, Armidale, 25-1. . . . .Grazing for Profit School, , Qld NSW 26-28. . . .Royal Darwin Show, Darwin, NT 2-3. . . . .Western Australian Beef genetics Expo 27 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Shepparton, 3-5. . . . ., Launceston, Tas Vic 3-5. . . . .Small Farming, Lang Lang,Vic 27-29. . . .Dalby Cattle Assessment School, Dalby, Qld 4 ...... Hereford/Poll Hereford Group Breedplan cut-off 30 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Albury, 4 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Tennant Creek, NT NSW 4-6. . . . .Tocal Field Days, Paterson, NSW TBC. . . . .South and Central Qld Beef Weeks 4-6. . . . .Victorian Cattle Assessment School, Melbourne, Vic 8-9. . . . .Murray Downs Field Days, Swan Hill, Vic 9 ...... Hereford Society National Junior Judging Competition . AUGUST 9-10. . . . .Hereford National Show and Sale, Wodonga, Vic 1-2. . . . . Mallee Machinery Field Days, Speed, Vic 10-12. . . .Agro-Trend Field Days, Bundaberg, Qld 3 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Injune, Qld 11 ...... Salers Group Breedplan cut-off 4 ...... Nyngan Ag Expo, Nyngan, NSW 11 ...... Angus Group Breedplan cut-off 6-7. . . . .Eyre Peninsula Field Days, Cleve, SA 11-12. . . .Murrumbidgee Farm Fair, Yanco, NSW 7-9. . . . .SA Cattle Assessment School, Keith, SA 11-12. . . .Riverina Field Days, Griffith, NSW 9-18. . . . .Royal Queensland Show, Brisbane, Qld 18-19. . . .National Beef Week, Bendigo, Vic 9-18. . . . .AgForce MEATing Centre, Brisbane , Qld 16-23. . . .Grazing for Profit School, Armidale, NSW 9 ...... Droughtmaster AGM RNA showgrounds in Brisbane . 21-22. . . .Cattle Council of Australia Meeting, Canberra, ACT 10 ...... Santa Gertrudis AGM, Brisbane, Qld 21-27. . . .Casino Beef Week, Casino, NSW 11-18. . . .World Angus Secretariat, Ireland 25 ...... Murray Grey Group Breedplan cut-off 15-22. . . .Grazing for Profit School, Wagga Wagga, NSW 25 ...... Santa Gertrudis Group Breedplan cut-off 17 ...... Simmental Group Breedplan cut-off 20-21. . . .Cattle Council of Australia Meeting, Canberra, ACT JUNE 21-23. . . .Ag-Quip, Gunnedah, NSW 3 ...... Poll Hereford Society AGM,Dubbo, NSW 28 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Rockhampton, Qld 4-5. . . . .Poll Hereford National Show and Sale, Dubbo 28-30. . . .Dowerin Field Days, Dowerin, WA 5-7. . . . .Farmfest, Kingsthorpe, Qld 28 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Northam, 6-13. . . . .Grazing for Profit School, Cowra, NSW WA 8 ...... Limousin Group Breedplan cut-off 29-31. . . .American Angus Assoc . National Conferene & Tour, USA 8 ...... Droughtmaster Group Breedplan cut-off 30 ...... MLA “Beef-Up Forum”, Emerald, Qld 13-16. . . .NZ National Ag Field Days, Hamilton, NZ 30 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Kojonup, 14-16. . . .PRIMEX, Casino, NSW WA 15 ...... Brangus Group Breedplan cut-off TBC. . . . .North Qld Beef Week 15 ...... Charolais Group Breedplan cut-off 16-17. . . .Droughtmaster Youth Development Course, Emerald, Qld SEPTEMBER 4-6. . . . .Ag Show, Toowoomba, Qld 18-25. . . .Northern NSW Beef Week 6-7. . . . .Newdegate Field Days, Newdegate, WA 19 ...... Beef CRC Forum, Venue TBA 7-8. . . . .Farmarama, Lismore, NSW 20-27. . . .Grazing for Profit School, Mount Gambier, SA 7-15. . . . ., Adelaide, SA 22 ...... Belmont Red Group Breedplan cut-off 10 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Orange, 27-4. . . . .Grazing for Profit School, Mackay, Qld NSW 29 ...... Shorthorn Group Breedplan cut-off 12 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Goulbourn, 29 ...... Braford Group Breedplan cut-off NSW TBC. . . . .MLA Beefed Up Forum, Barcaldine, Qld 13 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Cooma, TBC. . . . .MLA Beefed Up Forum, Charleville, Qld NSW 17 ...... Charbray National Sale, Rockhampton, Qld JULY 18-19. . . .National Droughtmaster sale, Gracemere, Qld 2-5. . . . .Tocal Cattle Assessment School, Paterson, NSW 18-20. . . .Henty Machinery Field Days, Henty, NSW 6 ...... Brahman Group Breedplan cut-off 20-30. . . ., Melbourne, Vic 6-7. . . . .New England Hereford Youth Group Junior Show, 20-21. . . .Mingenew Field Days, Mingenew, WA Tamworth, NSW 21-22. . . .Symposium:Adaptation & Fitness in Animal Populations, 9 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Clare, SA Armidale, NSW 9-11. . . . .Recent Advances in Animal Nutrition in Australia, 24-26. . . .Assoc . for Advancement of Animal Breeding & Genetics Armidale, NSW Conf, Armidale NSW 10-12. . . .WA Cattle Assessment School, Harvey, WA 25-27. . . .Yorke Peninsula Field Days, Paskeville, SA 11 ...... Getting the most from Breedplan workshop, Keith, SA 27-2. . . . .Bio-Business Farming School, Toowoomba, Qld