South society of Australia Inc

Newsletter 3, Autumn 2013 South Devon cross steers perform well at Stanley, Tasmania The Circular Head Agricultural Society 2012/2013. The 30th annual Hoof and Hook Very early in the morning at Greenham competition attracted a yarding of 57 Tasmania facility, MSA assessors Wayne entries with a quality field of 29 yearlings Bradfield, Glynis Heald and Mick Young and 28 heavy Japanese Export steers, all measured the carcases to establish the competing for over $5000 worth of prizes. best performers on the hook. The hoof section was held at the 104th In the Japanese Export bullock class, Agricultural Show at Stanley and hoof the Bruce Family from Western Plains at judge for this year was Craig Barbary, Stanley won the class with over 92 points Landmark State Manager who had and their other entry coming fourth with the tough job of picking winners and 89 points. explaining his decisions to the onlookers. Guest at the presentation was Mr. John The 30 day gap between the hoof and Wood from Missouri, USA a founding hook judging to comply with MSA rules member of US Wellness Meats selling grass made the hoof job challenging for fed online directly to US consumers, our judge and winners were picked to along with Hamado Bance from New hopefully reflect the carcase quality a York, a purveyor of fine produce for New month on from show day. York restaurants. Greenham Tasmania The 57 cattle were grazed together at the Managing Director, Peter Greenham farm property adjoining the abattoir for 30 congratulated producers on their ability days. This has proven to have a leveling to select quality carcases. Grass finished The winning carcase effect, reduces any feed variability and beef with high eating quality is rapidly reduces transport stress, making the growing in demand both locally and competition more equitable. overseas.

Insert: Some of the Bruce’s Steers seen by overseas visitors in 2011

South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 1 Welcome Lardener Park Events

Welcome to our 2013 Autumn Newsletter. Our EDITORS NOTE Publicity Committee, led by Ian MacGregor, lardner Park events 2012 - 2013 Steer trial has once again put together a great Time to go to the publishers again, well it has to be today Lois Dupleix wrote to me after winning the Lardner Park Events 2012 - 2013 Steer Trial. newsletter keeping everyone up to date as South Devon Breeders will be meeting at Bendigo 2013 The objectives of the Steer Trial are to demonstrate the carcase quality of steers. It also aimed to assist beef producers to with the goings on in the Society. Thank you where as well as following the judging we shall be holding improve their understanding of live steer assessment, market requirements, steer growth and fattening relative to pasture Ian. New to this edition is the opportunity for our Annual General Meeting and I have said that the new production and to provide a forum for discussion on aspects of the cattle industry. members to advertise their Studs. Maybe we newsletter will be there. will have a “ Stock For Sale “ column in our next edition. We also start thinking about who will the Champion South The Competition: Remember, Ian cannot have too many photos or stories so Devon animal be this year?. All cattle started on the Lardner keep sending them in. In 2011 it was Davelle Awesome Reg D8. Park property in late June and were weighed regularly with This will be my last “Note From The President” in a newsletter. We once again have some great wins in carcase entrants able to view the cattle My term draws to an end at our AGM in Bendigo. competitions and I must say thank you all South Devon each weighing day. It has been both a challenging and very rewarding four breeders for getting interesting snippits to me - keep them years. The pinnacle would have to be playing a role in the coming.. All the South Devons in the competition scored well for 2011 World Congress and Tour. With Daphne at the helm, me Ian MacGregor standing right behind her and the deck containing a brilliant E.M.A. team of state representatives we pulled off an absolutely Highest Carcase Score pair: outstanding event. Thank you to each one of you. Federal NEW Tesbury Partnership with South The cogs of the Society clock are now turning smoothly with Devon Angus and an average our new South Devon Society Secretary. Thank you David Council MEMBERS carcase score of 78.048. McDonald. Our refined registration system is working well. PRESIDENT S. Burgess Heavy domestic trade: The incentive scheme, which has also been modified, is David Corker (WA) Donnelly Road Combined Weight Gain and working well. The Technical Committee has been able to 08 9330 4326 GEEVESTON, TAS, 7116 Carcase Award [email protected] introduce three indices to complement our Breedplan inputs R. & J. Baker Standard Domestic trade 270 - and also move us forward into the ILR2 system. Thank you VICE PRESIDENT Lot 364, Rowe Road 310kg Carcase weight - Tesbury DAYBORO, QLD, 4521 David Leese Leonie Daley (VIC) Partnership won with a South While we would welcome new members and like to see more 03 5664 8369 Lindsay and Ann Boyle Devon x Angus with 241.7 points [email protected] PO BOX 313, growth in registered cattle numbers the Society is financially MILES, QLD 4415 Robert Radford, one of the organisers and sponsors of the steer trial help strong. With careful management it can remain that way. 3rd MEMBER OF M.J. & J.J. Donaldson Jeremy Walsh and Lois Dupleix of Tesbury hold the awards they won EXECUTIVE While the tour might have been the highlight event the real 1676 Wilara Ross Cauley (QLD) reward was working with so many very good people who I Kerringle Road 07 4692 8260 consider are my friends. People with whom I not only share a BOGGABRI, NSW 2382 [email protected] passion for breeding South Devon cattle but share the caring J. Maher Daphne Lines (SA) cohesion of a family. 23 Foxground Road 08 8893 4028 N.S.W. 2534 Thank you all. [email protected] T.D. & A.C. McInnerney David Corker Ian MacGregor (TAS) Binnowee PRESIDENT 03 6397 3328 SURAT, QLD 4417 SOUTH DEVON CATTLE SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA INC [email protected] Vince Smoothly Bob Wilton (NSW) Headingly 02 6493 0494 BINNAWAY, N.S.W. 2395 [email protected] J. Wallace & G. Smith Maureen Rees (WA) 98 Little Forrest Road 08 9734 1240 LITTLE FOREST, N.S.W. 2538 [email protected] G. Wauchope ALL CORRESPONDENCE PO BOX 210 TO BREED SECRETARY BOOLEROO CENTRE, David McDonald SA 5482 9 Bagoo Avenue MURWILLUMBAH, NSW, 2484 [email protected] for sale

Kildare cattle perform - 10 South devon x angus heifers 8 months $700 - 10 South devon x angus heifers 15 months $900 Kildare plan to offer about 33 red and black big, bold bulls by Several of our bull calves have weighed 400 kgs plus at nine Glenstrae - 10 South devon x angus heifers calving in spring $1100 our proven sires and some new genetics coming in from North months as two of our clients’ vealers do to butchers. - 3 South devon x angus bulls rising 18 months $2000 - cows calving to lilyville Erskine E22 America or . Evelyn Burt near Maitland NSW sells vealers to repeat clients - 2 pure South devon bulls sired by tesbury elwood - enquires welcome Our genetics in our sale cattle via Woolworths or feedlots are roughly 9 months of age and dressing over 200 kg. They can’t rising 18 months $2500 ian & julie macgregor going very well. Our four steers in Maydan feedlot were doing buy highly edible beef elsewhere. Pure South Devon. 1312 oaks road, bracknell, Tasmania 7302 25% better than the average of 140 steers and one (a black) Further south near Kiama, Mike and Jenny Hamilton’s vealer doing 3.07 or 50% better than the average daily weight gain operation is similar with vealers (pure South Devons) dressing phone: tesbury south devons 0419 591 660 phone: 03 6397 3328 mobile: 0418 306 524 at the halfway mark. up to 255 kg! Bulls priced to suit the market at Sale or privately. web: www.tesburysouthdevons.com.au email: [email protected]

2| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 3 Lardener Park Awards

The Bend South Devons at Lardner Park GIPPSLAND SHOW AWARD WINNING HEIFERS Grass Feed Steer Trial SCENE Chris and Leonie Daley from “The studs in Victoria and NSW. Bend” have participated every The Lardner Park 2012/ 2013 Grass much fat being 10 mm rump and 12mm Chris & Leonie have been busy Leonie said, “It was very exciting year in Victoria’s Beef Week Feed Trial is completed. All steers were on the rib. promoting the breed by showing their to be nominated but unfortunately and find it is an excellent way to due to family commitments we initially weighed on 25th June 2012. Our Results were announced at a South Devons at numerous Agricultural promote the South Devon Breed couldn’t attend the Presentation purebred steers, G34 and G45 entered Presentation dinner on 15th February. shows in 2013. as well as their own stud. The Bend Night and dinner which was held in the 1st turn-0ff for Domestic Trade The overall winners this year were “The Bend Gently” has attracted a great South Devon Stud showcased their in Wangaratta on 15th February. were both sired by The Bend Eveready from Tesbury Partnership with a pair of deal of attention since the first Gippsland entire herd on February 4th as part We were later thrilled to hear some and at 9 months of age weighed 326 South Devon X Angus steers entered show for the year at Wonthaggi (Bass of “Beef Week 2013”. of the judges’ comments about and 341kgs (curfew weight). The final in the second turnoff. Congratulations Coast Summer Show). The bull now They were very pleased with the our heifers and although we didn’t weights for the steers on 26/11/12 were to Lois and Jeremy on a magnificent 22months old (born May 2011) was number of visitors, considering the win outright we are very happy 506 kgs and 544kgs. The average daily achievement. named the Interbreed Grand Champion poor seasonal conditions and down indeed with what they had to weight gain for the pair was 1.24 per Bull on the day, and their cow and calf ABOUT THE TRIAL: turn in the market at the time. 2 stud say and really appreciated the day. Although both by the same sire “The Bend Empress and calf Harry” The Steer Trial is conducted annually bulls were sold to repeat buyers as feedback. It is nice to know we are one of the pair performed better than were also awarded the British Breeds over approximately a 6 month period well as a cow and calf. on the right track with our breeding the other with G34 not being well at Champion Female. one stage during the trial. However with 2 turn-offs of cattle, Domestic Trade The Beef Week Heifer Challenge program... The judges said “We The following weekend at the Lang Lang our steers finished overweight with the (1st turn-off) in November and Heavy was first introduced in 2012 and scored every pen as they were Show, “Gently won the Grand Champion specifications being 210- 270 HSCW and Domestic in January (2nd turn-off). All Chris and Leonie again had a judged, the system being 25 points Interbreed Bull award and the “The Bend ours being 271.4 and 291 HSCW. breeds and crossbreeds are allowed to selection of 10 heifers in the “Heifer for presentation and also physical participate provided they are entered Empress and calf” were nominated the correctness, plus 10 points each for The other 2 steers we entered in the Challenge Competition”. The in pairs. They are all grazed on the same Interbreed Supreme Exhibit. breed characteristics, maternal, 2nd turn-off for Heavy Domestic criteria for the competition was that pasture. The objectives of the trial are Foster show saw another win with feet and legs, uniformity and Trade, G52 sired by Ashlea Dominator the heifers must be a group of 10 to provide finished carcases with the “Gently” as Grand Champion Interbreed temperament.” initially weighed 343kgs, and G63 sired of any pure breed and be under 2 following specifications:- bull. Also at the Warragul show in by Ashlea Dominator weighed 364 years of age. March he was awarded the same title kgs(overnight curfew weight). Both (a) 210-270kg Hot Standard Carcase This year the heifers from “The again. “Empress” was awarded Grand steers were approximately 8-9 months. weight Bend” all pregnancy tested in calf Champion Brittsh Breeds Female. A We were happy with their progress and (b) 270-310kg HSCWAll cattle are were selected in the top ten finalists younger bull exhibited by Chris and weight gain. The final weights taken on assessed using the Meat Standards in the competition out of about 70 Leonie named “Hendrix” was second in Monday 7th January 2013 were 544kgs Australia (MSA) grading system. his class as were 2 heifers from The Bend and 606kgs, an average weight gain To provide information on growth and which were also shown. Offering of 1.13 per day. Specifications were carcase attributes of steers. for HSCW between 270 and 310kgs. The next competition will be at National To provide a forum for discussion on 33 TWO YEAR OLD BULLS Our steers were 276 and 334kgs HSCW. Beef Bendigo in May when the team KILDARE aspects of marketing. One steer was penalised for being will come up against the best which the 26 SOUTH DEVON BULLS overweight, but on the whole the 2 steers To assist beef producers to improve their Eastern and Southern states have to kildare south devons understanding of live steer assessment, offer. SOUTH DEVONS 7 BLACK SOUTH DEVON BULLS graded well for fat cover and meat quality, with one also having slightly too market requirements, steer growth and by the Helmsmanoffering: selling system fattening relative to pasture production. 33 Two year old bulls All will26 have south full scan devon information, bulls growth FARM WORLD FIELD figures, sale weights and EBVs. 7 black south devon bulls DAYS BULLS - JOHNES FREE TO QLD. ETC VIBRIOby the Helmsman & 7/1 selling VACCINATED system The Farm World Field Days were held at Free delivery 150km and to Queensland. Lardner Park, Gippsland, from Thursday 21st all will have full scan information, to Sunday 24th March 2013. The Victorian Phonegrowth Bidfigures, / Lunch sale weights / Airstrip and EBVavailables. Branch have had a permanent site there bulls - johnes3% free Rebate to qld. ettoc outside vibrio & 7/1 agents vaccinated for many years, and over that time it has The Bend Empress & Calf Harry free delivery 150km and to Queensland been a great way of promoting our breed. phoneAgents: bid / lunc Landmarkh / airstrip available Barraba This year the cattle on display were from The 3% rebate to outside agents Bend stud with Chris & Leonie there for the Telephone: (02) 6782 1006 4 days with support from Peter Hutchinson a.h.agents: Charlie Landmark Hart (02)Barraba 6782 1600 and Paula McKenzie. The Field Days have Phone: (02) 6782 1006 always been a great opportunity for people “kildare” Upper horton NSW at 1PM Howard Carter Mob: 0427 884448 AH: charlie hart (02) 6782 1600 to look at the different breeds, compare “KILDARE”36 thUPPER annual bullHORTON sale N.S.W. Mark Heywood: 0428 821110 and look at the attributes each breed has Howard carter Mobile: 0427 884 448 rd to offer. As always there were plenty of 23ATA 1.00ugust, PM 2013 Mark heywood:Enquiries: 0428 821 110 people admiring the temperament of the South Devons. 36th ANNUAL BULL SALE Rick and Sue McDouall (02) 6782 7245 Fax (02) 6782 7239 The Bend Gently enquiries:23rd Ric AUGUST,k & Sue Mc D2013ouall phone: (02) 6782 7245 fax: (02) 6782 7239

4| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 5 Breeder Profile Indexes

This is the first breeder profile we The approach to their property was has gone on and there are her South Devon Indexes have put in our Newsletter and these downhill onto the river flat, from descendants in the Glenstrae, VALE - will mainly be current breeders. This whichever direction. They then Lilyville and Bitrok Herds. It’s been 2 years since we implemented the Vealer, Supermarket and Export Indexes. To summarise, the profit drivers for each market specification have been selected and profile is on a retired member. had the opportunity to purchase 5 In 1983 the Beatties had a reduction emphasised to give a market specific value summarised in an index for the end target. Sam Beattie came to Australia with South Devon x Devon - 3 females sale and the stock offered went his wife Elizabeth from Northern and 2 males. All were by Fuge all over the State and the Society So how do you utilise them within your herd? Ireland in 1959. They spent several Reliance 14th. These animals had gained five new members through To start go to http://southdevon.une.edu.au and make your way to the home page. Richard months in Melbourne after which been bred by Harry May, of “Hagley this event. Then click on Animal Search. This gets you to the South Devon Animal Enquiry by EBV, they moved to Wilmot in Tasmania this can be a confusing page, but if you play around within the fields, the information it where they had a farm. can provide is invaluable. After approximately three years Sam For example I want to search for young bull prospects for my herd. To search for this I – Arnold and Elizabeth moved to Hadspen 1. Place in Calving Year “2009-2012”. It is with much sadness that we where Sam took on a 2. Then in the Select If drop down boxes I select “Animal is Male”, “Animal is Pure Bred” announce the passing of Richard position with the Artificial Breeding and “Animal is Active”. Arnold aged 65. Board of Tasmania, where he 3. Then to meet our breeding objectives, I go down and in the Sort By drop down box Richard became a South Devon managed the bull farm and helped select “Supermarket Index ($)” and then mark “Descending”. breeder in 1983 running the to set up this new operation. It was Paltarra Herd and held the during this time at Hadspen that their When you are happy with your selections, click on the Search button. A list of these position of Federal President from daughter Heather was born in 1964 young bulls is displayed – see below for the first 15 bulls with the highest Supermarket 27th April 2002 to 16th April 2005. and their son Andrew in 1966. The Index value for active, pure bred bulls, born in the range 2009 and 2012 – He showed cattle at the Royal family then moved to Scottsdale, in 2013 SOUTH DEVON GROUP BREEDPLAN EBVs Adelaide Show and intrastate for the North East of Tasmania where Eye 22 years, with great success and Sam was in charge of the Artificial Muscl Retai Export Gest. 200 400 600 Mat. Materna Scrota Carcas e Rum l Veale Supermarke Materna also spent many hours involved Breeding in the district. It was here in Len. Birth Day Day Day Cow Mil l l e Area Rib p Beef r t l (days Wt. Wt. Wt. Wt. Wt. k Value Size Wt. (sq.cm Fat Fat Yield IMF Index Index Index with local children teaching them 1969 that their third child Louise was Name/ID ) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (cm) (kg) ) (mm) (mm) (%) % ($) ($) ($) the art of handling and showing +2. +2 +4 +5 +0. +0. +0. +0. +$ born. ALPHA F21 - - +4 - +0.8 - +2.8 +$ 45 +$ 59 0 4 2 2 6 7 8 3 32 cattle. This involvement resulted In early 1973 the Beatties purchased KIRNDEEN +1 +3 +2 +0. +0. +0. +0. +$ +$ 43 in a much better knowledge of One achievement that Sam is justly GARETH - -0.4 - +7 - +0.9 - +2.4 +$ 47 a farm and moved to “Riverleigh” at House” at Hagley. He decided 5 0 9 6 7 6 1 32 South Devon cattle by young proud of, is in 1987 at the Scottsdale DAVELLE UB +0. +2 +3 +4 +$ Nabowla (approximately 24 km from not to go on with their breeding RIGHTON H26 -1.9 - -1 ------+$ 43 +$ 54 cattle breeders in South Australia. Show, Bonnaile Duncan 2nd won the 4 4 7 2 32 Scottsdale). In buying the farm they program and Sam received an ET BOLINDA +1 +2 +2 +1. +1. +0. +0. +$ James Gunn All Breeds Champion +$ 41 He also judged at many country inherited 60 Hereford Angus and excellent start and registered the 3 GOLDMINE AI -2.7 -0.5 - +4 - +1.0 - +3.7 +$ 49 Male Trophy. At the same show 0 2 4 1 4 9 1 31 events and interstate including cows and 40 . Just females which were the first animals +1 +2 +$ Bonnaile Rubina (a descendant of ACE H16 - -2.1 +7 - +4 ------+$ 40 +$ 49 feature shows of other breeds before moving to Nabowla, Sam registered in Tasmania. The three 6 0 29 C1 Bonnaile Maybush) was the All +1. +1 +2 +2 +1. +2. +0. +$ and served as President of the had read an article about South females were: ACE F1 - - +4 - - - +1.8 -0.6 +$ 40 +$ 49 Breeds Champion Female. 2 8 5 9 8 4 9 31 South Australian Branch and Devon cattle. KIRNDEEN +0. +1 +3 +3 +0. +0. +0. +0. +$ C1 Bonnaile Maybush +$ 40 was a national delegate for Sam sold the farm and retired to GEORGE - - +5 - +0.7 - +1.9 +$ 47 Sam and Elizabeth decided to 1 7 1 3 5 6 4 2 30 C2 Bonnaile Mayflower Bridport in 2008, which is 20 km north +1 +2 +$ approximately ten years. breed South Devons and chose ALPHA H44 - -1.5 +8 - +3 ------+$ 39 +$ 49 C3 Bonnaile May of Scottsdale on the coast. This year 6 2 28 Richard served on the committee Bonnaile for the stud name (which DAVELLE H06 +1 +2 +3 +$ - -0.7 - +2 ------+$ 38 +$ 49 of many beef cattle associations The C1 Bonnaile Maybush line Sam celebrated his 80th birthday. AI ET 5 5 2 28 PROFILE BREEDER is Gaelic for “at the foot of the hill”). BOLINDA +1 +2 +2 +0. +0. +1. +$ and was greatly respected in the -3.3 -1.0 - +1 +3 +0.3 - +4.4 -0.3 +$ 38 +$ 43 FAMOUS AI 1 4 3 2 3 9 29 S.A. beef cattle industry. +1 +2 +3 +0. +0. +1. +$ ACE F11 - -0.1 - +3 - - - +3.7 -0.1 +$ 38 +$ 50 8 4 2 3 3 6 34 DAVELLE PROG +1 +2 +3 +$ Dearly loved husband and BLACKROCKH1 - -0.3 - +2 ------+$ 38 +$ 49 The Bonnaile Duncan 2 Story 7 AI ET 6 7 4 28 companion of Kaye and loving +1 +2 +2 +1. +1. +0. +0. +$ ALPHA G29 - -0.1 - +6 - +0.3 - +2.2 +$ 37 +$ 46 father of Steven (deceased). Bonnaile Duncan 2 was a son of Winsor Ace 10, who in turn was by 0 1 7 1 4 1 3 26 DAVELLE Trewinney 83. RAMPAGE +1 +2 +2 +$ -2.4 -0.4 - +4 ------+$ 37 +$ 47 Richard was a man admired by REGAL H10 AI 0 1 7 27 His main Show achievement was when he won the Interbreed at the ET all who knew him for his calm, +0. +2 +2 +2 +1. +2. +0. +$ Scottsdale Show in 1987 and in the same year he was breed champion ACE E6 ET -1.1 - +3 +7 -0.2 - +1.5 -0.5 +$ 37 +$ 47 steadfast and helpful nature. 4 1 1 6 6 1 5 35 at Launceston Royal and Devonport Shows. As a rising 4 year old, Breed Avg. EBVs for +1. +1 +2 +2 +2 +0. He was dedicated to his farming just before he was sold on to Bill Gooch of “Wisedale” in late 1989, -0.4 +1 +5 +0.5 +17 +0.6 -0.2 -0.2 0.0 +14 +17 +23 he had the photo taken that has been in a lot of the South Devon 2011 Born 2 2 0 7 7 3 life and achieved respect Calves throughout the industry. crossbreeding brochures and in general used many times over the years which has made him a breed legend. From here you can use your own profit drives to make a decision. Always be careful as From here you can use your own profit drives to make a decision. Always be careful as His love and knowledge of the younger bullsyounger mightn’t bulls mightn’t have ahave full a suite full suite of data of data collect collect andand can can have have lower lower accurac accuracies.ies. land and sea enabled him to

There are many differing searches you can make, not all have to be EBV related. You There are many differing searches you can make, not all have to be EBV related. You can mentor many. can see all the Registered Calves for a year or search for Bulls with Semen Available. So see all the Registered Calves for a year or search for Bulls with Semen Available. So grab His humour and compassion will grab a coffee or tea and start searching. Always remember this is a tool, in this example be long remembered. it has sorted through many bulls to a shorter list for your further investigation. There is further information on the website or you can contact me. We will miss you. David Leese bonnaile duncan 2 Technical Committee Chairperson

6| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 7 Productivity Project Transistion to ILR2

Outcomes from the Beef CRC Southern Maternal Productivity Project South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Transition to ILR2 The completion of the cow than a heifer with an EMA EBV of +1. should apply maximum selection pressure In mid-2013 the South Devon Cattle Society of Australia will compatible PC-based management software packages, the Beef CRC Southern Similarly a unit increase in either of the on heifers and first calvers to improve upgrade their breed registry database system to ILR2, ABRI’s BREEDPLAN Excel layout, or the submission facility available on Maternal Productivity Fat EBVs as heifers lead to a 13% and 14% herd fertility. new generation of breed registry software. While being a the South Devon Cattle Society of Australia website. Project has brought increase in rib and rump fat as mature Table 2. Heifer pre-mating Fat Depth major upgrade and providing a streamlining of activities For further information on the transition to ILR2 and the scientists and cows. For example the difference in and pregnancy rates in a 9-week and to the Australian South Devon registry staff, the change will associated BREEDPLAN analysis changes contact the South seedstock breeders mature rib fat depth of two Angus heifers 6-week joining program. Note that all initially have little noticeable effect to members of the South Devon Cattle Society of Australia office, Gemma Wilkinson – one step closer to with EBVs of +6 and +7 was 1mm (14% traits (except age) have been adjusted Devon Cattle Society of Australia with the exception of several South Devon SBTS Technical Officer understanding the genetics which of 7mm). This indicates that breeders for age. changes to the South Devon BREEDPLAN service. The main (P: 02 6773 3265, influence cow herd productivity. are able to change mature cow body changes being: E: [email protected]) composition by selecting on carcase The aim of the project was to address or the South Devon BREEDPLAN office EBVs. • Monthly GROUP runs the concerns of some cattle breeders (P: 02 6773 3555 Table 1. Change in carcase composition Under ILR2, the South Devon GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis will that selection for increased meat yield E: [email protected]). traits in mature cows with 1 unit change in be run on a monthly basis. This will provide the users of South and feed efficiency would result in a less heifer EBVs. Devon GROUP EBVs with results on all animals (e.g. sires, dams, productive cow herd. heifers, bulls) that are updated 12 times each year instead of Project Outline Breed P8 Rib EMA IMF the current yearly update. BREEDPLAN members will be required (mm) (mm) (cm2) (%) L ine Age (days) W eight (kg) R ib F at (mm) P regnancy rate (%) 9 weeks P regnancy rate (%) 6 weeks The project was made up of two parts, High Rib 473 360 4.4 91 77 to have performance data submitted by the 15th of each Angus 13% 14% 1.1 0.7 one conducted with industry herds and fat EBV month to ensure inclusion of that data in the analysis scheduled Hereford 17% 18% 1.5 1 one with research stations. Low Rib fat 463 364 3.5 83 65 for that month. This will bring the Australian South Devon BREEDPLAN Analysis into line with the New Zealand South Devon 15 Angus and Hereford herds EBV BREEDPLAN analysis, which has already migrated over to ILR2 participated in the Industry Herds Change in Body Composition Difference 10 -4 0.9 8 12 and runs monthly GROUP analyses. Project, with more than 20,000 live All body composition traits were found to ultrasound scans of Eye Muscle Area change together during lactation and As a consequence of the running of monthly GROUP (EMA), Intramuscular Fat (IMF), Rib and pregnancy, contradicting the theory Key Messages BREEDPLAN analyses, Interim BREEDPLAN analyses will not be Rump Fats from 8,000 cows collected. that cows would deplete fat reserves available following the transition. This means that breeders • Rib fat had an important effect on The project was designed to give a before muscle during weight loss. There will need to ensure that pedigree and performance data is heifer pregnancy rates. comprehensive picture of the variation were genetic correlations of very close submitted to the South Devon Cattle Society of Australia by the in body composition over time, and to 1.0 between change in weight, EMA • There was an 8% difference in required deadlines to ensure EBVs are available for their animals animals were scanned as heifers pre- and IMF, and a 0.5 genetic correlation pregnancy rates between the high and when required. calving (PC1), when they weaned their between change in weight and Rump low fat lines in a 9 week joining program • Reporting of results from GROUP BREEDPLAN analyses first calf (W1), pre-calving for their second Fat depth. This means that cows which and 12% in a 6 week program. calf (PC2) and when they weaned their were losing weight during lactation were With the move to monthly GROUP BREEDPLAN analyses there • All body composition traits were highly bolinda south devon sale second calf (W2), along with live weight also losing EMA, IMF and Rump Fat at the will also be a change to the manner in which breeders receive heritable and correlated across age and hip height. same rate, but would increase these traits the results of the analysis. Breeders will only receive an updated groups. simultaneously once they began gaining herd report if they have submitted post-birth performance since The Research Station Project, conducted weight again. • Breeders can change mature cow the previous GROUP BREEDPLAN analysis. Further, these reports at Struan in South Australia and Vasse in body composition by selecting on will now be provided electronically from the member download Western Australia, investigated the effect Fat an Important Effect for Heifer carcase EBVs as heifers. (accessed from the Member Login area) immediately following of fat and net feed intake on maternal Pregnancy Rates the conclusion of each GROUP analysis. Printed reports are efficiency. The trial compared Angus The project reported a significant • Apply maximum selection pressure to available but will only be mailed if the breeder has contacted cows with high genetic Rib Fat (top 10% difference in conception rates between maidens and first calvers BREEDPLAN and nominated that this is their preferred method of Rib fat Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN EBV) the high and low fat lines at both a 9 While these were several of the major receiving reports. Outlier reports will also be created with each and low genetic rib fat (bottom 10% and 6 week joining period (Table 2) at messages for seedstock producers monthly analysis, with both electronic (also accessed from the including guest vendors alpha/Ace South devons Rib fat Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN EBV), 15 months of age. In a nine week joining coming out of the Southern Maternal Member Login area) and printed copies being provided for and animals selected for high and low program there was an 8% difference th Productivity Project, this is only a brief those herds where outliers were identified. In addition, all herds Net Feed Intake (NFI), on high and low between the high and low fat lines (91% 1pm 24 July, 2013 outline of the project. For anyone identified as users of PC-based management software (eg nutritional grazing systems for conception and 83%) in pregnancy rate and in the interested in knowing more about the HerdMASTER or Stockbook) will have access to a file of updated “derwent park” goolhi nsw rate, calf weaning weights and cow/calf six week joining program pregnancy project, SBTS facilitated two webinars EBVs from the Member Login area following each GROUP run gain for pasture consumed. rates were 77% in the high fat line and as part of the 2012 “The Cutting Edge” and EBVs for all animals will be updated on the South Devon 65% in the low fat line. The average Using EBVs to Change Cow Body Webinar Series which presented all Cattle Society of Australia online EBV Search system. joining weight of the two lines was very 28 registered bulls Composition project outcomes and their implications similar at 360kg and 364kg respectively. • Data Submission 2 year fertility guarantee Results from the project showed that for the Beef Industry. These webinars can  This indicates that fat depth plays an free transport offer there was a high correlation between be accessed through the SBTS website or The methods available for the submission of performance data important role in heifer conception rates,  heifer carcase EBVs (standardised to contact SBTS for a copy of “The Cutting to South Devon BREEDPLAN will remain essentially the same as breedplan recorded commercially reared quality genetics and breeders should aim to achieve 300kg steer carcase) and mature cow Edge” Webinar Series on CD. at present. The most noticeable change will be for herds that outstanding opportunity bulls mostly polled or scurred a minimum rib fat depth in order to body composition (Table 1). For example receive the paper “Performance Recording Forms” from South increase pregnancy rates. However, Further information is also vendors brian & liz james 02 6743 5350 Angus heifers which had a unit increase Devon BREEDPLAN. At present these forms are on large two- once the heifers that failed to conceive available by contacting john & Pam flynn 02 6775 2213 in EMA EBV, had an 1.1cm2 larger EMA part forms (ie include a carbon copy). In ILR2 these forms will were culled as empties, there was no Gemma Wilkinson at SBTS on Agents fleming & Ross office 02 6742 0566 when scanned as mature cows, i.e. an be produced on standard A4 paper. It will also be possible to significant difference between the high (02) 6773 3265 or or bruce walsh 0428 657 296 Angus heifer with a an EMA EBV of +2 download and print these forms from the Member Login area. and low fat line on mature cow herd [email protected]. had a EMA 1.1cm2 bigger as a mature Breeders will still be able to submit performance data using conception rates, meaning breeders photos and catelogue at www.bolindasouthdevons.com.au

8| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 9 Burra Community School Letters to the Editor

Agricultural studies From James and Kath McUtchen... Results from Toowoomba Show... On Monday December 3rd the year 8 Agricultural studies class Grace Peart Letters to the Editor... The little grey South Devon x Murray Grey from Burra Community School visited the Lines property at Mt Yesterday we went to the Gum Hill South Devon stud to help calf which we’ve named 50 Shades, took Bryan for a practical assessment exercise and the opportunity the Lines’ select 6 bull calves and around 10 heifers to keep. We out the Junior Class for steers weighing to contribute to the selection criteria that the Gum Hill Stud From Ross and Elizabeth McRae... extremely dry Autumn in our part of New had to look at the legs, feet, shoulders, length/depth, hip to pin up to 420kg. employ. width and in the heifers femininity. The legs feet and shoulders Recently we sold 33 South Devon cross England also. At the time of judging he weighed Here are some comments from the children. are important because they had to be good for breeding and vealer calves from our son and daughter- From Brian James... 302kg. He then went on to be named calving purposes. After we looked at the bulls and chose the in-law’s Black Mountain property to Charlie Noakes 2013 Sydney Royal Beef Challenge Champion Lightweight Steer. ones to keep we let them out one by one and followed them Melbourne. Black Mountain is situated Yesterday we went out to the Lines’ farm to look at their cattle A pen of 6 South Devon x Murray Grey to find their mothers. We were put into groups of 3 I worked between Armidale and Guyra in NSW, so Our other steers took out a 2nd and 2 and choose which ones they should keep. We did that by steers that were entered in the 2013 with Sophie Brooks and Emily. Before we let them out we got this was a long trip. x 3rd places. Needless to say we are making sure that the bulls were fat., they had to have smooth Sydney Beef Challenge - all steers were the chance to fat score them. We followed 2 bulls and named exceptionally pleased with our results. shoulders and their feet had to be straight. The heifers legs had The 8 month old calves were either out fed at Wilga Feedlot at Bellata for 70 them Hilston and Handsome. With the heifers we did the same. to up be nice and straight. The heifers also had to look very of Shorthorn cross cows by Kildare South days - there were 32 pens entered in the It was a really fun day and I enjoyed it heaps. I especially liked feminine. After we sorted them out we got to mother them up Devon bulls, or out of Kildare South competition. the cake that Mrs Lines gave us. Thank you for letting us go and We followed them around until they found the mum and then Devon cows by a Charolais bull. help. These steers were equal first in Carcase we went back and did the same thing three times. I think that They were trucked to Armidale where Grid Domestic Pen, equal first Carcase the best part about going to the farm is that we got to choose they were weighed and curfew applied. Grid Domestic Individual and were also which bulls and heifers Justin got to keep. I really enjoyed this The 25 steer calves averaged 336.5kg awarded a bronz Medal in the Taste Test because it gave us an opportunity to work with cattle. I think after curfew and the 8 heifer calves Competition that the Lines’ cattle are in very good condition. averaged 324.8kg. The calves were then loaded with others onto a B Double and trucked through to Kyneton Abattoir where they were killed the next day. A very satisfactory result. Probably the dry weather in SE Australia has meant that the type of cattle were not available closer to Melbourne. Having said that, it has been an

Sophie Cousins My class went to Gum Hill’s South Devon stud. At the stud we lincoln Bulls got to pick the cattle to keep or to cull. In the bulls we kept 6 of Emily Lehman them and in the heifers we kept 10. Then we helped to mother them up. I found this exercise very interesting and fun. It was - lincoln qantas 4Q - gadara poll zion - ACE C5 - alpha d37 We went to the gum Hill South Devon stud at the Lines farm. good because our year 8 class didn’t know much about the When we got there we first listened to Justin and went through South Devon breed. It taught us what to like or dislike about the These 4 bulls from lincoln sires and dams lead all other bulls in all south devon breed all the things we had to look for in the cattle. First we picked out cattle. These cattle were in very good condition and very tame. the bulls We had to look for good feet, strong legs, square rear objective selection indices end dark coat and deep tummy and in the end we ended up with 6 great bulls. Next we picked out the heifers and picked lincoln poll rampage 16T liNcoln poseidon 12W out 9. In them we had to look for good legs and feet and 0.7% intra muscular fat shoulders good for calving, hip to pin width and femininity. Next eye muscle area 4.9 sq. cm. we lined them up and felt their muscles we got to group up and Highest recorded for south devons breed average 0.0% help the little calves mother, up with their mums. My group got breed average 0.6 sq. cm. homozygous poll 2 bulls and we names them Handsome and Hilston. I really liked watching them mother up, it was like watching our children 20 straws 10 stRaws growing up so fast. We got 4 heifers. The Lines’ cattle are great and I wanted to take them all home with me. I did not want to go back to school. in poll semEn package $500 including GST

calves from these bulls will improve the quality of any south devon herd and bring hybrid vigour into burra herds of other breeds. for more information refer to www.lincolnsouthdevon.com freight to your AI centre extra. roy scragg - lincoln south devon stud - 36 south esplanade glenelg 5045 comMunity schoOl phone/Fax: (08) 8295 5765 mobile: 0407 978 380 email: [email protected]

10| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013 | 11 David Boyup Brook WA Corker’s Grace Glen South Devon Stud Ph: (08) 9765 3061 BULLCO M: 0412 390 315 BREEDING David Corker E: bullshop@ Phone: 08 9765 3061David Boyup Quality CattleMobile: 0412 390 315 westnet.com.au Brook WA email: [email protected]’s Grace Glen South Devon Stud Ph: (08) 9765 3061 BULLCO M: 0412 390 315 BREEDING David Corker Phone: 08 9765 3061 E: bullshop@ Quality CattleMobile: 0412 390 315 westnet.com.au email: [email protected]

Grace Glen Gold Bullion at 3 years David Boyup grace glen gold bullion at 3 years Brook WA Corker’s Grace Glen bulls selected for South Devon Stud Ph: (08) 9765 3061 BULLCO M: 0412 390 315 BREEDING David Corker E: bullshop@ Phone: 08Grace 9765 3061 Glenconformation Gold Bullion • constitution at 3 years Quality CattleMobile: 0412 390 315 westnet.com.au email: [email protected] temperament• performance BULLS SELECTED FOR CONFORMATION • CONSTITUTION auction plusTEMPERAMENT auction • PERFORMANCE Bulls and Females - Red and Black BULLSOur herd is MN SELECTED3 allowing us to send FORcattle all over Australia! Keep visiting our website for further details CONFORMATIONThese steers averaged • 402.5kg CONSTITUTION carcase weight making $1,449/hd Grace Glen Gold BullionTEMPERAMENT at 3 years • PERFORMANCE

BULLS SELECTED FOR CONFORMATION • CONSTITUTION TEMPERAMENT • PERFORMANCE

“Davelle look to us for sound performance backed South Devons” David & Rochelle Leese - Jamestown SA 5491 - Phone: (08) 8664 1702 website: www.davelle.com.au

12| South Devon Cattle Society of Australia Inc. | MAY 2013