Polledness

Incorporating Angus genetics into northern Australian beef herds results in the majority of the progeny being polled.  Whilst the polled gene is dominant in Bos taurus breeds, the African horn gene and scur genes are common amongst Bos indicus breeds. Therefore, in a northern crossbreeding program using Angus genetics over a Bos indicus breeder herd, it may take several generations of breeding with polled bulls to achieve a fully polled herd.

Northern producers reported that breeding polled cattle was highly desirable as;

• It eliminated stress and weight loss associated with dehorning,
• The risk of workplace injury and reduced bruising of cattle during yarding and transportation was reduced