An independent survey has identified that Angus genetics have a significant impact in the Australian cattle population, with substantial penetrance into northern Australia.
The results identified that approximately 5.6 million breeding females in the national beef herd are influenced by Angus genetics, accounting for 48% of the beef breeding population. Of these females, approximately 2.4 million are purebred Angus. Based on their influence, Angus was the most utilized breed genotype in all states except Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The survey, conducted by an independent market research group, as part of a MLA Donor Company supported adoption project, was primarily focused on collecting baseline data on producer’s breeding preferences and genetic technology adoption. In addition, data captured from the survey was used to quantify the level of Angus penetration in the Australian beef industry. The data represents some 406,000 head, 108 different breeds and crosses.
In commenting on the survey findings, Angus Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Parnell said “Whilst the survey had successfully provided essential baseline data to enable future evaluation of the impact of Angus Australia’s research and adoption initiatives, it also clearly showed that the influence Angus genetics was such that the benefits of these initiatives would have a very significant impact on a large segment of the Australia beef industry”.
Penetration of Angus genetics in the Australian beef cattle herd was gauged several ways, including the number of head influenced by Angus genetics. For example, one pure bred cow and one F1 Angus cross heifer would equate to two head influenced by Angus genetics.
Most utilised Breeds by influence in the Australian Breeding herd
Due to the sheer number of cattle in the state, the largest populations of Angus influenced females resided in Queensland (1.8 million head) – despite Angus being the third most utilised breed. However, in terms of herd proportion, Angus influence was most significant in South Australia (78%), New South Wales (78%) and Victoria (77%).
Bulls selected by producers were predominantly Angus (46%) and were mostly pure bred, with survey results indicating that 89% of respondents elect to use pure bred bulls.
“An interesting result captured by the survey was the penetrance that Angus already had into northern Australia”, said Dr Parnell.
“These results strongly demonstrated the interest in and influence of Angus genetics in northern Australia, and endorsed the importance of Angus Australia’s Northern Development Program being led by Jen Peart (Northern Development Officer) based in central Queensland”, he said.
“The Northern Development Program will provide critical support for producers in the use of Angus and Angus cross genetics in Northern Australia, particularly in their adoption of best practice breeding principles to realise the full potential of Angus genetics in their production systems” Dr Parnell said.
For further information on Angus Australia’s Northern Development Program contact Jen Peart (Northern Development Officer) on 0417 219 405, or go to the Angus website www.angusaustralia.com.au and navigate to “Northern Focus”. If you would like to read the ‘Australian Beef Breeder Insights in full, CLICK HERE
