THE power of genetics using technology to increase the quality of beef cattle herds and managing risk with a thorough vaccination program was the focus of a workshop hosted by Mansfield veterinarian Dr Anna Manning on Wednesday, August 23, with more than 80 local Angus beef producers in attendance.
The “Building Blocks of Beef” workshop was held at the Mansfield Football Club rooms and was supported by Delatite Veterinary Services Mansfield, Zoetis and Mansfield Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Dr Manning explained the role of genetics and DNA and its application in cattle breeding.
“DNA testing enables beef producers how to capitalise on animals with superior genetic merit,” she said.
Dr Manning described genomics as “… the technology available to interpret DNA that informs us about the animals ’genetics.”
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She provided first-hand accounts of birth abnormalities seen, including developmental duplication where a calf had six legs and another of a large skull too big for the cow’s pelvis.
Jake Bourne, the southern representative for Zoetis, manages the genetics side of the business and provided insights into using Angus “HeiferSELECT”, an advanced genomic tool to inform the selection of replacement heifers for commercial Angus breeders.
It has been created in collaboration between Angus Australia and Zoetis.
The company also offers other genomic tests, including HD 50K for Angus and HD 50K for Wagyu and Inherit Select, a multi-breed genomic evaluation.
The advantage of using such tools to gain genetic profiling is that it can assist in breeding, culling, bull selection, managing inbreeding and marketing decisions.
These tests turn data into decisions for cattle producers.
Mr Bourne said the stud angus cattle was their biggest market and had doubled in size with massive growth in samples in the last 12 months.
Without data, a buyer cannot know what they are taking home from the sales is what they will see in their progeny.
Mr Bourne advised breeders to set objectives for what they want to produce and then use the data to achieve their outcomes.
Identifying various traits, including marbling of meat and carcass weight to improve MSA scores, can drive profitability, with processors offering extra incentives.
Dane Skinner, an angus producer from Big Springs, near Wagga in southern NSW, shared his experience using AI (Artificial Insemination) and then adopting the HeiferSelect testing.
Getting a sample is relatively straightforward and can be obtained during ear tagging.
The vial is sent off for testing, with results usually available within four to five weeks.
“It changes our selection program, with no unknowns, we can cull on looks but essentially got a data set for every animal in the paddock way before joining,” Mr Skinner said.
He added, “I already know which ones (animals) will suit our program.”
After lunch, Dr Manning spoke about the importance of a vaccination program for your cattle against various diseases that can devastate your herd.
Attendees were introduced to the new ‘’Immune Ready” initiative, which has guidelines endorsed by industry bodies, including MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia), Animal Health Australia, Cattle Council of Australia and Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV).
Immune Ready is a simple three-step process starting with Step 1 – vaccinate livestock according to the guidelines, Step 2 – buy or sell with the Immune Ready logo and Step 3 – check the National Cattle Health Declaration.
According to the President of ACV, Dr Tracey Sullivan, “Immune Ready, in conjunction with a National Cattle Health Declaration is a powerful tool in minimising preventable cattle disease with continuity across the supply chain.”
More information can be found on the website https://www.immuneready.net.au/
