Murray Grey cattle are an Australian breed suited for our conditions
The Greyman breed was the result of combining the outstanding genetic characteristics of both the Murray Grey and Brahman breeds.
Developed in Queensland in the 1970s, specifically to suit the Queensland environment, the Greyman breed was the result of combining the outstanding genetic characteristics of both the Murray Grey and Brahman breeds. Greyman cattle carry between 25%and 75% of Murray Grey blood, with the remainder made up of Brahman. This allows breeders the option of being able to tailor-make genetic blends, selected for optimal performance specific to the region and environmental conditions. More simply, Greymans can be bred with a greater emphasis on Brahman content in the north or in tick country, or with a higher percentage of Murray Grey blood to suit softer, southern pastures. Cross-breeding with Murray Grey cattle has long
been on the horizons of many a cattle producer due to the advantages of heterosis or hybrid vigour, whereby the progeny of the cross-bred parents offer superiority in performance. Murray Greys are used Australia-wide in crossbreeding programs over European, Bos Indicus and other British breeds of cattle. Murray Grey cattle worldwide are increasingly chosen to be used in cross-breeding programs because they reduce calving problems, have improved temperament, widen the range of marketing options, are adaptable, increase yield and improve meat quality and milk ability.
MURRAY GREY
GREYMAN BEEF CATTLE
Murray Grey Bulls
ORIGIN – FAST FACTS • The Murray Grey breed was developed in the upper Murray River region of Australia in the early part of this century. • The first grey cattle resulted from the mating of an Angus bull and a roan Shorthorn cow. It was found that two or three crosses of the greys produced a very high percentage of grey cattle, combining features of the Beef Shorthorn and Angus breeds. • Commercial cattlemen became interested in the breed’s rapid growth and high carcase yield, and several developed grey herds.
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