Winter 2019 SBTS & TBTS Update

WINTER 2019 UPDATE

MLA Genetics Hub Released: ‘How-To’ Videos Highlight Use of EBVs in Beef and Sheep Operations

A

range of short ‘how-to’ videos to help beef producers get started using breeding values in their herds is part of the suite of genetics resources being rolled out by Meat &

Available to view on the MLA genetics hub are: n ‘Pick

the performer’ videos demonstrating the value of

investing in breeding values.

Livestock Australia (MLA).

n

The animated tutorials have been produced for tropical cattle,

Videos of commercial producers (case studies) demonstrating how breeding values have helped increase profit in their

temperate cattle, prime lambs and merinos and are now available

herds and flocks.

on MLA’s new online genetics hub, genetics.mla.com.au

n

The MLA genetics hub is designed to assist commercial producers

‘How-to’ animated tutorials (within three modules) covering the basics of breeding values, setting a breeding objective,

understand the role genetics and breeding values can play in

navigating BREEDPLAN and picking a high-performing sire.

improving their business performance. The very fitting tagline

These modules have been designed to take viewers through

for the campaign is ‘Accelerate your productivity with genetics:

a step-by-step approach, allowing them to gain confidence in understanding and utilising breeding values.

Better breeding values. Better progeny. Better performance.’

Genetic improvement is among the tools available to commercial

The genetics hub was launched in June 2019 and the broader

producers to increase fertility, productivity, market compliance

campaign seeks to contribute to the National Livestock Genetics

and eating quality.

Consortium’s goal of doubling the rate of genetic gain in the

SBTS & TBTS provide a national extension network for genetic technologies for the Australian beef seedstock industry 1

IN THIS ISSUE MLA Genetics Hub Released: ‘How-To’ Videos Highlight Use of EBVs in Beef & Sheep Operations 1 Vale Arthur Rickards

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Southern Multi Breed Project: Supporting Development of Multi-Breed EBVs

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ET Flush Siblings Are Not Identical Twins

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Full Crossbred Analysis Implemented for Blonde d’Aquitaine 8

The MLA genetics hub includes a number of “how-to” videos organised into modules.

The first beef module “Getting Started with Breeding Values”, introduces EBVs, Selection Indexes and setting breeding objectives.

commercial livestock value chain by 2022.

The SBTS and TBTS teams have had the pleasure of being part of the collaborative efforts to develop the scripts and video recordings over the past 12 months. Tim

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What Data Goes Where? When to Contact Your Breed Society, BREEDPLAN and/or the SBTS & TBTS Extension Team

Emery has also recently co-presented a webinar with Clara Bradford (MLA) about ‘How to shop for a high-performing bull’, which is now available to view on the SBTS & TBTS YouTube channel.

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SBTS & TBTS Hold Regional Forums Around Australia

Both the SBTS and TBTS projects are supportive of the development of the MLA genetics hub and its resources. You will find links to the campaign resources on the SBTS & TBTS websites (for both seedstock and commercial producers) and the SBTS & TBTS YouTube channel. Future resources will be added as they are developed.

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Herefords Northern NSW BullSELECT Workshop

Tim Emery Co-Presents ‘Bred Well Fed Well’ Pilot Workshops in QLD 15 Get Social With SBTS & TBTS

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2019 Beef Improvement Federation 16 Research Symposium Report TBTS Staff involved in Zoetis ReproActive Days

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Optimise Joining Using MateSel

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SBTS Host First ‘Beef Genetic Champions Network’ Workshop for Industry Service Providers

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AAABG Conference: 27 October to 1 November 2019 in Armidale

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Accessing Support in Application of Genetic Technologies

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SBTS and TBTS encourage you to make the most of these online resources by sharing them with your client base and industry personnel involved in your business (e.g. agent, vet) to help inform them about the benefits of using breeding values. This will encourage a common understanding amongst all parties and have a positive flow on effect throughout the industry. If you have any ideas for new videos, please feel free to reach out. Should you be seeking further information about EBVs, please contact staff at SBTS or TBTS.

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Vale Arthur Rickards

By Jon Condon. First published by Beef Central on April 23, 2019

A

rthur Rickards, who made an enormous contribution to genetic progress and agribusiness in the Australia beef cattle industry over close to half a century, has

passed away aged 77, following a long battle with illness.

A remarkable man who has made a remarkable contribution to Australian agriculture through vision, determination, doggedness and sheer hard work, Dr Rickards spent four decades initiating and driving the Agricultural Business Research Institute out of Armidale in NSW. His defining achievement from the beef industry’s perspective was arguably the development and implementation of today’s BREEDPLAN, the industry’s world-class objective performance recording system now widely used across Australia and a number of overseas countries.

Born Philip Arthur Rickards, he grew up in rural Queensland near Maryborough. After completing an agricultural science degree at the University of Queensland, he moved to Armidale and completed a Diploma of Agriculture at the University of New England.

Dr Rickards established the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) in July 1970 with just two staff, armed with a bunch of dreams about how to facilitate the adoption of University of New England technology across rural industries.

The original home of ABRI was a modest gardener’s cottage on

n 2000s - Internet Solutions information system; the ILR2

the UNE campus.

advanced breed registry system; Sub-contract management

Over the next 40 years under his guidance, ABRI developed

of certification of genetic exports - providing quality control

and/or implemented many of the innovative technologies that

to Australia’s genetic exports worldwide; Establishment of

have made significant contributions to Australian agriculture,

Southern Beef Technology Services - with TBTS this has

particularly in its livestock industries.

created a national new-generation beef breeding extension

Broken down by the decades in which they first appeared,

service; Launch of HerdMASTER 4, a new release of the

these included:

Saltbush Herd Management System with on-farm and

n 1970s - Launching of the National Beef Recording Scheme;

central functionality.

farm financial benchmarking; and farm financial planning

The provision of high quality breed registry databases and

using linear programming.

the BREEDPLAN Genetic Analysis system enabled ABRI to

n 1980s - The adventurous New England Computerised

expand its services internationally, so that by 2010 ABRI had

Marketing sale-by-description system for livestock, the

a presence in some 20 countries including the US, Canada, the

predecessor to Computer Aided Livestock Marketing

UK, South Africa and New Zealand.

(CALM), and later still, today’s Auctions Plus; Rejuvenating

By 2010, ABRI had some 60 employees and an annual turnover

Australia’s beef genetic resources after 40 years of closure, through the importation of cattle via Cocos Island

of around $10 million.

Quarantine Station.

Dr Rickards developed a reputation as an opportunist if there

n 1990s - International marketing of breed registry and

was government funding available for innovative projects or a

BREEDPLAN systems; establishment of Tropical Beef

government department which was looking for a third party to

Technology Services (TBTS), a new generation beef

provide genetic evaluation services. The fact that ABRI to this

breeding extension program.

day holds the contracts for beef genetic evaluation for all of 3

New Zealand, most of the UK and a good slice of South Africa

S

BTS & TBTS extend our deepest sympathies to Deidre, Alice, Gareth and family on the passing of Arthur.

and Namibia was not just luck.

He established and cultivated a huge network of contacts among fellow undergraduates, university academics and

While he achieved much for Australian agriculture

researchers, agribusiness stakeholders and cattle producers

during his lifetime, Arthur was particularly keen to

which he utilised widely.

encourage and support both gender equality and younger producers in leadership roles in our industry.

In his younger life he loved sport, becoming a Queensland junior champion middle distance runner and one of only a

This enthusiasm led to him establishing the ARCBA

handful of people who carried the Olympic torch for the 1956

Youth Scholarship Program in 2017 (current recipient

and 2000 Australian Olympics.

Brad Cavanagh). This scholarship has now been renamed in memory of Arthur.

After formal retirement in 2011, he continued on in a part time business management role at ABRI and even after his collapse

We will miss Arthur’s support of SBTS & TBTS; he always

in the Qantas Club in 2012 and subsequent struggle with liver

took a keen interest in the activities of both projects.

disease he continued working for ABRI on a part time basis.

Arthur will also be missed in the wider Armidale community for his involvement in local organisations,

In 2017, he took on the role as President of the Australian

including his efforts in founding, and later chairing the

Registered Cattle Breeders Association, the peak body for

board of the New England Conservatorium of Music.

breed associations which he founded with his great friend Dick Vincent in about 1975.

Dr Rickards received an Order of Australia medal in 1996 and

He organised the inaugural Young Breed Leaders Workshop

an Honorary Doctorate by the University of New England in

which was held in Brisbane in late 2017 and has organised the second such conference to be held in Armidale in October this

2003, in recognition of his achievements and contribution to

year.

Australian agriculture.

Southern Multi Breed Project:

Supporting Development of Multi-Breed EBVs

T

he Southern Multi Breed project is a research project led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and is a co-investment between NSW DPI, The University of

New England (UNE) and the MLA Donor Company as part of the National Livestock Genetics Consortium (NLGC). The overall aim of this project is to support the development of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for hard-to-measure traits and to collect the necessary data to underpin the development of multi-breed EBVs in beef cattle.

One of the challenges of moving to multi-breed EBVs is the limited number of head to head comparisons between breeds (for example Charolais and Hereford animals running together under the same conditions). Whilst a limited amount of breed comparison data does exist, in Bos taurus breeds it is typically restricted to traits such as 200, 400 and 600 day weights.

For multi-breed EBVs to be successfully implemented, it is important that performance data is collected across a range of breeds and traits. This includes both those traits currently recorded for BREEDPLAN and traits that may contribute towards EBVs in the future (e.g. female fertility).

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The progeny produced in this project will be performance

Tocal and Trangie to allow the breeds to be compared under a

recorded for a range of BREEDPLAN traits. In addition, heifer

range of NSW environments from the sub-tropics to the New

progeny will be tested for reproductive traits including onset of

England. The use of research stations enhances the ability of

puberty and post-partum anoestrus (how quickly a cow cycles

the project to record “hard-to-measure� traits that would be

after calving).

difficult to collect in commercial enterprises. Genetic linkage

This work will follow the lead of the Repronomics project which

between the research station herds (so that the performance of the progeny can be compared across sites) is as important

has assessed the fertility of Braham, Droughtmaster and Santa

to this project as it is to all stud herds. To achieve this, link

Gertrudis cattle in Northern Australia. The potential to record

sires will be used to provide within breed links between the

other new traits (e.g. behaviour, health and welfare traits) will

stations and across years. It is expected that genetic linkage

be considered throughout the life of the project. DNA samples

with existing society-run Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) and

will also be collected. Depending on breed, these will either contribute to the development of, or contribute towards

historic Beef CRC projects will also be achieved.

current Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluations.

Project Leader Matias Suarez, NSW DPI, said it was the first

The project, funded for five years with the first matings to occur

time such an ambitious project had been funded for temperate Australia, although the idea has been suggested previously.

in September 2019, expects to produce 7000 progeny from

While the initial project timeline is for five years, plans have

2000 base cows by the fourth joining. In the initial phase the

been developed for a five year extension with more breeds

project will evaluate six breeds; Angus, Brahman (allowing a genetic link to the Northern Repronomics project), Charolais,

represented and a focus on cross breeding.

Hereford, Shorthorn and Wagyu.

It is hoped that investment in the herds will enable new and

The breeds were chosen on the basis of the BREEDPLAN

existing Research & Development projects to be leveraged into

registration and recording levels in southern Australia as well

other areas. It is intended that the research stations will be

as cow availability for purchase. The cattle will be run on the

made open for public inspection and learning once the project

NSW DPI research stations at Camden, Glen Innes, Grafton,

is up and running.

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T

ET Flush Siblings Are Not Identical Twins

he use of artificial breeding technologies, including the production of embryos through flushing and artificial insemination, are common-place in the beef seedstock

industry. Breeders are often amazed at the physical diversity that can be seen between full sisters and/or full brothers that are produced from the same embryo transfer (ET) flush. This diversity is a result of genetic differences between embryos; each ET flush sibling is the product of a different egg and a different sperm. This is in contrast to identical twins, which form from a single fertilised egg that split early in embryo development to form two genetically identical individuals.

As each ET flush sibling results from a unique egg and a unique sperm, they are no different to regular full brothers or sisters (except that ET flush siblings are conceived at the same time point). Indeed, ET flush siblings share the same amount of DNA as normal full brothers or sisters (on average 50%). However, the combination of DNA that all full-siblings, including ET flush siblings, inherit from their sire and their dam varies between individuals. This different combination of

A story of 7 full-flush Wagyu siblings - the use of genomics clearly shows the effect on EBVs

parental DNA is why there is genetic diversity between related individuals in all species, including humans. For detail of the

genomic information allows the BREEDPLAN analysis to

biological process behind the production of genetic diversity,

determine how much DNA an individual has in common

see the breakout box “The Biology of Cell Division�.

with other relatives, including flush siblings. This means that

Within the BREEDPLAN analysis, full siblings, including those

genomics in BREEDPLAN can help differentiate between the

from ET programs, are assumed to have the same EBVs until

genetic merit of full siblings (including ET flush siblings) and,

they have additional data analysed. These EBVs are based on

as a consequence, the EBVs for full siblings can vary greatly

the mid-parent values, with each EBV sitting halfway between

depending on the relative merit of the genes they received from

the EBVs of the sire and the dam. Once performance records

the parents. With the ability to genotype calves from birth, a

are added to BREEDPLAN, the EBVs for full siblings move to

further advantage is that Single-Step BREEDPLAN can allow

reflect the phenotypic differences observed by breeders.

producers to differentiate the genetic merit of full siblings at

For breeds that have moved to a Single-Step BREEDPLAN

a much younger age than was previously possible. In this way,

analysis, genomic information (e.g. 50K SNP genotypes)

the genetic differences between full siblings can be used to

also contributes to the calculation of EBVs. The inclusion of

inform management and breeding decisions on farm.

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The Biology of Cell Division

T

o understand how genetic diversity occurs between siblings, we need to understand the mechanism through which the diversity is created within the sex cells (sperm and eggs) of an animal.

Genetic Material: Chromosomes are the cellular structures that maintain and transmit genetic information. They are made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) combined with proteins.

The DNA provides the genetic blueprint for the physical, and some of the behavioural, traits of the animal.

An example of the crossing over between the pairs of chromosomes for chromosome three. The above is only to illustrate the principle as crossing over normally occurs between a number of the chromosome pairs during meiosis.

These traits are a unique and random mix of the parents’ determined by which particular sperm happens to fertilise which particular egg.

Following crossover, one copy of each chromosome pair (1-30) is pulled to one side of the cell while the other copy is pulled to the opposite side (see illustration below).

Chromosome pairs: Every cell in cattle (except the gametes) contains 30 chromosome pairs; 60 chromosomes in total. The 60 chromosomes represent one copy of each chromosome from each parent.

This process (also called independent assortment) occurs randomly to separate the chromosome pairs to opposite ends of the cell. A gamete will therefore end up with the full 30 chromosomes, but each gamete will have one of many different combinations of chromosomes and crossovers from the original set of 60.

This reshuffling of genes into unique combinations increases the genetic variation in a population and explains the variation we see between siblings with the same parents.

Each calf receives one copy of each of 30 chromosomes from each parent (60 copies in total - 2 of each chromosome.

The halving of the number of chromosomes in gametes ensures that, after fertilisation, the embryo will have the same number of chromosomes as the parents (30 come from each parent gamete to make the 60 in total). This is critical for stable sexual reproduction through successive generations.

Sex cells - the gametes: Gametes are special cells that have undergone reduction and contain only 30 chromosomes (one copy of each chromosome). These gametes are the female egg and the male sperm that fuse together during fertilisation, restoring the 60 chromosomes in the fertilised cell and initiating the events that result in embryo development.

Creation of Sex Cells (Meiosis): Meiosis is the process that creates the gametes within the sperm and the egg of each of the parents. Meiosis occurs in two stages. In meiosis stage 1, the two copies of 30 chromosomes are sorted into two groups. The cell nucleus then dissolves and the 30 pairs of chromosomes line up along the centre of the cell.

One chromosome of each pair is dragged to each side, halving the number of chromosomes in each cell.

Independent assortment caused black chromosome 28 and (mainly pink) chromosome 3 to be dragged to the top cell, while pink chromosome 28 and (mainly black) chromosome 3 are dragged to the bottom cell.

Some pair members from each parent exchange portions of their DNA in a process called crossover that helps increase genetic diversity by creating non-identical pairs.

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The Biology of Cell Division Meiosis stage 1 ends when the cell divides into two daughter cells, each having only the 30 chromosomes which were gathered at each opposite end of the cell.

To further genetic diversity, another round of meiosis occurs - meiosis stage 2.

The chromosomes once again align at the centre of the cell.

This time, the single-copy of chromosomes are distributed to two daughter cells known as gametocytes. In this way, one cell results in four non-identical gametocytes that undergo further development to become sperm or eggs.

To the right is a much-simplified illustration of the process which assures genetic diversity and variation in the population.

In addition to meiosis a population is also under the influence of mutations which could also modify the genetic makeup of the population and could benefit or be to the detriment of the population.

At the completion of meiosis one cell has divided into four non-identical sperm or egg cells.

Full Crossbred Analysis Implemented for Blonde d’Aquitaine

T

he BREEDPLAN analysis has several different ways in which performance data from crossbred animals can be handled, with different breed societies implementing

different analysis types. These are: 1. Purebred analysis: No crossbreds are included. Only performance data from purebred animals is included in the BREEDPLAN analysis.

2. Partial crossbred analysis: Crossbreds are included.

Contemporary groups are sub-grouped so that head-tohead comparisons are restricted to animals of the same breed type only (e.g. animals of 50% breed content are sub-

means that all purebred Blonde d’Aquitaine animals are now

grouped from animals of 100% breed content).

able to be compared in contemporary groups with crossbred

3. Full crossbred analysis: Crossbreds are included. Animals

Blonde d’Aquitaine animals (e.g. Blondeman). This is possible

of different breed type are compared head-to-head within

because the full crossbred analysis makes an allowance for the

the same contemporary group (i.e. no sub-grouping on breed type; 50% breed content animals can be compared

effects of heterosis being expressed when breeds are crossed.

in the same contemporary group as 100% breed content

Blonde d’Aquitaine breeders may observe changes in EBVs

animals). This model accounts for the effects of heterosis.

and EBV accuracy for some animals as a result. For further

In April 2019, Blonde d’Aquitaine BREEDPLAN upgraded from

information, please contact Catriona Millen, SBTS Technical

a partial crossbred analysis to a full crossbred analysis. This

Officer, on (02) 6773 3357 or via email catriona@sbts.une.edu.au.

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Herefords Northern NSW BullSELECT Workshop

I

n May 2019, SBTS and TBTS facilitated a BullSELECT workshop for the Herefords Northern New South Wales group at Ian and Shelley Durkin’s Mountain Valley Poll

Herefords at Coolatai.

Given the somewhat cynical adage that the easiest way to make it rain is to hold an outside event; Boyd Gudex and Tim Emery were pleased to oblige but were disappointed that they couldn’t arrange a drought breaker. True to form, the rain fell while everyone was outside during the practical demonstrations of bull selection but ceased soon after we adjourned inside the shed to complete the talks.

In addition to the BullSELECT workshop, the day also featured talks from Dallas Cody from Allflex, discussing the Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) system and Michael Beattie from Herefords Australia who talked about DNA requirements and answered questions relating to the future of the breed.

The day was attended by approximately 15 members of the Herefords Northern New South Wales group. A review of the pre and post BullSELECT workshop surveys of attendees

BullSELECT workshop. For any breeders or groups interested

revealed a 30% increase in knowledge due to the workshop and

in hosting a BullSELECT workshop, further information

91% of participants felt they had a better understanding of how

is available on the SBTS and TBTS websites. The cost of a

to use BREEDPLAN information. All participants rated the

BullSELECT workshop is $1000 (GST Inc.) for breeders who

BullSELECT workshop as Excellent or Very Good.

are members of SBTS or TBTS stakeholder breed associations.

SBTS gratefully acknowledges the Herefords Northern New

If interested or for further information, please contact SBTS or

South Wales group and Ian and Shelley Durkin for hosting the

TBTS staff.

Photo credit: supplied by Herefords Northern NSW 9

What Data Goes Where?

When to Contact Your Breed Society, BREEDPLAN and/or the SBTS & TBTS Extension Team

F

or most registered cattle producers, the first point of call is your breed society. Specifically, your breed society handles all data and enquiries relating to animal

as these emails are monitored daily. Furthermore, performance data should be submitted by your breed’s data submission deadline to guarantee inclusion in the next BREEDPLAN

registration (e.g. parentage or sex), transfers, herd inventories,

analysis (see table on opposite page).

DNA testing and non-performance data (e.g. horn/poll status

BREEDPLAN, SBTS and TBTS co-operate to answer queries

or coat colour).

relating to the collection and submission of BREEDPLAN

All changes to these animal details should be handled via

performance information (including management groups), the

your society as BREEDPLAN is unable to add or alter this

interpretation of EBVs, the reportability of EBVs (including

information. Contact details for your breed society office can

outlier & Completeness of Performance reports), the reason

be found on their website.

for EBV changes or simply about BREEDPLAN in general.

The BREEDPLAN and SBTS & TBTS extension teams work

SBTS and TBTS can also assist with advice on other genetic

closely together with some staff co-located in the same

technologies

building and/or having roles in both groups. All performance

including

parentage

verification,

genetic

conditions, MateSel and GeneProb.

data including outliers should be submitted directly to the BREEDPLAN team. Breeders should avoid sending

SBTS and TBTS also facilitate workshops and events for beef

performance data to SBTS or TBTS extension staff as we are

producers around Australia. These include Regional Forums

often out of the office and consequently our emails are not

aimed at seedstock producers and BullSELECT workshops

always checked every day.

aimed at commercial producers. If unsure of who to contact for any of these topics, the BREEDPLAN office should be your

To avoid your data missing an upcoming BREEDPLAN run, it is important that all BREEDPLAN data is sent to the relevant

first port of call as they will pass on enquires to SBTS or TBTS

BREEDPLAN contact (e.g. limousin@breedplan.une.edu.au)

as appropriate.

BREEDPLAN OFFICE CONTACTS POST: BREEDPLAN, c/- ABRI, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351 PHONE: (02) 6773 3555 FAX: (02) 6773 5376 EMAIL: breedplan@abri.une.edu.au WEBSITE: http://breedplan.une.edu.au Contact details for SBTS & TBTS are available on the back page.

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Performance Submission Dates Australian Breed Societies with Performance Data Processed at ABRI BREED

Last day for data to BREEDPLAN at ABRI

Belmont Red

27th of the month: Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov

Blonde d’Aquitaine

21st of the month

Braford

15th of the month: Mar, June, Sep, Dec

Brahman

28th of the month

Brangus

5th of the month

Charolais

20th of the month

Devon

1st of the month

Droughtmaster

12th of the month

Gelbvieh

7th of the month

Hereford

3rd of the month

Limousin

11th of the month

Murray Grey

17th of the month

Performance Herds

18th of the month

Red Angus

28th of the month

Red Poll

27th of the month

Salers

21st of the month

Santa Gertrudis

9th of the month

Shorthorn

10th of the month

Simmental

1st of the month

South Devon

15th of the month: Feb, June, Aug, Nov

Speckle Park

26th of the month

Wagyu

11th of the month

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SBTS & TBTS Hold Regional Forums Around Australia

E

leven SBTS & TBTS Regional Forums have been held around the country in 2019. So far the team have rolled out Regional Forums around New South Wales,

experience following the implementation of Single-Step

Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia, with

to our collection; the stories provided by Regional Forum

BREEDPLAN in their own breed. SBTS & TBTS can also add a range of examples of why parentage verification is needed

Regional Forums in South Australia still to come.

attendees of what can and did go wrong during breeding are

For the first time, the SBTS & TBTS Regional Forums are being

fascinating.

held over two days. Day one, BREEDPLAN Fundamentals,

Feedback collected from those that attended each of the days

is intended for herds considering joining BREEDPLAN,

shows the value of the Regional Forums to beef producers.

new BREEDPLAN herds and those that wish to refresh

Benchmarking questions indicates that on both days, attendees

their knowledge of BREEDPLAN. Day two focuses on DNA

are leaving the Regional Forums with greater knowledge on

technology, including parentage verification, managing genetic

the topics presented. This is reflected in the feedback; 95% of

conditions and genomics, and is intended for those who wish

day one attendees felt that they had a better understanding of

to learn more about utilising DNA technology in their herds.

BREEDPLAN after attending.

While beef producers can attend a single day or both days,

Similarly, 97% of day two attendees felt that they had a better

so far, 76% of those who have registered to attend a Regional

understanding of the use of DNA technologies in beef cattle.

Forum have opted to attend both days.

This demonstrates that even the experienced BREEDPLAN

Importantly, Regional Forums are not just two days of

breeders attending the Regional Forums were able to refresh

presentations; they have been designed to be interactive and

their knowledge and learn something new.

producer discussion is encouraged. While this means we sometimes get a little off-topic, some of the best learning

For those of you in South Australia, it’s not too late to experience

occurs when producers share their thoughts and experiences

a Regional Forum for yourself. Upcoming Regional Forums will

with each other. This ranges from advice about collecting

be held at Coonawarra and Hahndorf. See page 13 for further

performance data for BREEDPLAN right through to breeder

details.

Paul Williams discusses performance recording at the Rockhampton Regional Forum 12

Location

Dates

Booking Link

Coonawarra, SA

5 & 6 November

https://www.trybooking.com/ZUKC

Hahndorf, SA

7 & 8 November

https://www.trybooking.com/ZUKP

Tim Emery discusses interpreting Selection Indexes at the Toowoomba Regional Forum

Catriona Millen discusses parentage verification at the Muswellbrook Regional Forum

Boyd Gudex discusses Completeness of Performance at the Armidale Regional Forum 13

2019 SBTS & TBTS REGIONAL FORUMS

2019 SBTS & TBTS REGIONAL FORUMS 2019 SBTS & TBTS REGIONAL FORUMS

DAY ONE - BREEDPLAN FUNDAMENTALS

DAY ONE - BREEDPLAN FUNDAMENTALS ACTIVITY DAY ONE - BREEDPLAN FUNDAMENTALS

TIME

TIME - 9.00am 8.45am

ACTIVITY Registration

TIME 8.45am - 9.00am 9.00am - 10.45am

ACTIVITY Welcome Registration The Role of Genetics in Beef Breeding BREEDPLAN: From Paddock to EBVs

8.45am - 9.00am 10.45am - 11.00am 9.00am - 10.45am

Registration Welcome Morning Tea in Beef Breeding The Role of Genetics BREEDPLAN: Welcome From Paddock to EBVs The Role of Genetics in Beyond Beef Breeding BREEDPLAN: Analysis and Making BREEDPLAN Work For You BREEDPLAN: From Paddock to EBVs Morning Tea

9.00am - 10.45am 11.00am - 12.30pm 10.45am - 11.00am 12.30pm - 1.00pm 10.45am - 11.00am 11.00am - 12.30pm

11.00am - 12.30pm 1.00pm - 3.30pm 12.30pm - 1.00pm

Lunch Morning Tea BREEDPLAN: Analysis and Beyond BREEDPLAN Resources Making BREEDPLAN Work For You BREEDPLAN: Analysis and Beyond BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Making BREEDPLAN Work For You Utilising BREEDPLAN to Improve Your Herd Lunch Feedback & Closing Remarks

12.30pm - 1.00pm

Lunch BREEDPLAN Resources Close BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance 1.00pm - 3.30pm BREEDPLANtoResources Utilising BREEDPLAN Improve Your Herd BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance Feedback & Closing Remarks 1.00pm - 3.30pm Utilising BREEDPLAN to Improve Your Herd DAY TWO - GETTING THE MOST OUT OF BREEDPLAN: DNA TECHNOLOGIES Feedback &Close Closing Remarks 3.30 pm 3.30 pm

3.30TIME pm

ACTIVITY Close

8.45am - 9.00am

Registration

DAY TWO - GETTING THE MOST OUT OF BREEDPLAN: DNA TECHNOLOGIES Welcome DAY TWO - GETTING DNA TECHNOLOGIES 9.00am - 10.45am THE MOST OUT OF BREEDPLAN: BREEDPLAN Refresher TIME

ACTIVITY Benchmarking Your Herd: CoP and Genetic Progress

TIME - 11.00am 10.45am 8.45am - 9.00am 8.45am - 9.00am 11.00am - 12.30pm 9.00am - 10.45am 12.30pm - 1.00pm

9.00am - 10.45am 10.45am - 11.00am

1.00pm - 3.30pm

10.45am - 11.00am 11.00am - 12.30pm 3.30 pm

11.00am - 12.30pm 12.30pm - 1.00pm 12.30pm - 1.00pm 1.00pm - 3.30pm

ACTIVITY Morning Tea

Registration

DNA Technology for Beef Registration Breeders: Parentage Verification Welcome DNA Technology for Beef Breeders: Genetic Conditions

BREEDPLAN Refresher Welcome Benchmarking Your Herd: Lunch CoP and Genetic Progress BREEDPLAN Refresher Herd: CoP and Genetic Progress DNABenchmarking Technology for Your Beef Breeders: Single-Step BREEDPLAN Morning Tea

What Does DNA Technology Mean for You? Feedback &Morning Closing Remarks Tea Parentage Verification DNA Technology for Beef Breeders:

DNA Technology for Beef Breeders: Genetic Conditions Close DNA Technology for Beef Breeders: Parentage Verification DNA Technology for BeefLunch Breeders: Genetic Conditions

1.00pm - 3.30pm 3.30 pm

Lunch Single-Step BREEDPLAN DNA Technology for Beef Breeders: What Does DNA Technology Mean for You? DNA Technology for Beef & Breeders: BREEDPLAN Feedback Closing Single-Step Remarks What Does DNA Technology Mean for You? Feedback &Close Closing Remarks

3.30 pm

Close

SOUTHERN BEEF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

TROPIC AL BEEF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

For Further Information

(02) 6773 3357

Please Contact:

0409 102 644

Catriona Millen

catriona@sbts.une.edu.au

SBTS Technical Officer

http://sbts.une.edu.au

14

Tim Emery Co-Presents ‘Bred Well Fed Well’ Pilot Workshops in QLD

J

merit for a range of traits just by looking at the animals. Later

ust over 100 Queensland beef producers in March and April were provided with hints on genetics, nutrition and management during a three-part pilot series of

in the exercise, EBVs on the bulls were utilised to demonstrate the amount of actual genetic variation that existed amongst the bulls.

Bred Well Fed Well workshops. Tim Emery teamed up with

It was reiterated to attendees that EBVs are a free tool, they’re

Dr Jason Trompf to deliver the workshops, which were held

available for anyone to use, and they can assist producers make

on-farm at Jandowae (Seifert Belmont Reds), Banana (Jarrah

an informed, objective decision about their future genetic

Cattle Company) and Einasleigh (Werrington Station).

direction. Importantly, they should not be used in isolation,

The benefit of using superior genetics combined with high

but instead be used in conjunction with fertility, structural

performance management was the focus of the program,

soundness and temperament as part of the bull buying process.

with participants encouraged to tailor information to their individual operations.

The second part of the workshop focused on refining nutrition

Both presenters spoke about refining bull buying strategies

and management to ensure producers are getting the most out of their herd. Matching the current physiological demands

to ensure the best bulls are being bought for an individual

of animals to the available feed supply was one of the many

business.

topics discussed, and a practical yard session focused on body

Participants were stepped through a genetic decision support tool to help develop breeding objectives and shown how to

condition scoring females.

utilise the BREEDPLAN website to search and sort bull sale

The success of the three pilot workshops run in Queensland

catalogues.

will now be extensively reviewed to determine if Bred Well Fed

An exercise conducted at the yards using a handful of bulls

Well will roll out on a larger scale in Northern Australia into

highlighted that it’s very difficult to identify superior genetic

the future.

Get Social With SBTS & TBTS SOCIAL MEDIA

B

eef producers can keep up to date with the latest developments in genetic technologies and the activities of SBTS and TBTS by following SBTS and TBTS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Articles and information on upcoming events (e.g. webinar series, BullSELECT workshops) are routinely posted on Facebook and Twitter.

The YouTube channel contains video presentations from past webinar series and short ‘Understanding BREEDPLAN EBVs’ video clips.

http://facebook.com/SBTSTBTS

http://twitter.com/SBTSTBTS

TO FOLLOW > SBTS and TBTS on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube simply go to the SBTS or TBTS website and click on the relevant icon, or go directly to the SBTS & TBTS Facebook account at http://facebook.com/ SBTSTBTS, Twitter account at http://twitter.com/SBTSTBTS or YouTube Channel at http://youtube.com/user/sbtstbts.

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http://youtube.com/user/sbtstbts

2019 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium Report

I

n June, Catriona Millen headed to the USA for the annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention. This annual conference is a key event on the USA and Canadian beef calendar, with attendees including a mix of commercial and seedstock cattle producers, feed lotters, researchers, extension officers and breed society representatives from the USA, Canada and beyond. The 2019 conference was held 18-21 June in Brookings, South Dakota and co-hosted by the South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the South Dakota Beef Breeds Council. The following is Catriona’s report from the trip.

In mid-June, I travelled to South Dakota for the 2019 BIF Conference. Four flights and 44 long hours after I had left Armidale, I finally made it to Brookings in time for the main conference on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June. The two days provided insights into the North American cattle breeding industry whilst also highlighting a number of challenges applicable to both the Australian and North American cattle industries. For example, both industries are grappling with how best to ensure collection of large numbers of phenotypes (performance data) in the genomics era, particularly for hardto-measure traits.

Feeder cattle at Oines Farms LLC

n Breeding for efficiency should be a key focus for the future.

There was a lot of discussion at BIF regarding efficiency of beef animals and the role that the seedstock sector plays in setting breeding directions. Some of the discussion focused on methane emissions and the role that genetics can play in reducing these (e.g. breeding for high growth animals that can be finished earlier while consuming less feed). The efficiency of the female breeding herd was also a talking point, with much discussion on optimal mature size and fed requirements of heifers and cows. Given the continuing drought conditions throughout much of Australia, efficiency of the female herd is particularly topical for the Australian industry.

In South Dakota, the development of the SDSU Cow/Calf Education and Research facility has enabled the installation of feed efficiency bins, which can be utilised to collect net feed intake information on individual animals. Other points of discussion included numerous presentations on new or improved traits (e.g. structure, fertility and health traits) and selection index development. Some of the key messages, relevant to Australian cattle producers, to come out of the congress were:

n Longevity of breeding cattle is important. There was an interesting panel discussion regarding the average age of bulls and cows within breeding herds. Generally, producers felt that the average age at which animals leave the US herd has decreased in recent times. For bulls, it was felt that this was typically due to bulls breaking down after only several breeding seasons (e.g. poor structure), while for females there were a range of issues including fertility (e.g. heifers failing to get in calf and/or not re-breeding in the next year) and structure. For me, this highlighted the importance of breeders ensuring that their breeding programs are balanced, producing animals with good genetic merit for a range of traits (including fertility) and correct structure.

Feed efficiency bins at the new SDSU Cow/Calf Education and Research Facility

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n Reproductive technologies, used in conjunction with

Mark Trotter from CQ University in Queensland provided

selection decisions, may provide opportunities to drive

an entertaining look at the research he and his team

genetic improvement in beef cattle. Reproductive technology

are currently conducting into the use of GPS tracking collars. While the main applications of these collars are

development is an exciting area as it provides opportunity

not for genetic evaluation purposes, there may be some

to lower the generation interval (something that is hard to

opportunities to collect phenotypes. For example, while

do in cattle which have a relatively long generation interval

location of the cattle provides useful opportunities to

compared to species such as pigs or poultry). New and

monitor paddock usage for optimal fertiliser application

developing technologies in this field include genotyping

and identify potential stock theft, it may also be useful in

of embryos (e.g. generate genomic EBVs on embryos prior

identifying the identity (parentage) and timing (conception

to implantation and use resulting EBVs to decide whether

date) of matings. Another potential use that Mark is

to implant), sexed semen, cloning and gene editing (e.g.

investigating is tracking health status of individual animals;

introgression of poll gene into horned breeds).

for example, collars may allow the collection of “headshake�

There are still challenges with the wide-spread adoption

data which could have further application for tropical

of these technologies. Obtaining sufficient DNA from

adaption traits such as buffalo fly resistance.

embryos to allow genotyping on a high-density panel

Following the main conference was the post-conference day

(e.g. 50K) remains a challenge and is the focus of ongoing

tour. First up was a trip to Millborn Seeds, where we heard

research. Technologies such as cloning and gene editing,

about the different cover crop blends that the company offers

while less challenging from a technical viewpoint, face

for sale and how these can be integrated into current crop

additional regulatory and social considerations. Of all the

rotation programs. We then headed out to a local commercial

reproductive technologies, sexed semen is perhaps the

feeder-cattle business, Oines Farms LLC. The cattle are fed in

most applicable to beef producers in Australia currently.

sheds (each shed has a 499 head capacity) on a seasonal mixed

Given the depletion of the national breeding herd due to

ration that includes corn, silage and hay. While there were

ongoing drought conditions, sexed semen (along with ET)

plenty of traditional, fully-enclosed barns dotted around South

may allow beef producers a viable option to more quickly

Dakota, Oines Farms had recently installed a modern barn.

re-build breeding herds when the current drought breaks.

These modern barns are semi-enclosed; the open sides allow

n Research into novel phenotyping opportunities is ongoing.

for good air circulation while adjustable sails block snow and

There was numerous discussion on collecting phenotypes,

sleet in cold weather. Cattle inside the barns also had access to

whether for current traits or future traits. A/Professor

outside pens, with many utilising these during our visit.

Corn fields surrounding the barn at Oines Farms LLC 17

Our final destination on the tour was Wienk Charolais Ranch, where the family was on hand to provide a history of the operation, which in 2019 celebrated its 50th year. Founder Arnold Wienk remarked on the changes he has seen in the beef industry since the stud’s inception, with the stud, along with the wider industry, moving to embrace genetic evaluation. While fifty years ago animals only had a birth date in the sale catalogue, today all animals are performance recorded for a range of traits.

In addition to offering bulls at their annual bull sales, the stud offers an innovative Lease Program to its commercial clients.

Commercial clients can opt to lease yearling and/or two year old bulls from the stud for the breeding season (giving them access to the newest genetics), before the bulls are returned to the Wienk Ranch for the rest of the year.

Visiting Emily Piper at Zoetis in Kalamazoo, Michigan

extraction area right through to genotyping. Emily also showed

On the Monday following BIF, I had the opportunity to visit

me her favourite lab instrument; a tiny genotyping machine

Emily Piper at Zoetis in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition

about the size of an external hard drive (and a lot smaller than

to discussing current and future developments in DNA

the current commercial reality!). It will be interesting to see

technology for beef cattle, both in Australia and around the

whether these are employed in commercial situations in the

world, this visit gave me the chance to tour the Zoetis lab. For those of you that use Zoetis as your genotyping provider, this

future.

lab is where your samples are sent to be genotyped. Once the

Interested in heading to the USA for next year’s conference?

sample is received, it is assigned a unique barcode, which stays

The 2020 BIF conference will be held 9-12 June in Kissimmee,

with the sample as it moves through the lab from the DNA

Florida.

Charolais bulls at Weink Charolais Ranch 18

TBTS Staff involved in Zoetis ReproActive Days

D

eveloped for Zoetis by Australia’s leading vets, cattle specialists and rural business experts, ReproActive is a specialised, interactive workshop series designed

to help maximise the reproductive & productive potential of herds. The workshops are usually run in conjunction with a local vet practice and cover a breadth of topics including weaning processes and protocols, managing weaner nutritional demands and disease risks, heifer growth targets and strategies to effectively respond to challenging situations. Ultimately, each ReproActive workshop aims to leave attending beef producers better equipped to improve these practices on their own properties, thus enhancing the productivity and profitability of their own herds.

Both TBTS staff were invited to present at several Zoetis

Paul Williams also presented at two ReproActive days; the

ReproActive days. Tim Emery presented at two ReproActive

Clermont ReproActive day in February and the Rockhampton

days during February; the Scenic Rim ReproActive Day held at Nindooinbah Ultrablack and Brangus stud and the South

ReproActive day in March. These were also well attended,

Burnett ReproActive day held at Vale View Droughtmasters.

with 60 and 50 attendees respectively. Paul presented some

Each day was well attended, with 70 and 90 attendees

preliminary results from the Repronomics project and also

respectively. At each event Tim spoke about “Making use of

discussed how to use genetic technologies. This includes a

genetic technologies to improve the bottom line” where he

live demonstration of the online genetics search facilities.

focused on interpreting EBVs and how to utilise genetics in

Both Paul and Tim also assisted with the sessions involving

animal selection.

condition scoring on live animals.

Optimise Joining Using MateSel

S

eedstock producers in Australia who are members of a breed society with a published Selection Index are encouraged to consider using the MateSel mating

“High

Genetic

Gain”

and providing details of their desired breeding

optimisation tool when planning their upcoming joinings.

objective. Results from the

MateSel creates additional genetic progress within a breeding

MateSel

analysis

are returned promptly,

program by generating a suggested mating list from a list of

usually

sires and dams that a seedstock producer nominates as being

within

one

available for use within their upcoming joining program.

working day.

MateSel not only allows seedstock producers to maximise

MateSel is a valuable addition to the BREEDPLAN suite of

genetic progress whilst managing inbreeding, but will also save

tools that are offered by the Agricultural Business Research

significant time previously spent compiling mating lists.

Institute (ABRI) in Armidale, NSW.

MateSel is fully customised to the breeding program of each

Seedstock members interested in learning more about MateSel

individual seedstock operation with the seedstock producer

should visit the BREEDPLAN website (http://breedplan.une.

choosing acceptable inbreeding limits by selecting one of

edu.au) and click on the MateSel icon on the right hand side,

three breeding strategies, “Genetic Diversity”, “Balanced” or

or contact staff at SBTS or TBTS. 19

SBTS Host First ‘Beef Genetic Champions Network’ Workshop for Industry Service Providers

O

discuss the latest recent BREEDPLAN developments and

ne of the objectives of the current SBTS project is to form a beef genetic champions network of extension (e.g. state DPI and private consultants)

current research with staff from AGBU, ABRI, MLA, NSW DPI, SBTS and TBTS.

and other industry personnel (e.g. genotyping and data

Representatives from the Australian sheep (Sheep Genetics) and

processing companies) who regularly provide genetics advice

dairy (DataGene) industries also provided their perspectives

to cattle producers. The aim of this initiative is to provide the

on genetics extension and adoption. Other highlights included

champions network with regular updates on BREEDPLAN and

presentations by Brett Coombe (Roxborough Brahmans)

related technologies (e.g. genomics), allowing service providers

and Ian Locke (Wirruna Poll Herefords), who outlined their

to stay up to speed on current news and plans for any future

experiences of utilising BREEDPLAN within their own herds.

developments.

Feedback indicated that the attendees found that the workshop

In addition, this network also offers service providers the

was extremely beneficial and that much was learned that could

opportunity to provide feedback to BREEDPLAN and

be disseminated back to producers and other contacts in their

associated organisations, such as common questions they

networks. The most common take home messages were:

receive from clients.

n BREEDPLAN works - EBVs are a well-established, scientifically-based technology that has numerous proof-

In February this year, over 50 attendees from around Australia

of-profit examples.

and New Zealand travelled to Armidale to attend the first beef genetic champions network workshop. Over two days,

n BREEDPLAN development is ongoing. Current research

attendees were treated to a great opportunity to network and

and development areas include genomics, multibreed

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and/or multi country analyses and BreedObject selection indexes. Opportunities to refine how BREEDPLAN information is presented to industry are also being investigated (e.g. DeSireBull). n The best genetic evaluation system in the world is of no use if producers do not know what they want to breed for (e.g. breeding and/or production goals). Selection indexes can assist with this process. n Even in the genomics era, it is important to keep encouraging the accurate recording of objective data. n EBVs are just one of the tools that are important when selecting livestock. Other points to consider include structure, fertility (e.g. BULLCHECK), temperament, genetic condition status and pedigree.

There was also strong support for future workshops for this group. We are currently investigating opportunities for a second beef genetic champions network workshop in 2020.

SBTS would like to thank Meat and Livestock Australia; without their support this event would not have been possible.

Our thanks to the organising committee for their input; in addition to SBTS personnel, the committee included representatives from ABRI, AGBU, MLA and TBTS. Thanks also to our speakers, particularly those that travelled from interstate. We’d also like to thank everyone who attended; it was great to see so many of you make the effort to come.

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AAABG Conference: 27 October to 1 November 2019 in Armidale

T

he Association for the Advancement of Animal Breeding and Genetics (AAABG) hosts an international conference for breeders, livestock scientists and other industry service providers to meet and discuss current research and the application of livestock genetics in animal breeding.

The next AAABG conference will be held in Armidale, New South Wales from Sunday 27th October to Friday 1st November, 2019.

and sheep properties. A bushwalking tour (suitable for nondelegate spouses and/or family) of the New England region is also on offer. All tours cost $50 per person.

While the 2.5 days of scientific conference (Monday 28th –

Thursday 31st October

The AAABG conference dinner will be held on the Wednesday evening. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow producers, scientists and other industry personnel. The conference dinner is $90 per person for those attending the breeders program only.

Wednesday 30th) may be of interest to some beef producers, the field trips and breeder program (Wednesday 30th – Friday 1st) have been specifically designed with sheep and beef producers in mind.

Thursday is the first day of the breeders program, and will include dedicated beef and sheep presentations. While the program has not yet been finalised, there will be a range of talks from research scientists, extension personnel and other industry representatives. SBTS personnel are planning to present two papers, one on the level of performance recording in the Australian beef industry and the other a case study showing the effects of Single-Step BREEDPLAN following its introduction for the Hereford breed. Other industry relevant talks will also be presented.

Wednesday 30th October The field trips, from noon until approximately 5pm, will give conference delegates the opportunity to tour research facilities and working farms in the New England region. There are five field trips on offer (see box), with tours of CSIRO field station, the UNE Smart Farm, Tullimba feedlot and a range of beef

On the Thursday evening, a barbeque dinner will be held at the Stro (UNE campus). This is included in the breeders program registration fee and is another great opportunity for conference delegates to catch up.

Friday 1st November Friday is the second day of the breeders program, with the morning dedicated to further presentations from a range of research scientists, extension personnel and other industry representatives. Following lunch, the day will wrap up at 1.30 pm. This will give conference delegates the chance to head home (whether by car or plane) on the Friday afternoon.

Beef producers can register to attend the two day breeders program for a cost of $130 per person (additional charges apply for Wednesday field trip and conference dinner). Full conference registration is also available for those that wish to attend the 2.5 days of scientific conference earlier in the week.

For further details, including programs and registration details, visit the 2019 AAABG conference website: https://aaabg2019. org/ Please note that UNE is located approximately 3km from the centre of Armidale, and is not within easy walking distance from accommodation located in the town. A conference bus service will provide travel from the tourist information centre to the conference venue in the morning and evening each day for those requiring transport to the UNE grounds.

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2019 AAABG Field Trips WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER 12 NOON - 5 PM $50 PER PERSON Blair’ where Sam White will discuss his breeding program for his Angus cattle stud.

1. CSIRO & UNE SMART FARMS Take in some of the great work occurring at the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Chiswick field station and the UNE Smart Farm.

4. FEED(LOT) & WINE: TULLIMBA & MERILBA ESTATE TOUR Are your cattle part of a BIN? You have a chance to visit UNE’s Tullimba feedlot, where Angus and Hereford BIN cattle are measured for feed intake. Located 40kms south-west of Armidale, Tullimba is a world-class feedlot research facility designed to provide reliable and rigorous research data and training opportunities to enhance the international competitiveness of the Australian beef industry. During this tour, you will hear about the NSW DPI muscling herd work, the feed efficiency work using Grow Safe feeders, and how feeder data can be used for animal management.

CSIRO will feature research on development of novel phenotypes, such as feed intake on pasture and resilience, application of precision livestock management technologies and new research into the application of dual purpose cropping for livestock. Chiswick, is also one of the sites for Merino Ewe Life Time Productivity Project.

The UNE SMART Farms are a hub for multi-disciplinary research at UNE and provide a test bed for new technologies. With research ranging from the individual insect to the complete landscape level there is something to interest everyone. The SMART Farm Innovation Centre showcases technologies and their applications for a digitally connected Future Farm, including precision livestock tech, remote sensing, asset management and sensor networks.

The SMART Farms are also home to the MLA Resource Flock along with commercial sheep enterprises and facilities for research on a range of species.

Before returning back to the conference dinner, you will enjoy wine tasting at Merilba Estate Wines. Crafted from the cool climate vineyard, premium quality wine from this boutique producer is provided to clients using independent and focused distribution methods.

5. GORGEOUS GORGES BUSHWALK

2. WALCHA BEEF & SHEEP TRAIL

Take some time to see some of the beautiful Gorge scenery that has made the Northern Tablelands famous. Depending on numbers, we will either visit Dangers Falls and do the Blue Hole Walk at the Gara Gorge, or travel a little further away to the little village of Hillgrove, taking in the Hillgrove Museum and a walk at Long Point. Bring a hat and your camera! And you should also plan for potentially cold or wet weather and bring appropriate shoes and clothing for this option.

Visit some of the many successful beef and sheep stud operations in this area. We will be taking a hike East to visit Yalgoo (Merinos and Poll Herefords), returning to Armidale on a picturesque route via Cressbrook (Merinos, Dangarsleigh) and Dangars Fall. Some additional stud visits are envisaged, but due to serious ongoing drought conditions in this area the final list of host studs will be advised closer to the date.

3. SURF (TROUT) AND TURF This tour will head north of Armidale to the town of Guyra the home of trout and top quality beef. The tour will begin at Deano’s Smoked Trout for a tour of the facilities and a barbeque lunch. Dean produces around a tonne of yabbies each year, and grows anywhere between 10,000 to 15,000 trout per year with the fish processed and smoked on farm. The next stop will be to Derek & Fiona Smith’s property ‘Working with Nature’ where we will discuss their free range egg operation and how it fits within their regenerative farming ethos. The final visit will be to ‘Bald

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Accessing Support in Application of Genetic Technologies For support and assistance in the use and understanding of the different genetic technologies that are available, such as BREEDPLAN, BreedObject Selection Indexes, Internet Solutions, TakeStock, GeneProb, Mate Selection Software & DNA based tools or to discuss any of the information included in this edition of the SBTS & TBTS Update, please contact:

TECHNICAL CONSULTANT

BREEDS

CONTACT DETAILS

Boyd Gudex

Limousin Simmental

boyd@sbts.une.edu.au T (02) 6773 1711 M 0437 468 159

Catriona Millen

Blonde d’Aquitaine Charolais Devon Gelbvieh Hereford Murray Grey

Red Angus Red Poll Salers Shorthorn Speckle Park

Paul Williams

Belmont Red Brahman Brangus Droughtmaster

Santa Gertrudis Senepol Simbrah

Tim Emery

Belmont Red Brahman Brangus Droughtmaster

Santa Gertrudis Senepol Simbrah

Carel Teseling

Wagyu

catriona@sbts.une.edu.au T (02) 6773 3357 M 0409 102 644

paul@tbts.une.edu.au T (07) 4927 6066 M 0427 018 982

tim@tbts.une.edu.au M 0408 707 155

carel@wagyu.org.au T (02) 8880 7703 M 0439 368 283

IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON SBTS AND TBTS PLEASE CONTACT: Tropical Beef Technology Services Telephone: (07) 4927 6066 Email: office@tbts.une.edu.au Web: http://tbts.une.edu.au

Southern Beef Technology Services Telephone: (02) 6773 3555 Email: office@sbts.une.edu.au Web: http://sbts.une.edu.au 24