WA
ANGUS NEWS
December 2021
INSIDE THIS ISSUE…….. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Welcome to new Angus Australia CEO Johnes Disease Detection in Western Australia Important Changes to Animal Identification Angus Youth News New Selection Indexes Heifer Competition and much more…….
On-farm Open Day at Northampton 4th February 2022 commencing at 1.00pm with a sundowner and dinner provided
Private Selection Bulls available throughout the year Gingin Bull Sale 3rd March 2022 Catalogue online at Angus Australia early in 2022
All Bulls ✓ Genomic tested for increased EBV accuracy and sire verification ✓ Docility scored ✓ Vaccinated for preventable reproductive diseases including IBR ✓ Semen tested (Morphology) ✓ J BAS 8 Sires Lines Available: S Powerpoint, Stunner, Millah Murrah Nectar, Loch Up and Marlon Brando, Chisum, Kapari Bronc, Thunderbird and Kaiser. Statewide transport easily organised
Tony & Liz Sudlow Tony: 0428 362 032 | Liz: 0427 362 025 Email: tony.liz@kapariangus.com.au
www.kapariangus.com.au
WA ANGUS COMMITTEE Chairwoman Liz Sudlow 0427 362 025
Vice Chairman Mark Muir 0427 691 001 Treasurer Ken MacLeay 0438 926 363
Gary Cain 08 9757 4553 Bruce Campbell 08 9525 2361 Andrew Kuss 0428 761 240 Ken MacLeay 0438 926 363 Pam McGregor 08 9831 0401 Mark Muir 0427 691 001 Robyn Stoney 0447 453 242 Liz Sudlow 0427 362 025 Harris Thompson 08 9767 1355 Lindsay Wolrige 08 9755 1123
Kerry Cain 08 9757 4553 Craig Davis 0428 366 052 Tony Golding 08 9725 4334 Alf Lorkiewicz 0427 424 455 Jim McGregor 08 9831 0401 Richard Metcalfe 08 9846 8001 Noel Stoney 0447 453 242 Tony Sudlow 0428 362 032 David Topham 08 9651 8015 John Young 08 9884 5253
Secretary
08 6263 3100 PO Box 135, Claremont, WA 6910
Contents Chairwoman’s Update 4 Welcome to new CEO 6 New Editor 7 WA Angus Youth 8 New Angus Selection Indexes 12 Jim McGregor’s thoughts on Indexes 14 McGregor’s Update 14 Heifer Competition 15 Pinkeye Fact Sheet 16 Changes to Animal ID 18 Johnes Disease 20 AGM Notice 22
Society Head Office 02 6772 3011 Locked Bag 11, Armidale, NSW, 2350
Angus Australia Director Andrew Kuss
The WA Angus News is printed by A-Team Printing 81 Acton Avenue, Rivervale, WA 6103 Ph 08 9478 3188
WA Angus News This newsletter is a project of the WA Angus Committee sent to Society members in WA Federal Councillors and senior staff of the Society, people we know of in WA who have bought Angus cattle, stock agents and press – over 1100 each issue! The mailing list is continually revised and updated, so you may be receiving the WA Angus News for the first time. If you are on the mailing list and you would rather not be or if we don’t have your correct address, please advise the Newsletter and Mailing List Coordinator on the contact details below. Trish Kupsch Phone – 0427 193 066 Email – waangusnews@yahoo.com.au
Cover Photo – credit Wendy Gould, Farm Weekly WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021 3
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CHAIRWOMAN’S UPDATE Two years ago when I put my hand up to take on the role of Chairperson of WA Angus, I did experience a mix of emotion. As a female I was proud to take my turn as Chairperson, although my contribution pales into insignificance compared with my predecessors, Pat Willliams and Pam McGregor, who were trailblazers in the Angus world. My biggest fear was that my knowledge of the cattle industry would not be enough, and I was also daunted at the prospect of running meetings with exceptionally experienced Angus producers. Along the way I have faced challenges that have stretched me in ways I would never have dreamed. Who would have thought that the July 2020 meeting would have been held remotely, with each of the committee members attending from their homes as well as the attendance of the Angus Australia President, CEO and senior staff from the other side of the country? That was a challenge! And of course, the natural progression is that this is a legitimate and logical way to attend all meetings if you physically can’t make it to a face-to-face meeting due to the general busyness of farm life, distance or a state closed border (in the case of Angus Australian people not being able to visit). At the last meeting in October, we had members in the President’s Lounge at the RAS, members attending from their home via Zoom, the Angus Australia CEO attending via Zoom from Armidale NSW (although he could well have been in his own home, as pockets of rural NSW were in lockdown) and the Chief Veterinarian Office of our government agricultural body giving a presentation, including a Powerpoint. Now THAT was a challenge! Over the two years there have been a number of controversial topics that I could not shy away from, including submitting to the Cattle Industry Funding Scheme in favour of maintaining regulation of BJD in WA. That represents a week of my life and a great deal of angst I won’t get back, as I was very aware that there were some different points of view from within our own breed society. WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
The result of the submission process was that over 80% of respondents were in favour of maintaining strict regulation or increasing it. To be honest, I’m still scratching my head that shortly after this lengthy and I assume expensive process, with the announcement of one positive case in the south of WA, DPIRD has elected to pass the ball back into the hands of the breeder, particularly the seed stock producer. There seems to be little information available around the development of an early detection test for BJD or when a vaccination will be available for those who wish to use it as a means of managing the disease moving forward. Rumour and innuendo and the loss of confidence in the governing body is an unfortunate outcome as breeders are left to manage the situation.
The changes made by Angus Australia to the $Indexes just before Christmas 2020 was also a time of much angst for me and resulted in a number of extraordinary meetings being held. Thank goodness we did have the capacity for on-line meetings. After a number of difficult conversations, we managed to negotiate a favourable outcome and hopefully a greater understanding that Australia is a big country with a variety of cattle growing parameters and situations. A highlight for me was the success achieved by my fellow Mid-West resident and cattle advocate, Billi Marshall at the 2020 Angus Youth National Roundup. Billi was sponsored by WA Angus through the voluntary levy of WA members and was awarded the Trans-Tasman Exchange Scholarship. I’ve worked with Billi over the last 5 – 10 years in a number of cattle related areas, and in my opinion, she is a standout. It was so unfortunate that she was unable to go to New Zealand to enjoy her scholarship award, but I know that Billi will continue to do great things in the livestock industry.
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CHAIRWOMAN’S UPDATE I would like to take this opportunity to wish Angus Australia CEO, Mr Peter Parnell all the very best in his future endeavours, as he steps down from his role. Armidale in NSW is a long way from Western Australia, and in the time that I have been involved with WA Angus, Peter has visited our state many times. He has always been very approachable, has worked tirelessly to ensure the Angus breed prioritises its market edge by constantly maintaining a focus on state-of the-art research and development, whilst at the same time ensuring the data and tools are communicated to members. My best wishes to incoming CEO, Mr Scott Wright. I would also like to thank Federal President, Mr Sam White for his leadership of Angus Australia, and for specifically listening to the queries of West Australian members. By the time of reading this, the 2021/22 Farm Weekly Heifer competition will be in full swing, with a new co-sponsor this year, Direct Trade Supplies from Maddington. The lucky winner will receive ten purebred Angus Heifers supplied by Tomasi Grazing from Karridale as well as $12,000 worth of tools or fencing supplies from DTS. Thank you very much to all those who contribute to the sponsorship which helps to pay for half of the cost of the heifers. This year we have increased the number of sponsors to 42, which is excellent. The last two years have presented many challenges for people around the world, and certainly in many parts of Australia. In WA we’ve been very fortunate in the way that COVID has been kept at bay, although our isolation from the rest of the country is not without its issues. I particularly feel for families from within Australia or overseas, who have been separated for an extended period. I have a local friend whose son lives in Sydney with his West Aussie wife, with no other family support close by. They had their first baby at the start of COVID, so she is now 19 months old and they are expecting their second child any day.
WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
Both sets of West Aussie grandparents have seen their first grandchild only once. I’m sure many of you will be in or know of similar situations. In my cyclone ravaged part of the world, recovery is slow and many people are still doing it tough and living in less-than-ideal circumstances, such as under tarped covered rooves, which are starting to feel normal! In these uncertain times, I am reminded of two things: 1. 2.
We are stronger than we believe and can endure more than we think we can. Showing kindness and compassion to one another is the best way we can live.
During this festive season, I hope you have all been able to take some time to slow down, have reflected on your strength/capacities and have been able to reset your kindness/compassion monitor. And of course, I hope you are relishing the fantastic beef prices we are currently experiencing. Thanks for the privilege of having chaired the WA Angus Committee. I have worked hard, but the rewards I’ve reaped have been greater than I would ever have imagined.
Liz Sudlow (WA Angus Chairperson)
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Introducing Mr Scott Wright as new CEO of Angus Australia Angus Australia President Mr Sam White has announced that Mr Scott Wright will take the reins as the new CEO of Angus Australia, commencing in March 2022. In making this announcement, Mr White stated “The Board of Angus Australia is delighted to welcome Scott into this important role for the future of the organisation”. “Scott ticks all the boxes needed to continue the success of Angus Australian into the future. His selection came after an exhaustive executive search process conducted with the assistance of Rimfire Resources”, Mr White said. Mr Wright and his wife Julie and family live at Glencoe, near Glen Innes NSW where they conduct a small commercial beef enterprise. Mr Wright has extensive experience in various facets of agribusiness during his career. He commenced working with Angus Australia in June 2018 as a Member Service Officer and was elevated to the position of Member Services Manager later that year. In these roles Mr Wright is already well known to many members and other stakeholders of Angus Australia. Departing CEO, Dr Peter Parnell, stated that he is delighted that the Angus Australia Board had selected Mr Wright for the role among the several very high calibre candidates for the position. Dr Parnell will continue in the role as Angus Australia CEO until late February 2022 prior to handing over the role to Mr Wright. *from Angus Australia e-News 10th November 2021
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WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR Welcome to the December 2021 issue of WA Angus News.
Firstly, a big thank you to Shezanne Gibbs Hooper for her dedication to editing the newsletter, a fantastic effort over the last ten years! My name is Trish Kupsch and I farm at Nabawa with my husband, Robert. We run a poll merino commercial flock and cropping. I grew up on the family farm, Willemenup, at Gnowangerup surrounded by stud Poll Merinos so I have a reasonable grasp of genetics, diseases, and all things sheep. My family did run a herd of cows as a sideline and had a small cattle feedlot for a few years. Being a daughter in the 80’s meant the option of farming wasn’t a consideration, so I spent 30 years in various office roles. It is fantastic to see more women now calling themselves farmers and am proud to see my niece Shelby farming alongside my brother Collyn. Yes, the Angus breed is a little unfamiliar to me, and I cannot profess to a great amount of knowledge in this field. A lot to learn and I am happy to stand corrected if I get things wrong. I will be sticking my head over the neighbour’s fence and asking silly questions of them……and to admire the bulls, especially when they come to visit! Happy reading and best wishes over the festive season. Trish Kupsch | 0427 193 066 | waangusnews@yahoo.com.au
Osso Buco with Peas recipe from Belinda Eastough published in the Yuna CWA Treasured Recipes from Our Community Coolbook
8 osso buco pieces Plain flour for dusting 150g butter/olive oil 2 onions finely chopped 2 carrots finely chopped
350ml dry white wine 800g canned tomatoes 1kg fresh or frozen peas shelled 300ml water Salt, pepper
Lightly dust the beef in flour. Heat butter/oil in pan, add the onion, carrot and beef and cook over a high heat, stirring and turning frequently, until meat is browned all over. Pour in wine and cook until it has evaporated. If using a slow cooker transfer ingredients to the bowl at this stage. Process tomatoes in a food processor or mash with a fork and add to pan or slow cooker with the peas and 300ml water. Season with sale and pepper and if using a pan cover and simmer for 1-2 hours or until meat is tender. If using a slow cooker, cook for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low. WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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ANGUS YOUTH NEWS This year, three young West Australians were hoping to attend the Angus Youth National Round up in Albury/ Wadonga on 13 th - 16 th January 2022. Unfortunately, due to the Covid situation, two have decided it’s too risky to attend and be at the mercy of not being able to get back into WA or of having to quarantine when they return. This is so disappointing for them, but hopefully by next year the path will be well and truly clear. The 3rd candidate, Indi Smith is still hoping to attend, so we thank her for her contribution.
WA Angus members pay a voluntary levy which helps to contribute to the promotion of Angus, and specifically youth promotion. Funds will be made available to assist with travel costs so that Indi can attend, if she decides she is able to. If you or anyone you know would like to the support of WA Angus for a youth development project or to attend an event, please contact a committee member.
My name is Indy Smith, I am 19 and I am currently living in Boyup Brook, soon to move to Perth.
I originated on the East Coast, my whole life coming from a complete city background. I have been showing cattle all over Australia with schools since I was 11 (Yr 6), finding my passion with beef cattle at Armidale NSW, then moving to Rockhampton QLD, and then onto WA. I attended Harvey Agricultural College where I was able to build contacts in the agricultural industry. This has allowed me to continue to attend shows with studs that range from having Angus to Charolais to Shorthorn. It also aided me to find my true passion with beef cattle, and specially the breeding side of the industry.
I came out of school, completed my Artificial Insemination course and worked for 3 months with Billi Marshal at Bos Vet and Rural, Dongara. Here I learned about the embryo collection process for domestic and international export. I then took this year to work and get experience. I went to a cattle station in the NT for a brief time, then have been working on a beef feedlot for the last 6 months. Now I am aiming to pursue to be a large animal vet and to specialise in cattle breeding and genetics starting next year with the goal of eventually owning my own Angus and Simmental stud in the future. If this industry has shown me anything, it would have to be that no matter if you come from a farm or not, if you have the passion and work hard enough, you can get anywhere. WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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MONTEREY ANGUS ‘The Real Alternative’
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MATED ANGUS HEIFERS
CONTACT: Gary & Julie Buller MOB: 0419 958579 EMAIL: buller@activ8.net.au WEBSITE: www.montereyonline.com.au
The latest episode of the Behind the Beef is out now and this one showcases the Angus Verified program and its successes in the months after the launch of the program. Joined by special guests Liz Pearson, Jamie Grosser and Barry Shearman, this episode covers off what producers want to know about the program and some firsthand experiences from producers who are part of the program. Listen to the podcast at www.angusaustralia.com.au/behind-the-beef-episode-15-angus-verified/ WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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More Bang for Your Buck With “It’s all looking good for our sale in April” Yearling Bulls APRIL13, 2022, Boyanup. Sonsof Stunner, HFAlcatraz, Cowboy Up, Geddes, Skydiver, Thumpa, Harvestor-sons& grandsons Contact- Mark Muir
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NEW ANGUS SELECTION INDEXES New selection indexes will be introduced for Angus seedstock cattle in the December 2021 TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation. The new selection indexes replace the current Angus Breeding, Domestic, Heavy Grain and Heavy Grass selection indexes, which have been published since 2014. Angus Australia’s Breed Development & Extension Manager, Mr Andrew Byrne explained that ten selection indexes will now be published for animals within the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE).
The $A and $A-L selection indexes will be published in the standard Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) display for Angus animals, whereas the other selection indexes will be made available from the Angus Australia website for those breeders who wish to use them in their selection decisions. “The introduction of a greater range of selection indexes aims to better cater for the diversity that exists within Angus breeding systems, target markets, production systems and breeding objectives”, said Mr Byrne. While different selection indexes have traditionally been available for use by breeders targeting different market end-points, different selection indexes are now also available for breeding programs operating in different production systems. “Low feed cost versions of each selection index have been introduced to cater for Angus breeders who are running a production systems where pasture is not fully utilised for the majority of the year, or where the cost of supplying additional feed, via either supplementary feeding and/or increased pasture production, is low”, explained Mr Byrne. In these production systems, if there is an increase in the maintenance requirements of the breeding herd due to an increase in mature weight, minimal additional costs are incurred. “The low feed cost selection indexes do not consequently aim to limit an increase in mature cow weight, while improvement in other production traits is achieved, which is an objective in the other versions of these selection indexes”, said Mr Byrne.
WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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New Selection Indexes cont.
The new selection indexes also see the introduction of an Angus Terminal Sire selection index for use in situations where Angus bulls are being used as a terminal sire over mature breeding females, along with the introduction of a selection index specific to New Zealand production systems. The implementation of the new selection indexes in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation comes after the completion of a comprehensive industry consultation process that was facilitated by Angus Australia during 2021.
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“The consultation process commenced in April with the facilitation of an online member survey, accompanied by six member focus groups, to gather feedback on the selection indexes that are published in the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation” said Mr Byrne.
Based on the feedback obtained, a series of research selection indexes were developed by staff at Angus Australia, in collaboration with scientists at the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit and Agricultural Business Research Institute in Armidale. The research selection indexes were released in August for industry review and feedback. Feedback on the research selection indexes was collated via another online member survey in October, accompanied by four member focus groups, with input also obtained from Angus Australia’s Genetic Evaluation Consultative Committee. “The feedback obtained during the consultation process has been integral in ensuring that the new selection indexes align with the breeding priorities of Angus breeders, and are relevant to current Angus breeding programs”, Mr Byrne said. Further information on the new selection indexes for Angus cattle are available from the Angus Australia website, or by contacting staff at Angus Australia. *from Angus e-News 1st December 2021 WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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SOME THOUGHTS ON THE NEW SELECTION INDEXES In an effort to make some sense of the cow mature weight debate (a major factor in the discussions prior to the release of the now current Trans-Tasman Angus Cattle Evaluation Selection Indexes), I did some simple maths which may or may not be of assistance and guidance for breeders wrestling with this issue. If we use as an example 100 cows of 600kg mature weight running on 100 hectares – that’s 60,000kgs of bovine on that pasture, and we cull 20% each year – that’s 20 cows. If these cows are 700kg mature weight on that same pasture at the same total kgs (60,000) then that would be 87.5 cows; culling at the same rate of 20% means 17.4 cows/year are culled. Assuming we have 100% calving in each mob, with 20% cull cows to sell at a similar price/kg and that at weaning, the calves are at 50% of their mums weight, then the sums work out as: Mob A - 100 cows 100 calves at 50% cow weight x 300kg 30,000kg weaners @600c/kg $180,000 20 cull cows at 600kg 12,000kg @300c/kg $36,000
Mob B - 85.7cows 85.7 calves at 50% cow weight x 350kg 29,995kg weaners @ 600c/kg$179,970 17.4 cull cows @ 700kg 12,180kg @300c/kg $36,540
Accepting for the sake of the argument that you can’t have 87.5 cows and calves or sell 17.4 cull cows, the returns for each mob are remarkably similar. Looking at these figures tends to reduce the case for bringing in more money for a bigger cull cow. The case for looking at cow size as a profit driver is cow efficiency – the calf weight percentage of the cow’s weight at weaning. It is unlikely that these percentages would be similar for 600 and 700kg mature weight cows, but that would depend on the environment they are in and how the herd is managed. Every situation would be different. There are a huge number of other issues that need consideration: obviously the target market, the finishing system be it feedlot or grass, the herd management system and so on. The progress in the Angus breed in the last 40 years has been phenomenal, largely due to objective measurement statistics (Breedplan) being available. In my view, the new $Indexes provide the opportunity to take the breed to greater levels of performance and efficiency where clear objectives and goals for the herd have been identified.
Jim McGregor
Harvey 0417 942 326
maybenup@bigpond.com
Update from the McGregors
We are settling in to this next stage of our lives, based on 100 acres (leased to the dairy farmer next door) just outside Harvey. We very much appreciated the coverage given to our transition in the last two issues of the WA Angus News. We sincerely thank all the friends who have supported us through our time in the cattle industry. We still have a strong commitment to that industry and look forward to catching up at various sales and other events going forward. The Dewar family invited us to have a look at the potential sale mob of rising two year old bulls a few weeks ago and we were very happy to see how well they have performed in their new home. They will make an impressive line-up for the Dewar’s first sale in Gingin on Tuesday 1 st February 2022. Best wishes for a safe and happy festive season and a rewarding 2022. Jim and Pam WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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Farm Weekly Heifer Competition The 2021/22 season is the 15th consecutive collaboration between the Farm Weekly and WA Angus where the prize is 10 quality heifers from a WA based cattle breeder. This year the heifers, aka the ‘Karridale Keepers’, will be supplied by Tomasi Grazing from Karridale and we sincerely thank them for their involvement. Over the 15 years there have been a number of other prizes including ride-on mowers, trips to the Sydney Easter show and fire fighting units. This year the additional component of the 1st prize is a $12,000 shopping spree at Direct Trades Supply in Maddington. The WA Angus Committee wishes to acknowledge and say THANK YOU to the studs and businesses who have committed to supporting the competition. This year we have 42 contributors, an increase from last year. From a WA Angus perspective, it is a wonderful opportunity to help to promote Angus in the rural press during the leadup to the bull selling season. All of your support is much appreciated!
Kevin and Tracy Owen, Tomasi Angus Photos courtesy of Farm Weekly
Bendotti family, G & B Bendotti, Pemberton Angus
Carbon Angus GA & SA Gifford
IVER HAY R ANGUS
Kanangra Angus
Mason Valley Angus
Pam & Jim McGregor
EST. 1997
K
KAPARI ANGUS
Little Meadows
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ANGUS STUD
Red Hat
Grid of Farm Weekly 2021 22 Angus Logos Angus Wishart Family Tomasi To be slotted in by printers Angus Stud Bremer Bay Grazing Fill this space
WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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PINKEYE FACT SHEET 2021
What is it? PINKEYE is also known as keratitis contagiosa, infectious keratitis, contagious ophthalmia, New Forest eye, blight and most commonly as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) It is a herd disease that spreads rapidly and severely affect animal productivity and welfare Clinical signs are restricted to the eye and include conjunctivitis and/or keratitis, with a significant number of infected animals developing corneal ulceration
The estimated average annual prevalence of pinkeye in B. taurus cattle in Australia is 10% in calves and 3% in cows. Natural outbreaks usually peak in the third or fourth week after the first case
Possible causes Bacteria Moraxella
Moraxella bovis, Moraxella bovoculi
Non-Moraxella organisms
Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma bovoculi, and bovine herpesvirus type 1
Environmental factors
Flies, eye injury from supplementary feeding or tall pasture, season (summer, low rainfall), dust and wind
Host factors
Breed, age, concurrent illness, nutrition, body condition score, stressors and genetic factors
Economic impact
The heritability of susceptibility to pinkeye infection is estimated to be around 0.1
Pinkeye is the most economically important ocular disease of cattle, estimated to cost Aussie producers 10 million AUD per year or 0.78 AUD per head / annum
The severity of the disease can be classified using scores varying from 1 - excessive tearing and photophobia with a small ulcer; to 4 - ulcer extends completely through the cornea and the iris protrudes through the ulcer
Have a question or want to get involved in research to decrease pinkeye incidence? Please, contact Dr Pâmela Alexandre from CSIRO (pamela.alexandre@csiro.au) and complete our survey!
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Changes to animal identification As members begin to register their calves born in Spring 2021, it is timely to remind members advised of two important changes that apply to the identification of animals that were born from January 1st, 2021 onwards.
Changes to Animal IDs The unique animal ID assigned to each animal recorded with Angus Australia consists of the breeders herd identifier, a breeding year letter and an animal number, e.g. ABCS1, While this animal ID format has served the Angus breed well for many years, it has a major shortcoming being the duplication of animal IDs every 24 years. For example, ABCS1 (birth year 1973), ABCS1 (birth year 1997) and ABCS1 (birth year 2021). This shortcoming requires Angus Australia to add a suffix to the animal ID for animals born greater than 24 years ago (e.g. ABCR1+72, ABCR1+96), which causes considerable problems in circumstances where the original animal ID has previously been recorded in other databases. For example, in herd recording software programs managed by individual members, or when animals have been recorded with overseas Breed Societies. To remove the duplication of animal IDs, the unique animal ID assigned to animals with a birth date of 1/1/2021 onwards will be changed to consist of the breeders herd identifier, a two character year of birth, a breeding year letter and an animal number. WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
That is, rather than ABCS1, the animal ID assigned will be ABC21S1. The change will only apply to the ID of animals born from 1/1/2021 onwards. No change will be made retrospectively to the ID of animals already recorded with Angus Australia, or who are recorded in the future but are born prior to 1/1/2021. Further, the change in format only applies to the animal ID assigned by Angus Australia, and does not require any change to the current practice of displaying only the year letter and number (e.g. R1) when tagging, tattooing or branding animals. The change to the animal ID format for animals born from 1/1/2021 onwards will ensure the animal ID assigned to animals is indeed unique, and will remove the current difficulties and inconvenience to Angus Australia, members and other organisation that result from the need to add a suffix to the IDs of historic animals that are born more than 24 years ago.
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Requirements for NLIS ID
The manner in which animals recorded on Angus Australia’s Herdbook Register (HBR), Angus Performance Register (APR), or Multibreed Register (MBR) need to be permanently identified are outlined in the Angus Australia Regulations. Specifically, at least one form of permanent identification must be applied to an animal prior to weaning, being either a tattoo, freeze or fire brand, or a NLIS tag, followed by a requirement to apply a second form of permanent identification before the animal is 18 months of age. With NLIS now entrenched as Australia’s National Livestock Identification System, the Angus Australia Board has resolved to make it a requirement for NLIS to be used as one of the forms of permanent identification, with members able to elect whether they apply either a tattoo or freeze brand as the second form of permanent identification. The revised Regulations will be applied to animals born from 1/1/2021 onwards, and now read: 6.33 PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION Every animal in the HBR, APR or MBR shall have an approved National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) tag applied to the right ear, and either:
6.34 Every animal recorded in the HBR, APR or MBR shall have a minimum of one form of permanent identification applied by weaning, and two forms of permanent identification applied by 18 moths of age. 6.35 Either the visual NLIS number or NLIS RFID of every animal recorded in the HBR, APR or MBR must be recorded with the Society before the animal is 12 month of age. If a NLIS tag is replaced for any reason, the Society must be notified of the new number or RFID within 30 days of application. The availability of NLIS identification for all animals on the Angus Australia database born after 1/1/2021 will make the process for confirming the Angus Australia ID for an animal easier, facilitating a more seamless process for confirming the ownership and registration details of Angus seedstock animals.
Further, the change in format only applies to the animal ID assigned by Angus Australia, and does not require any change to the current practice of displaying only the year letter and number (e.g. R1) when tagging, tattooing or branding animals.
(i)
Be tattooed in the left ear with the registered tattoo mark of the Breeder, and, in either the left or right ear with a breeding year letter and animal number; or (ii) Have a freeze or fire brand applied that includes the registered brand symbol, relevant year letter and animal number.
Questions and Further Information To further discuss these two important changes applying to the identification of animals born from January 1st, 2021 onwards, please contact staff at Angus Australia. *from Angus e-News 6th October 2021 WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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JOHNES DISEASE DETECTION IN WA At the time of printing, WA Angus received an invitation from Minister MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development; Agriculture and Food; Hydrogen Industry, to a meeting to discuss how best to control and manage BJD in WA. We thank the Minister for this opportunity. Thursday, 28 October 2021 INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS AND PRODUCERS Johnes Disease Detection in Western Australia Good morning members and producers: Following the detection of Johnes Disease in Western Australia, the following advice has been issued by WA's Chief Veterinary Officer. Cattle Council and its member organisations are seeking further information from the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and will provide further updates to producers as information comes to hand. The advice from the WA CVO follows: Biosecurity information: Johne’s disease in sheep and cattle in Western Australia Dear WA cattle and sheep industry stakeholders I am writing to you about Johne’s disease (JD) in sheep and cattle and to advise of the decision by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and WA cattle industry to reduce regulatory controls for JD cattle strain (C-strain) in WA. Definition of JD JD is defined as infection with any strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, which includes sheep (S-strain), cattle (C-strain) and bison (B-strain). All states and territories use this definition to certify for live animal export certification for JD and it is also used for national industry assurance programs such as the Johne’s Beef Assurance Score (JBAS) and Johne’s Disease Dairy Score (JDDS). The S-, C- and B-strains can affect more than one species, not just the species they are named for. Therefore, the detection of JD in either your cattle or your sheep may impact either or both species’ access to some live export markets and impact industry assurance programs. Why WA is reducing its JD regulation DPIRD has previously maintained interstate border conditions to reduce the risk of entry of JD (Cstrain) at the request of WA industry, as JD (C-strain) was not known to be present in WA. JD (C-strain) has now been confirmed in a homebred cow on a property in southern WA. DPIRD carried out an investigation that determined: •JD C-strain has been present on the property at a very low level for several years. •The original source of the infection was unable to be determined and may be another WA property. When considering whether JD C-strain could be eradicated, DPIRD and WA industry took into account the following: •The large number of cattle that had moved from the property to multiple properties across the state •the limitations of the available test and length of time it would take to determine which of the trace forward properties were positive or negative for C-strain, and recognising that JD (C-strain) would only be present in a small number of cattle WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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• the large number of properties that would be placed under surveillance and regulatory controls for up to five years while their status was determined, and the social and financial impacts on those properties, most of which will not be infected •the estimated cost to industry of attempting eradication and the low likelihood of success, given the original source of the infection cannot be determined and may have come from another WA property •that sheep strain of JD is endemic in WA in sheep and is increasingly being detected in cattle •that export markets and industry assurance schemes do not differentiate between the different strains of JD. Following assessment of these factors, DPIRD and WA industry agreed it was not technically feasible or economic to eradicate JD (C-strain) from WA. As a result, regulatory controls for JD C-strain in WA will be reduced. The controls will align with: •the national approach to JD and •WA’s management of S-strain in cattle and all strains of JD in sheep. What JD regulation will change: •WA properties confirmed to have JD (C-strain) will not be subject to disease regulatory instruments by DPIRD. DPIRD will not require destocking of these properties. •Approval is being sought for registration of the Silirum JD vaccine for cattle, for use by veterinarians in WA. •Interstate import conditions for JD will be amended after a transition period to enable WA producers to make informed decisions about the likelihood of introducing JD onto their property via interstate livestock movements. What JD regulation will stay the same: •Under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act), detection of any strain of JD in any species in WA must continue to be reported, in order to support certification for live export markets. As a reportable disease, anyone with a suspicion or detection of JD in livestock must report it to a BAM Act authorised inspector, such as a DPIRD Field Veterinary Officer. •Property of origin certification for live animal export markets has not changed. JD is infection with any strain of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, which includes sheep (S-strain), cattle (Cstrain) and bison (B-strain). Properties are certified at a property level on their status in relation to any of these strains. (Note that the national JD zones previously used for interstate trade were removed in 2016.) National industry assurance schemes have not changed WA producers are still able to participate in voluntary risk-profiling industry assurance schemes for cattle, such as the JBAS and JDDS, and market assurance programs for sheep. How will these changes affect my business? DPIRD recommends producers consider what impact JD (any strain) might have on their business and review their biosecurity accordingly. DPIRD has collated resources to assist producers, including information on JD, on-farm biosecurity practices, risk mitigation (including biosecurity plan templates and checklists to consider in planning, assessing and managing risk), and national industry assurance programs in the following webpages: •JD in cattle: management in WA •JD in cattle: frequently asked questions •JD in cattle: regulatory controls •JD in sheep •JD in sheep: biosecurity practices and management options Please contact your regional DPIRD field veterinary officer or private veterinarian if you require further information. Yours sincerely Dr Michelle Rodan, WA Chief Veterinary Officer Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development WA ANGUS NEWS December 2021
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Angus WA Annual General Meeting Notice The AGM of the WA Committee of Angus will take place at 10:30 am in the President’s Lounge at the RAS office, Claremont Showgrounds on Friday January 21st 2022. All members are welcome. The Strathtay Trophy will also be awarded by the Chairperson on that day. WA Angus News Articles, Adverting and Mailing List The WA Angus News is posted out to over 1100 addresses, mostly across WA. This is a great way to advertise your business to beef breeders at very reasonable rates. Advertisements can be emailed to Trish at waangusnews@yahoo.com.au. We are also always looking for West Australian based content, so please think about submitting an article. If you no longer wish to receive the WA Angus News by mail, or would like to update your address, can you please let Trish know.
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Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a brilliant 2022 From all at WA Angus 23
