SHORTHORN PROJECT DRAWS ACCOLADES
Published: 28 Aug 2006
News ID: 9696
News ID: 9696
Despite drought conditions over a large area of the state, more than 60 beef breeders attended a Durham Research and Development information day hosted by the Morgan family, The Grove Shorthorns, Condamine last week.
Director of the Animal Breeding and Genetics Unit at the UNE, Dr. Hans Graser and extension specialist Wayne Upton explained the incorporation of gene markers in estimated breeding values of the future, the value of nett feed intake to the beef industry and the importance of the Durham multi-breed project.
Sabina Kindler, Genetic Solutions presented the crowd with an insight into the development of additional markers for tenderness, marbling and nett feed intake and Sharon McGovern, MLA America's specialist, profiled the organization's presence in North America and Japan and short term prospects for the Australian industry.
Ross Keane, General Manager, Livestock, with AMH explained the ramifications of Brazil and Argentina joining Uruguay in the lucrative U.S. market and the massive Chinese herd becoming a significant competitor to Australia in the future. He believes that after 2010, the giant herds of South America will make life very difficult for Australian exporters.
Mr. Keane surprised the crowd in attendance when he explained that the export tonnage of offals and secondary cuts going to Japan and Korea far exceeded their demand for primal cuts out of Australia. The highly prized U.S. market continues to absorb the lion's share of Australian loin cuts at premium prices.
Ross Keane congratulated Shorthorn Beef for initiating the ten-year research project which is the largest beef breed society progeny test in the world. A.M.H. are an integral partner in the progeny test, feeding, slaughtering and chiller assessing the 220 day Durham steers destined for Japan.
The largest meat company in Australia purchases Shorthorn steers which meet performance and carcass thresholds throughout the eastern states. AMH chiller data from Durham steers indicates the project is headed in the right direction, with increased yield, carcass weight and higher marble scores evident in kills over the last three years according to Mr. Keane.
Director of the Animal Breeding and Genetics Unit at the UNE, Dr. Hans Graser and extension specialist Wayne Upton explained the incorporation of gene markers in estimated breeding values of the future, the value of nett feed intake to the beef industry and the importance of the Durham multi-breed project.
Sabina Kindler, Genetic Solutions presented the crowd with an insight into the development of additional markers for tenderness, marbling and nett feed intake and Sharon McGovern, MLA America's specialist, profiled the organization's presence in North America and Japan and short term prospects for the Australian industry.
Ross Keane, General Manager, Livestock, with AMH explained the ramifications of Brazil and Argentina joining Uruguay in the lucrative U.S. market and the massive Chinese herd becoming a significant competitor to Australia in the future. He believes that after 2010, the giant herds of South America will make life very difficult for Australian exporters.
Mr. Keane surprised the crowd in attendance when he explained that the export tonnage of offals and secondary cuts going to Japan and Korea far exceeded their demand for primal cuts out of Australia. The highly prized U.S. market continues to absorb the lion's share of Australian loin cuts at premium prices.
Ross Keane congratulated Shorthorn Beef for initiating the ten-year research project which is the largest beef breed society progeny test in the world. A.M.H. are an integral partner in the progeny test, feeding, slaughtering and chiller assessing the 220 day Durham steers destined for Japan.
The largest meat company in Australia purchases Shorthorn steers which meet performance and carcass thresholds throughout the eastern states. AMH chiller data from Durham steers indicates the project is headed in the right direction, with increased yield, carcass weight and higher marble scores evident in kills over the last three years according to Mr. Keane.
