Genomics for commercial Angus cattle

Summary

This Producer Demonstration site aims to demonstrate the value of genomics as a tool to improve the selection of replacement heifers; improve the selection of sires; make faster genetic gains and better achieve stated breeding objectives.

Objectives

By June 2026, across six beef producers in the north east of Victoria:

1. Demonstrate the benefits of genomic profiling on heifer selection including:

(a) That it is a useful objective indicator of genetic merit that is not influenced by environment
(b) That it provides insight into a range of traits that are otherwise invisible to most commercial heifer selection processes.

2. Undertake analysis to evaluate:

(a) The genetic merit of each herd compared to the producers own breeding objective.
(b) That genetic progress is reflected in the performance of steers on farm and in feedlot.

3. Conduct a cost benefit analysis to determine the financial impact on genomic profiling on:

(a) Better bull purchases to correct deficient traits.
(b) Earlier decision making about which heifers to select as replacements.
(c) Older cows in the herd to be culled/retained on genetic merit rather than simply age (2025 & 2026).

4. As a result of a variety of extension and communication activities:

(a) 100% of core and 80% of observer producers have increased their skill, knowledge and confidence in the use of genomics in cattle breeding.
(b) 100% of core producers and 40% of observer producers will have adopted or intend to adopt genomic profiling to increase the rate of genetic gain in their herds.

Progress

Genomics for commercial Angus’ is evaluating the usefulness of a genomic tool to increase the rate of genetic progress in commercial herds. Five core producers have just sampled their fifth cohort of heifer calves. The purpose of the trial is to discover what decisions can be better informed with the genomic data and how the data can be used to create a return greater than the cost of collecting and managing it. This is an emergent process over time, as further generations of females have a Total Breeding Value (TBV). At this stage, the data has been used to : Measure the herds genetic potential compared to the producer’s breeding objective; Inform heifer selection; Increase selection intensity, through culling low merit heifers; Inform and improve sire selection;  and Select low merit females to cull first when destocking in tough seasons. The group are also questioning whether producers with genomic data on their commercial cattle can produce bulls using AI that will enable them to achieve their breeding objective for a lower cost than purchasing equivalent bulls from a seedstock producer. For more information: Julian Carroll, Mudgegonga 0418 331 311 julian@stellarlivestock.com.au or Chris Mirams, chrisjmirams@gmail.com.au