ANGUS6 Management practices of Bos taur us bulls in non-temperate Australia

Summary

​Sixty semi-structured interviews were conducted between Angus Australia and the managers of seedstock and commercial beef cattle operations. The purpose was to document the management practices currently used by producers to facilitate the successful adaptation of Bos taurus (including crossbred) bulls in northern, non-temperate Australia. The interview process identified management practices pre and post relocation that affect the successful adaptation of bulls sold into northern, non-temperate Australia.
Benefits of infusing Bos taurus genetics into (predominantly) Bos indicus herds
Producers were asked to discuss the benefits of Bos taurus bulls in their herds. Producers listed the ability of progeny to meet market specifications and increases in reproduction rates as the main benefits of using Bos taurus bulls; other benefits identified are presented below. The benefits listed below are primarily achieved through hybrid vigour and/or genetic improvement of the herd.
The benefits of infusing Bos taurus genetics into (predominantly) Bos indicus herds include:Increase in progeny growth rates.Improved ability of progeny to meet market specifications.Reduced animal welfare concerns and costs associated with dehorning progeny through the use of poll Bos taurus bulls.Increased reproductive rates, achieved by reducing age at puberty, and increased calving rates.
Adaptation period
A minimum adaptation period of three months was recommended to eliminate any reductions in bull semen quality due to relocation. The length of the adaptation period varied depending on the: Age of the bulls at purchase.Availability of infrastructure to secure bulls for three months without increasing injuries.Variation in quality and availability of feed pre and post relocation.Parasite and disease burden, particularly in animals that have not been vaccinated.Distance bulls have been transported.
Bull management to reduce breakdowns 
The management of bulls for the first 12 to 18 months is very important for successful adaptation of bulls into northern environments and greatly impacts survival and longevity. The following is a summary of management practices used by northern producers to reduce breakdowns:Age segregation of bulls to reduce fighting while with cows and when removed.Culling of mickey and scrub bulls (feral bulls).The removal of bulls from the female herds during the dry season (in order to maintain body condition).Parasite control for Bos taurus animals.
Requirements of commercial producers when purchasing bulls for use in northern, non-temperate Australia
The main requirements commercial producers raised during interviews relate to the fertility and structural assessment, and are listed below: Bulls should have full morphology testing conducted prior to sale to ensure the bull's semen at the time of sale is of an adequate quality.Inclusion of independent structural assessment scores in sale catalogues.Inspection of the maternal pedigree to ensure the dam and grand-dam raised a calf every year.
Vaccinations required (in the order of importance) include: Three germ blood (tick fever).Bovine ephemeral fever (three-day sickness).Clostridial botulism.
These vaccinations are in addition to standard vaccinations (pestivirus, vibriosis and 7-in-1).
Online decision support system
An online decision support system has been created as a portal for producers to access the best practice recommendations that were informed by the results of this research. This online decision support system has been developed to have a user-friendly interface and allows producers' access to information relevant to their enterprise by answering a short questionnaire.