Barriers to adoption of genetic technologies in northern Australia

Summary

Despite considerable research investment into the development of breeding and genetic technologies, the perceived levels of adoption by both the stud and non-stud sectors of the northern beef industry are low. This survey was designed to ascertain current bull selection criteria, what BREEDPLAN and genetic technologies are working well and what should be changed for greater adoption.
The study involved a phone survey of 293 commercial and stud breeders across northern Australia and an additional email survey of 233 stud breeders Australia wide.  The results indicate that  breeders' selection decisions continue to be based on the 'clearly visible' phenotypic traits that have been used for many years rather than the Estimated Breeding Values and fertility measures that require data on performance and analysis to estimate the genetic component of observed differences.  The lack of emphasis on fertility data was particularly evident. There was lack of association, amongst breeders between improved financial returns and use of $Indexes. As an opportunity for the industry to overcome the increasing costs of production, there needs to be a shift in focus towards a more objective business approach integrating the latest genetic tools available.  These include:A range of existing Breedplan EBVs,$Indexes for appropriate target markets,Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation measures including scrotal size and percent normal spermatozoa, andGenomic profiles supporting the current genetic differences.
With a declining number of service providers there is an acute need to crystallise the current stakeholders and assist beef producers' understanding of current and developing breeding and genetic messages from basic fertility measures to genetic and then genomic information relative to herd profitability.