B.GBP.0047 - Final report Grassfed beef (N Australia) consultancy 2019- 2022
MLA produces a range of publications and extension materials for northern beef producers.
| Project start date: | 01 August 2019 |
| Project end date: | 29 June 2021 |
| Publication date: | 09 April 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia |
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Download Report
(3.3 MB)
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Summary
The majority of profitable ‘beef only’ enterprises and more than two thirds of the national beef herd are located in northern Australia. However, the level of expertise and technical support available contrasts starkly to the importance of the northern industry or to the level of support available to producers in the south. This consultancy contract provided evidence-based advice to assist in developing quality extension material that is relevant and applicable to extensive beef operations in the adverse conditions of the dry tropics. The project addressed all KPIs and delivered in other important areas such as the animal welfare strategy for South East Queensland, the P challenge and the technical working group on the national cattle statistics. Important literature reviews identified exciting pathways for MLA programs-NB2 & CN30.These findings include:
(a) positive cost benefits and productivity gains of post weaning supplementation with true protein
(b) demonstrating that the main productivity impact of wet season P supplementation is improved feed intake
(c) that increased grazing pressure is impacting the size of the national herd.
Objectives
Three KPIs were then identified for this consultancy:
1. 2019–2020 – provide guidance and assistance in completing revisions to three MLA publications, namely the P manual, Weaner handbook and Guide to growing leucaena.
2. Co-ordinate the 'P Challenge' activities for 2020 (calendar year) to raise awareness of supplementation practices and expand P data base for benchmarking purposes.
3. Update and/or generate eight Tips and Tools materials as directed by R&D Project Manager.
Key findings
All objectives were met, KPIs achieved, and eight new Tips and Tools developed. The consultant also contributed to the technical working group on livestock statistics, the QDAF animal welfare taskforce during the drought of 2019/20, the Northern Beef Efficiency project (NB2) and the P challenge.
A significant achievement was the completion of two literature reviews, one of all of the recent phosphorus work, and another one on the role of compensatory growth rates and the potential impact of supplementation of weaners where long dry seasons are experienced.
Benefits to industry
This consultancy developed publications and extension resources that are relevant, practical, and applicable to extensive beef operations across northern Australia.
MLA action
MLA continues to seek external advice and expertise where required for input on technical reports and extension materials.
Future research
Further research and adoption activities continue in northern Australia to address priorities of beef producers.
More information
| Project manager: | Nigel Tomkins |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
