B.CMM.0066 - Polled Gene Test

Summary

Beef CRC and MLA developed a beef polled/horned test. This ‘Polled Gene test’ project covered costs of a review of prior art implications.

Objectives

Improved animal welfare, economic benefits to producers and positive community perception.

Key findings

IP review to support adoption.

Benefits to industry

• Improving animal welfare – there’s no need to dehorn and there are fewer issues with animals fighting and wound management.
• Meeting social concerns around dehorning and workplace health and safety.
• Creating more value by reducing meat bruising, hide damage and labour requirements associated with animal husbandry practices.
• Increasing production – studies show that after an animal has been dehorned, it will often lose or struggle to gain weight.