Genetics seen as the only way forward

14-04-2010 | Not Specified

The only way forward for farming in the northern part of Australia "is through improved genetics".

Zanda says most farmers in the region cannot cut the cost of production any further, but with an average calving percentage of just 70%, it would not take a big lift in cow productivity to make farming operations more profitable.

DNA technology can now determine whether a calf is carrying genetic markers for tenderness, marbling and feed conversion efficiency, but the next step is a crush-side DNA test that can give farmers an immediate indication of the genetic make-up of individual animals. This would allow farmers to make instant decisions on which animals to keep as replacements.

The advent of external pregnancy tests have been positive for the industry, as in the past incorrect pregnancy diagnosis meant that in-calf cows were being slaughtered - a waste and a cost to the industry.

Dehorning is a sensitive animal welfare issue as the calves on many Outback properties are often not handled until they are six to eight months old and have decent-sized horns at that stage. The same applies to castration and Zanda is heavily involved in a research and development project looking at keeping males entire and the effect that this would have on tenderness and meat quality.

Zanda believes there is an opportunity for entire males to go through the supply chain so long as farmers can get a return on them. Males in South America and Europe are left entire.

Zanda describes the beef industry's adoption of a traceability scheme as one of the best things the industry has done. It has allowed his family's company to extract a premium from the markets they supply.

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