Genetic tools restore profitable purposes

Adaptable, calm and resilient cattle are the goal for the Munro family of Booroomooka Angus on the Northern Tables of NSW – and genetics are the key.

Booroomooka is one of the largest established Angus studs in Australia and the Munros pride themselves on their innovative approach. The study was founded by Gordon Munro of ‘Keera, Bingara, NSW 1926 and director Sinclair Munro is the fifth generation to manage the property.

Meeting the market

Sinclair said Booroomooka Angus aims to provide their customers with animals that can thrive in the shelter, while also producing progeny that can meet growth and carcass specifications for selected markets. Their genetic goals are to increase the long-term profitability of Booroomooka genetics throughout the supply chain.

“We intend to continue to improve meat quality while improving on-farm profitability traits. We have made great gains in reducing age and increasing eating quality,” he said.

The Munros use estimated breeding values ​​(EBVs) from the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE) system to genetically rank the herd, then select sires with acceptable traits for their environment and ensure the right diversity genetic.

The breeding program uses BreedObject $ABI (Angus Breeding Index), which was developed to identify animals that will improve overall profitability in a commercial grass and grain beef production system.

$ABI assesses genetic differences between animals in net gain per pooled cow in a typical commercial self-replacing herd using Angus bulls, and is measured in profit per pooled cow.

While traits such as conviction and structure are not currently included in this index, they are also carefully considered in setting the threshold.

To be successful, Sinclair believes there are certain non-negotiables in certain traits. These include the extremes of high birth weights that cause calving difficulties, poor temperament (obedience), poor conformation and poorly conformed cattle.

Targeted Persuasion

Against the backdrop of a reduced workforce and increased expectations for occupational health and safety, it has become more important to have animals that are safe and easy to handle.

A docile temperament is also a strong contributor to an animal’s well-being and performance.

Sinclair said Booroomooka has demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing a reliable EBV for obedience over many years.

“We were involved in early innovative research in measuring trait persuasion by time-of-flight and typing score,” he said. “Since 2005, we have collected about 13,000 hearing results. With all the data and genomics collected, we now have access to genomically expanded TACE EBVs.”

By collecting obedience data on their herd and using TACE EBV, Booroomooka has made some impressive genetic gains for profitability. Since 2024 on the Booroomooka herd, the $ABI has risen from $144 to $220; 600 day-growth increased from +84 to +125; and birth weight has dropped from +4.1 to +3.8. In that time, stamina has been slightly improved from +17 to +23, and the structure has also been improved.

Areas of future focus

Sinclair believes climate variability, antibiotic resistance and concerns about environmental sustainability will all drive the need to breed more resilient livestock in the future. Rising land values ​​are pushing breeding herds into more marginal areas. In response, Booroomooka has been involved in research into body composition and its relationship to fertility.

“Essentially cows will need to maintain sufficient conditions so their fertility does not decrease with seasonal fluctuations. We need to produce cows that can use low-quality grasses and conserve energy so that they remain fertile in lean seasons,” he said.

“We are passionate about further improving maternal productivity. This is a real win-win and will improve the sustainability of beef production.”