Angus genes: Almost half the national herd with Angus roots

When it comes to the genetic makeup of Australian cattle, one breed rules them all. Here is what a new report has to say.

Angus genetics make up almost half of the national herd. Picture: Dannika Bonser.

ALMOST half of Australia’s breeding beef herd has a genetic link to Angus DNA.

The finding comes in an independent Australian Beef Breeding Insight survey that identified the role of breed genetics in the national herd.

It showed about 5.6 million breeding females across the Australian beef herd are influenced by Angus genetics.

Angus bulls accounted for about 46 per cent of bull numbers, with Charolais the second highest, accounting for 18 per cent.

Droughtmaster and Brahman rounded out the top four, with Droughtmaster accounting for 13 per cent, and Brahman 11 per cent.

The survey was undertaken in conjunction with Meat and Livestock Australia.

It reported 2.4 million females were pure bred Angus.

This equates to about 20 per cent of the national herd.

Angus Australia northern development officer Jen Peart said the results showed the strength of the Angus breed.

“I think it’s a mixture of both market signals, as well as having that product that supports growth,” Ms Peart said.

“Their fertility is fantastic, and they have good maternal traits.”

Ms Peart said producers were willing to invest in a breed from which they could see results.

“Bull selling this season, we’ve seen a lot of heifer bulls go on to achieve price records, because producers are willing to invest in the genetics.”

Ms Peart said the figures in the report were a “conservative estimate” and that they encapsulated both pure bred and crossbred cattle.

“There’s a premium for them, and the traits Angus are renowned for, particularly the maternal traits,” she said.

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