Strategic genetics and EBV selection is essential for the developmental improvement of our Lyncoranne Angus and Ultrablack (Brangus/Angus X) feeder yearlings, which are expected to meet the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) grid by 12 months of age (maximum).

 

Our objective is to turn off ‘hormone free’ premium commercial ‘carcase trait’ Angus and Ultrablack yearlings, predominantly from a pasture-based system with minimal supplementary grain feeding.

 

By focusing on IntraMuscular Fat % (IMF); Saleable Meat Yields (SMY); chasing growth rates and fat scores between 4 to 8 mm; early maturity; feed efficiency and ‘do-ability’, we are producing steers and heifers that perform and finish exceptionally well in our feeder program. Approximately 98% of our feeder calves marketed to butchers on Queensland's Gold Coast and the Tweed Valley area of Far Northern NSW are MSA compliant.

 

Calves weaned at nine months of age into our feeder program have in conjunction with improved pasture, adlib access to a nutritionally calculated grain ration and hay silage. Analysing and utilising Abattoir feedback results; weaned calves feed efficiency/daily weight gain results and their EBV abilities, has enabled us to accelerate our feeder calves  'finishing’ timeline. Under optimum conditions, our operation is achieving an average 1.5kg to 2kg daily weight gain (per animal); with yearlings finished to individual butcher's specifications of 360kg to 430kg (full live weight). 

 

The way in which stock are handled and their associated temperament has a direct effect on performance outcomes in our feeder program which can influence pH levels at time of slaughter. Very early in our management practises our Lyncoranne Angus team made the decision not to utilise working dogs in our mustering and yard activities. Instead implementing Low Stress Stock (LSS) handling techniques, which we believe improved our feeder calves production gains and positively affected better meat eating qualities.