MLA produces videos about traits for choosing cattle
A new series of animated videos from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) is intended to help commercial beef and sheep producers know what to look for when buying bulls and rams.
Producers often make buying decisions once a year, according to MLA general manager of research, development and adoption, Michael Crowley, so the videos can act as a “refresher” to those who want more information about the various traits available when making decisions about sires.
“There’s a clear link between genetics and the commercial profitability of the Australian livestock industry,” said Mr Crowley. “Genetic improvement is among the tools available to commercial producers to help address the key drivers of industry profit including improved market compliance and eating quality, and improved fertility and livestock productivity.”
The videos, available on MLA’s online genetics hub, are part of the group’s efforts to bring clarity to genetics and breeding values. “Research shows that more than 80% of commercial cattle and sheep producers have taken action – such as using breeding values to buy a sire – as a result of the launch of these resources,” said Mr Crowley.
