MLA launches research breeder efficiency partnership
A new strategic research partnership will address breeder efficiency in Northern Australia, aimed at delivering at least $20 million in net benefits per year by 2027.
The seven-year on-farm programme is called Northern Breeding Business (NB2) and was developed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) in association with the North Australia Beef Research Council (NABRC).
In an effort to increase calf survival and breeder herd efficiency across the northern beef industry, the programme will address what it deemed to be the industry’s three main threats: calf loss, low profitability and low levels of adoption of proven management practices.
NB2 will soon begin recruiting northern producers to participate in on-farm research, development, extension and adoption activities in line with the priorities that have come out of the NABRC consultation process.
“Calf mortality and poor reproductive performance have a major impact on reproductive efficiency and profitability for the northern beef industry. Past levy-funded activities have delivered an understanding of these issues and of best management practices, but the uptake of these practices has remained low,” said MLA general manager for research, development and adoption, Michael Crowley.
“NB2 will promote adoption to directly assist producers in managing measurable improvements in breeder herd efficiency to optimise production within individual enterprises.
It hopes to deliver a 5% increase in weaning rate, a 1% decrease in herd mortality rate and a 10kg increase in sale weight of cattle at the same age, while operating at a level of long-term, sustainable production and profit, he said.
Proposal templates are available to download from the MLA website and must be submitted by September 14.
