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Introduction

Demand for high quality meat for both the domestic and export markets means that Angus steers are keenly sought after. Angus females are purchased because of their outstanding reproductive and maternal performance. Angus are the most profitable breed choice for many commercial cattle producers. This is demonstrated by the increased demand for Angus seedstock and commercial cattle. In 1989, there were 9227 Angus calves registered with Angus Australia. By 2005 this had grown to 54,662 head.

History The Angus breed originated in Scotland by interbreeding of groups of closely related cattle breeds native to the shires of Aberdeen, Kincardie and Angus. These breeds or strains of cattle have a long history in Scotland. Angus have also been known as Aberdeen Angus. The first imports of Angus cattle into Australia were to Tasmania in the 1820s and to the mainland in 1840. Angus cattle are now found in all Australian states and territories. Angus are used extensively in crossbreeding programs over Bos indicus females in northern Australia, but are more common in the southern, temperate environments.

  Characteristics

Angus cattle are polled and can be black or red in colour although black is the dominant colour.

Angus are fertile and easy calving cattle. They reach puberty at an early age. Angus bulls give high conception rates under heavy working loads and achieve a compact calving spread.

Angus cows are good mothers and easy care cattle. Angus cows have been selected for moderate size and the ability to maintain production under tough commercial conditions. Modern Angus cattle have a range of mature size to suit a range of needs.

Trials in northern and southern Australia have shown that Angus cattle are early finishing with good growth, eye muscle and yield. CRC crossbreeding research in northern Australia over Brahman cows shows that Angus have more marbling and the highest MSA eating quality results when compared to other breed crosses.

In the Southern Crossbreeding Project conducted by South Australian and Victorian researchers, Angus cross calves had the lowest birth weights, similar growth to weaning and in the feedlot, finished earliest and produced the most marbling.

Modern Angus steers and heifers have the potential to suit a wide range of markets, both export and domestic.

Market Demand

Angus cattle receive price premiums in store sales, fat sales and specialist female sales. The price premiums reflect the demand for high performing feedlot cattle, especially for high quality
export markets.Many of the best and biggest lines of Angus steers are sold direct to feedlots.

Angus are a truly international breed. They are the dominant breed in the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Argentina. There is an immense pool of available genetics that will allow the breed to respond to new challenges and commercial demands.

Angus provide the greatest number of performance records of any beef breed in the world. Over 90 percent of registered Angus females in Australia are in herds participating in Angus GROUP BREEDPLAN. Estimated Breeding Values for eighteen fertility, calving ease, growth, maternal, efficiency and carcase traits assist breeders to identify and use appropriate genetics to suit their needs.

Angus Australia supports breeders with a range of information services. These include internet database search facilities, technical publications, and breeding workshops to assist breeders make the best possible decisions for their herd in their environment and market.