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Interesting Articles & Information

This page is designed to provide members information about new and innovative developments and concepts.

INBREEDING AND PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

INBREEDING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (26Kb)
This article by Bob Guest was published in the Angus Australia 2005 Journal. The basic principles of inbreeding is explained in a very practical and easy to understand way.

INBREEDING IN CATTLE (275Kb)
This article discuss the effect and potential use of inbreeding in a herd, how to calculate inbreeding coefficient and Linebreeding. To download the file click here.

PEDIGREE ANALYSIS OF THE AUSTRALIAN ANGUS POPULATION (161Kb)
by Peter Parnell, NSW Agriculture Beef Industry Centre, Armidale NSW 2350 - Email
This paper describes the results of a pedigree analysis conducted in 2002 to investigate the genetic diversity in the Australian Angus population.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND JUDGING

JUDGING THE ANGUS CLASSES IN ADELAIDE 2005 WITH ACCESS TO
PERFORMANCE RECORDS
by Lew Smit
Judging the Angus classes in Adelaide with access to the Performance Records of the entries was a new experience for me. As a consequence, I gave a considerable amount of thought as to how I would approach the task...

JUDGING WITH EBVS
by Erica Halliday
I approach Judging with EBVS in much the same way as classing/pricing my bulls for sale through the paddock at Ben Nevis...

CATTLE JUDGING USING PHENOTYPE AND PERFORMANCE (14Kb)
Dr. Doug Parrett discuss the basics of how the use of performance records along with visual appraisal is teached at Universities in the States.
Utilizing Performance Information In Beef Judging Events (25Kb)
An objective cattle producer uses performance information to select seedstock to make sound decisions. Judging events are frequently used to improve decision making abilities and so it
makes sense to include these inputs in the training. This fact sheet was written for those who
teach beef selection and provides examples of judging situations that include performance
information and genetic evaluations that are easily obtained from most beef breed associations
and progressive breeders. It also provides a suggested format to present the information to
students.
Using Performance Data in Judging Classes (44Kb)
Judging contests are an important educational tool. Someday young cattle producers will be
faced with selection decisions that affect the profitability of their operations. They should be
prepared to use all information available to them, including performance data.

CARCASE QUALITY

BEEF PALATABILITY
September 2003
This paper by Emma Weatherly discusses the relative effect of production (genetics, growth path, glycogen level, rib fat, marbling and HGP implants) and processing variables (pH/temperature window, carcase suspension and ageing) on beef palatability.

THE ROLE OF INTRAMUSCULAR FAT IN THE ACCEPTABILITY OF MEAT
October 2003
This paper, written by Emma Weatherly while she was still with Angus Australia, discusses the role of intramuscular fat in the acceptability of beef for Australia’s two major markets- the domestic market and the Japanese market.

THE IMPACT OF HORMONAL GROWTH PROMOTANTS ON CARCASS COMPOSITION AND MEAT QUALITY
November 2003
In this paper Emma Weatherly discusses i) the impact of HGPs on carcass fat and muscle ii) the impact of HGPs on consumer palatability scores as well as traits that affect meat quality such as marbling, meat color, and tenderness and iii) HGP residual levels and meat quality.

SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION

"UNITED WE STAND- DIVIDED WE FALL.”- SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION FOR THE BEEF INDUSTRY (264Kb)
March 2003
When Emma Weatherly returned from the USA where she investigated Supply Chain Integration for the Beef Industry as a recipient of an AFFA Young People in Rural Industries Study Award, she wrote this comprehensive report that carries strong messages for all sections of the beef cattle industry including her observations from visits to 13 processors, feed yards, branded products, breed societies and industry bodies.
Click here for Emma’s report.