Improving Integrity and Quality: Upcoming changes to Base APR Animal Registrations
As we continue to refine our systems to uphold the integrity and value of Angus genetics in Australia, the Angus Australia Board of Directors has approved important changes to the registration process for Base APR animals. These updates are being introduced in direct response to member feedback and our collective goal of strengthening the quality and transparency of the Angus Performance Register (APR).
Over the past two years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of Base APR males being registered, prompting discussions around quality control. Members have raised concerns with the CEO, Directors, and staff — particularly regarding the integrity of the APR herd book.
In addition, a review of Base APR female registrations has highlighted the need to strengthen quality control. Under existing rules, Base females can be entered into the APR based on a simple written declaration from the breeder asserting that the animal is at least 7/8 Angus. While this system was practical in earlier years, the availability of genomic tools like Angus BreedCHECK now offers us a far more objective and reliable approach.
What’s Changing?
The following regulatory and pricing changes will be introduced in 2025:
Genomic Testing Requirement for All Base APR Animals
All Base APR animals — both males and females — will now require a genomic profile exceeding 10,000 SNPs.
This ensures that every Base animal recorded has had its breed composition verified using DNA, replacing the subjective declaration model with an objective, data-driven approach. This includes the added step of passing the 87.5% Angus content threshold using Angus BreedCHECK.
Genomic profiles on all APR animals also add valuable information to our Angus reference population.
Fee Adjustment for Base APR Males
To align with the cost of bringing genetics from other breed societies or international programs, the fee for Base APR male registrations will increase to $150.00 + GST, and this will include the genomic profile. This change aims to:
- Reflect the true cost of processing and evaluating these entries
- Ensuring a contribution to the financial cost of the Angus Australia reference population
- Ensures equity in pricing for bulls being introduced onto the Angus Australia database
Fee Adjustment for Base APR Females
Base APR females will now attract a registration fee of $48.40 (incl. GST), in addition to a genomic profile such as an AngusGS or HD50K. All females must meet the 87.5% Angus threshold via BreedCHECK to be eligible for recording.
This fee will ensure that there is an adequate contribution towards the maintenance of the Angus reference population.
Why Are These Changes Needed?
Angus Australia operates multiple registers for purebred Angus seedstock cattle— the Herd Book Register (HBR) and the Angus Performance Register (APR). While the HBR remains a closed herdbook designed to preserve pedigree purity, the APR has long served as an open herdbook to support the advancement of high-performance straightbred Angus cattle.
Both registers serve important roles. But maintaining their integrity requires the highest possible quality control, which is why Angus Australia is implementing these important changes.
Advances in DNA technology now allow us to apply objective breed composition analysis to all Base registrations. Tools like BreedCHECK make it possible to validate the Angus content of animals with accuracy and consistency.
Information
These updates reflect the Board’s commitment to quality control within our registers. They are also the result of constructive feedback from members, and I thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views and concerns.
As we implement these changes, if you have questions or would like guidance on how the new regulations may affect your herd, please reach out to the Extension or Member Services teams at any time.
Scott Wright – Chief Executive Officer, Angus Australia
