The Angus Sire Benchmarking Program (ASBP) is a major research initiative of Angus Australia with support from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and industry partners such as Rangers Valley Feedlot and John Dee Abattoir. 

The objectives of the ASBP are: 

1. Grow the Australian Angus Reference population using contemporary and relevant Angus animals.
   
2. Focus particularly on growing the reference populations hard-to-measure traits such as feed efficiency, methane emissions, immune competency, abattoir carcase measurement, meat quality attributes & female reproduction.
3. Generate data for the validation & refinement of the TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation (TACE).
4. Build a comprehensive phenotype and genotype database on Australian Angus for genomic technology validation, research and development. 

To meet the project objectives, around 30 sires are selected each year (cohort) to join to approximately 2,000 Angus cows by fixed time artificial insemination to achieve a minimum of 25 progeny (50:50 steers and heifers) per sire. The Angus cows are located across several commercially focussed co-operator herds spanning from Northern New South Wales to Victoria. 

The Angus sires that enter the ASBP are nominated by Angus Australia members. A list of all bulls that have entered the ASBP can be viewed in the catalogues listing page on angus.tech. The progeny are comprehensively performance recorded for calving ease, growth, temperament, heifer reproduction, structure, coat, immune competency, feed efficiency, methane emissions, abattoir carcase and eating quality attributes. 

For further information please contact Dr Liam Mowbray, Research & Development Specialist, on 0436406140 or liam.mowbray@angusaustralia.com.au.