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Australia’s Beef Industry
Australia’s cattle herd totals an estimated 28.85 million, which amounts to 4% of the world’s beef supply. Australia is the second largest beef exporter in the world with 67.1% of its total beef and veal production exported.
Beef and live cattle exports contribute around AUD $5.4 billion to the Australian economy per annum (ABS 2006-2007). Australian’s love beef - with the average consumption of beef at 36.3kg per person annually. The domestic expenditure on beef is estimated at AUD $6.6 billion per annum (MLA 2006 – 2007).
Simmentals in Australia
The Simmental breed was introduced into Australia in 1972. Since that time they have adapted to the vastly different geographical and climatic conditions of Australia, which have contributed to the highly respected image of the Simmental breed today. Australian Simmental cattle are seen as a breed designed to produce higher yield and therefore generate increased profits. This has been characterised by rapid weight gain, high carcase yield, high fertility, excellent maternal qualities and quiet temperament.
The Australian Simmental is characterised by:
- Rapid Weight Gain - First cross Simmental X British or Bos Indicus calves gain weight 10% to 20% faster, reaching market weight younger and earlier, reducing annual stocking pressure.
- High Carcass Yield - The leaner, highly muscled Simmental and Simmental cross animal produces higher yields of saleable beef.
- High Fertility - Simmental infused females reach puberty early, and enjoy long reproductive lives. Simmental bulls are renowned for their large scrotal size, high libido and ability to handle a high mating load. Using Simmental Breedplan, bulls can be selected for fertility and ease of calving EBVs.
- Excellent Maternal Qualities - Milk and Mothering ability are important traits in replacement females. Simmental females excel in these traits, further boosting the weight of their weaner progeny.
- Quiet Temperament - Simmental cattle are extremely docile and easy to manage if handled well. Most important in cattle management, in finishing programs and reducing stress in slaughter cattle.
All these are important to profitable commercial beef production by producing:
- more calves
- heavier and earlier turnoff
- higher carcass yields
- highly productive breeding females
- all with excellent temperament
Today, the Simmental breed is present on all continents and with 41 million cattle worldwide, it is the second largest breed in the world. The successful development of the Australian Simmental owes much to the skills of stud breeders in pursuing performance selection systems and selection for commercially important conformation and structural traits.
- Australia’s cattle herd = 28.85 million or 4% of the world’s beef supply
- With 67.1% of its total beef and veal production going to overseas markets, Australia is the second largest beef exporter in the world.
- Beef and live cattle exports contribute around $5.4 billion to the Australian economy per year.
- Australian’s love their beef
- average consumption 36.3kg per person
- expenditure on beef estimated at $6.6 billion per year.
