Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. In addition to requiring less water than other beef cattle, the breed has a markedly slow metabolic rate. MOTHERING ABILITYThe breeds maternal instincts are strong. Copyright 2020 Droughtmaster. The Santa Gertrudis breed of cattle, named for the Spanish land grant where Captain Richard King first established the King Ranch, were developed to thrive, prosper and gain weight on the native grasses of the South Texas brush country. Whats more, Droughtmaster cattle also display resistance to internal parasites, eliminating the need for expensive vaccines, cumbersome. From prime improved pasture in temperate regions, light native pasture in tropical regions right through to drought conditions which invariably plague many areas of Australia, the Droughtmaster is recognised as one of the leading performers. The digestive efficiency comes through: These factors also give the Droughtmaster a greater feed conversion efficiency, which is important even when nutrient is in ample supply. DROUGHTMASTER GENETICS IN HIGH DEMAND 2022 was an historically momentous year for the Droughtmaster breed with five bulls selling for $200,000+. droughtmaster.com.au 61 64 1 CONTACTS DROUGHTMASTER STUD BREEDERS' SOCIETY ACN 010 129 683 40 Thorn Street | Ipswich, QLD 4305 Phone: 07 3281 0056 Email: office@droughtmaster.com.au Front. And the breed is able to utilize the environment and the pastures in the most efficient manner to gain higher weight and good fertility. As such their skin/hides are used in various leather products such as rugs, etc. A breed society, the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders' Society, was formed, and a herd-book was started. The breed is very good for meat production with high dressing percentage and good quality meat. C.A.B International. Just starting to spring. He carefully bred up his cattle over the years while others with Brahmans in a breeding program. Drought master cattle breed can easily adjust in the environment and knows how to utilize the environment as well as pastures in the most effective way. Barbara Rischkowsky, Dafydd Pilling (editors) (2007). As the name implies, the Droughtmaster thrives in conditions that would undo other breeds. although they are found mainly in Queensland. In some cases, the rankings of animals may also change. Due May/June 2023. Droughtmaster Cattle, developed specifically for Northern Australias arid climate, have proved to be a miraculous advancement, adapting to poor conditions in countries worldwide! Slow metabolic rate creates low feed requirements; Recycling of nutrients through blood stream; Reduced water consumption produces increased nitrogen; Slow rate of protein turnover allows development levels to occur on low nutrients. At maturity, Droughtmaster Cattle are medium to large framed with good feet and legs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From docility and adaptability, to fertility and carcase yield, Droughtmaster's natural traits underpin its wonderful reputation as an allrounder. It is a very suitable breed in the Australian Tropics which has good tick resistance. window.onscroll = function () { Whats more, Droughtmaster cattle also display resistance to internal parasites, eliminating the need for expensive vaccines, cumbersome rotational grazing schedules and treatment plans. Medium to large breed that is parasite resistant and yield could carcass weights for good quality beef. They are relatively quiet in temperament. They have a good milk yield and are easily bred. A low-maintenance digestive system, unique to Bos Indicus derived breeds, contributes to the Droughtmasters reputation for super-efficient feed conversion, which provides a large economic advantage. Dressing percentage is high. adElem.style.top = '10px'; BULLSADAPTABILITYLow nutritional requirements combined with high feed conversion rates and excellent walking and foraging abilities, provide a big advantage in marginal country and adverse seasons. } else { LONGEVITYEarly maturity, structural soundness and a naturally active constitution can mean a longer working life, thereby reducing bull replacement costs. adElem.style.display = 'block'; Commercial Droughtmaster steers and cull heifers have also been keenly sought by the Live Export trade, who are well aware of the breeds outstanding performance in feedlots. These cattle truly live up to their optimistic name. The Droughtmaster has inherited a digestive system, which combined with excellent walking and foraging abilities, allows Droughtmasters to continue growing and breeding in spite of low nutrient levels. Easy calving eliminates the need for human intervention, thus reducing time and management costs. It helps the animal dissipate body heat, as does the short hair. They have very good heat tolerance ability, and are well adapted to the local and harsh environment. In a recent Queensland trial, Droughtmasters returned dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%. Astute northern cattlemen set about crossing the hardy red Zebu cattle, a Bos indicus breed, with traditional British breeds, like the Shorthorn, early last century. The breed has also exported to South-East Asia and as well as to Pakistan, Nigeria and a number of South Pacific islands. The constant evolution of the breed is seeing it flourish across the world whilst meeting the demanding standards of Australian producers and supply chain. The results in the Commercial and Stud Competitions were fantastic, and we even came home . LONGEVITYDroughtmaster females mature quite early and it is not uncommon to see them joined at 14 months. A consistent winner in various reputable "hoof" competitions, the Droughtmaster also performs very well "on the hook". adElem.style.width = (rect.width) + 'px'; Instinctive foraging abilities and adaptability, as well as parasite and disease resistance combine with the genetic strength of its Bos Indicus heritage to make it low touch and economical to manage. Drought master cattle breed has advantages like these cattle are free from ticks and are resistant to them. Their genetics are stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. Their ears are medium to large in size. The crossbred offspring of the humped South Asian animals were better suited for the Australian countryside than straight British breeds, though they didnt have the proportions familiar to graziers. Optimum growth under a range of variable conditions is a major benefit offered by the Droughtmaster. That lower metabolic rate helps the animal produce less heat, keeping things cool even as temperatures start to increase. These cattle does not require proper space to be kept, these can graze in pastures and know how to utilize their space to enhance their weight and health. Cows rarely have twins or triplets, but it can happen. Much of the development was done by one breeder, R.L. Droughtmaster cattle are a beef cattle breed. Rigorous genetic selection has seen major advances in breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements. Droughtmasters have good walking and foraging abilities, coupled with lower nutritional requirements to give them the ability to retain condition and keep breeding, irrespective of the prevailing conditions. Consequently, the F1 Droughtmaster female is renowned as a very efficient dam, and most effective when used with high-growth sires. Currently the Droughtmaster cattle are available throughout the mainland states, with the largest numbers are available between Cape York and the New South Wales border. Cows only calve once a year and should have 12 to 14-month inter-calving cycle. The Federation Drought (the worst since European settlement, according to the National Museum of Australia), combined with massive overfarming to leave the land arid, bare and unaccommodating to cattle breeds such as Shorthorns and Herefords. adElem.style.zIndex = '21'; } Beef producers are attracted to Droughtmasters amazing versatility. cattle, to the graziers. Droughtmaster Cattle will continue to reproduce even under harsh or adverse conditions. They have long powerful legs and a small heart-shaped face. It might be time to pump some water out of the pond to keep the market garden going. [6]:721[5], From 1969, five Droughtmaster bulls were used for cross-breeding with the local Bhagnari in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, leading to the creation of the Nari Droughtmaster. Your email address will not be published. Recently, they have been exported to tropical and semi-arid underdeveloped countries like Western Samoa, due to their low-input, low-maintenance, high-yield beef production abilities. There are a large number of sweat glands in the loose skin, allowing Droughtmaster Cattle to better thermoregulate. Further, excellent milking ability, low nutritional requirements and strong walking and foraging ability combine to make Droughtmaster an outstanding performer. The temperament of all the cattle that we have bought over the years has been impeccable and the amount of information that is available about each and every one of the Vale View cattle gives you confidence in buying their genetics and is evidence of the depth of breeding in their herd. The subsequent F1 females are renowned as efficient dams, very suitable for joining to high growth sires. Increased number and size of sweat glands; Chemicals in sweat glands provide a repellent action; Immune response to internal and external parasites. The pioneers for this cattle breed wanted to establish a line of cattle that would be able to tolerate the rigors of northern The crossbred offspring of the humped South Asian animals were better suited for the Australian countryside than straight British breeds, though they didnt have the proportions familiar to graziers. Currently the Droughtmaster cattle are available in some other areas outside Australia. The pioneer breeders spent a lot of time (in some cases a lifetime) in culling and selecting breeding stock and were very particular with regard to temperament. This cattle breed is mainly found in North Queensland, Australia. adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; They have good immune responses to internal and external parasites. Curators at the Melbourne Zoo loaned three Zebu bulls, the countrys first imported Bos indicus cattle, to the graziers. The red pigmentation in the Droughtmaster cattle breeds skin is what helps to protect them against cancer eye, sunburnt udders, and photosensitization. have gained a reputation for producing lean carcasses in the yearling to two year In the 1970s, Droughtmaster Cattle were exported globally and met with accolades. A significant advantage over the handling, vaccinating and supplementing requirements of many British and Euro breeds. "Long Bottom" Lot 98 "Put some Sugr in your bloodlines" Coastal . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "Lasseter" Lot 94. Despite all these advantages, the animal is still excellent for beef production, yielding a carcase with a high percentage of well-marbled, good-colored meat. Read more information about the breed below. Third Edition. Video USEFUL LINKS Purebred Dairy Cattle Association American Dairy Association National Association of Animal Breeders They have good body length, a sleek coat, and a reputation for reasonable fertility, ease of calving and good mothering ability under harsh conditions. The Droughtmaster were developed in northern Queensland, Australia's hot tropical north. Recent trial results produced dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%. In some cases, the Droughtmaster has been introduced to reduce eye disorders. var width = window.innerWidth; Yes, but they are mainly polled or dehorned, Docile, calm and easy to handle. The breed is basically red in color, although variations from a golden honey color The Droughtmaster cattle are noted for good fertility, ease of calving and very good mothering ability under harsh conditions. It also offers unparalleled responsiveness, with an ability to bounce back quickly when the rain finally comes. Apart from being concerned for their own personal safety, they were well aware that cattle with a bad attitude usually don't like to be mustered and so don't get to the marketplace - a major economic disadvantage. In 1910, something of a breakthrough appeared in Australias attempts to breed cattle that could thrive on the countrys land. World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds. attention to the cattle of other ranchers around them. Heifers in Autumn. The cow should have a 12 to 14-month inter-calving cycle. Most beef production areas of the world suffer a nutrient deficit at some stage, and in some cases the deficit is virtually constant. Marley - 438kg & Speckle Park bull calf . It was actually developed from crossing Brahman and British cattle breeds (especially the Beef Shorthorn) during the early 1900s. Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. Other British breeds, mainly Hereford, were later used. This is a major economic factor, because when the body temperature rises, so too does the stress level with its associated waste of energy reserves, increased water consumption and reduced feed intake. var _footer = document.querySelector("#colophon"); Cows lactation period can last for up to about 10 months (305) days. Droughtmasters are also noted for their well muscled carcasses with optimum fat cover; give Droughtmasters excellent dressing percentages and high saleable meat yields. Sign up to our regular newsletter and access news from across the Global AG Media network. They Droughtmaster cattle have an excellent dressing percentage and high saleable meat yields. 2000 - 2023 - Global Ag Media. Large commercial Droughtmaster herds are running on native pastures in both Queensland and the Northern Territory and they are rapidly gaining prominence in the traditional British-bred areas in southern Australia. adElem.style.zIndex = ''; Eventually, these innovative breeders arrived at a beef cow that was just about perfect for Australias inhospitable environment: the Droughtmaster. CALVING EASEThe important breed characteristics of low birth weights and calf shape are passed on by Droughtmaster bulls, and can be very advantageous in crossbreeding or joining to heifers. She was born 9/02/2021. It was the first Australian taurindicine hybrid breed;[3]:171 it is approximately 50% Bos indicus and 50% Bos taurus. led to selective breeding of the progeny to arrive finally at a fixed tropical breed They are excellent foragers and have high resistance to bloat and tick. Their dressing percentage results are around 58% with 76% saleable meat yields. Droughtmaster presented the single largest breed display at BEEF Australia, with 169 head nominated for the Stud Competition from 41 studs in Queensland and NSW. Jim Bendon/Flickr. Make Some Miso Noodle Soup With A Soft Egg! The Droughtmaster cattle are a tropical breed of beef cattle raised primarily for meat production. adElemSticky.innerHTML = ''; The Droughtmasters ability to forage ans walk long distances enables them to thrive where many other breeds can't. Originally developed to handle the extreme heat, humidity and parasites of North Queensland, the breed is providing itself an above average performer in all conditions. } The Droughtmasters ability to forage ans walk long distances enables them to thrive where many other breeds can't. They have a great marbling performance that is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breed. In the vast pastoral areas of northern Australia, cattlemen can't afford to be assisting breeders during calving, so this characteristic was also a high priority for the Droughtmaster pioneer breeders. They are also used in tropical areas to improve carcass qualities and performance. They have easy calvings and rarely need assistance. The Droughtmaster cattle emerged and have extremely good adaptability, can withstand varying temperatures, has a high fertility rate, is docile, parasite resistant, good meat quality and the cows calve with ease. Rodney Wilson is a writer, editor and co-owner of Goldfinch Farm, a family farm that raises chickens and pigs in Franklin County, Kentucky (www.goldfinchfarmky.com). Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. Jason and Geraldine Barnard 205 Beneckes Road, MONTO Q 4630 M: 0409 267 474 0409 358 508 E: gjpastoral . Droughtmaster cows are attentive to their calves and care for them in adverse conditions. The combination results in a breed which unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds. Review full breed profile of the Droughtmaster cattle in the following chart. Get to Know the Droughtmaster Cattle Breed, In 1910, something of a breakthrough appeared in Australias attempts to breed cattle that could thrive on the countrys land. Tick is an insect which usually causes itching in the fur. Droughtmaster Research & Education Foundation. They are neither fast growers nor slow, and are medium growers. The deeply recessed or hooded eye of the Droughtmaster minimizes damage from bumping and spiking, and provides some protection from crawling and biting insects, as well as reducing the occurance of eye cancers, blight and pink eye. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. The arrival of the cattle tick from Asia into Queensland in 1896 was a key factor in the initial development of the Droughtmaster breed. They The Droughtmaster's unique blend of characteristics have been recognised by astute cattlemen elsewhere in the world, and since the 1970's registered Droughtmaster livestock, semen & embryos have been exported to countries throughout Asia, Africa, the middle East, Latin America and the Pacific. Drying off period for around 60 days before she can calve again. droughtmaster bull Clear all. 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