P.PSH.1063 - Enhancing technology adoption across the Angus genetic improvement pipeline
To assist breeders to make better breeding decision, this project developed and delivered the following decision support tools: AngusSELECT, Angus Database Search and decision support reports.
| Project start date: | 01 March 2018 |
| Project end date: | 16 March 2024 |
| Publication date: | 20 May 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
The 'Enhancing Technology Adoption Across the Angus Genetic Improvement Pipeline' project commenced in April 2018 and was a joint venture between Meat & Livestock Australia Donor Company (MDC) and Angus Australia. The project aimed to further enhance the world leading rates of genetic improvement achieved in Angus influenced cattle, contributing to the NLGC’s mission to double the rate of genetic gain in the beef value chain by 2022. This project has achieved the target by implementing an integrated suite of adoption and communication activities designed to harness disruptive technologies and to accelerate the application of continuous improvement programs among breeders of Angus and Angus-influenced cattle.
Objectives
(i) Develop and deliver an innovative education program to support breeders in understanding the opportunities and benefits of genetic improvement.
(ii) Develop, evaluate and deliver innovative decision support tools to assist breeders make better breeding decisions.
(iii) Conduct 'proof-of-concept' analyses to demonstrate the benefits of genetic improvement (particularly for new traits).
(iv) Support breeders in Northern Australia in use of adapted and improved Angus- influenced genetics.
(v) Enhance skill development and capability among young breeders through engagement in collective learning exercises focused on commercial beef production.
(vi) Establish effective breeder and stakeholder consultative processes to ensure that RD&A initiatives appropriately address industry needs.
(vii) Conduct quantitative surveys amongst stakeholders across the beef value chain to enable measurement of practice and attitude change resulting from education and extension investments.
Key findings
Overall, the project has achieved significant success in knowledge transfer, skill development, and enhancing the adoption of genetic improvement practices among Angus breeders in Australia. The development and implementation of various workshops, online events, decision support tools, resources, and engagement activities have led to increased awareness, understanding, and practice change within the Angus breeding community. The project's comprehensive approach has not only met but often exceeded its goals, demonstrating its positive impact on the cattle industry.
Benefits to industry
The additional genetic gain realised as a result of this project will add an estimated $38.4 million after 10 years to 2032, or $200.1 million after 30 years to 2052, to the Angus- influenced beef value chain.
MLA action
No further MLA action recommended.
Future research
To ensure beef breeders are best placed to have the most appropriate tools and resources developed and have an increasing knowledge level of how to use the developing technology, a clear recommendation of this project is the future investment in the most desired extension delivery methods with proven adoption outcomes. These desired extension delivery methods include:
• provide education and extension through the preferred information source – The Breed Societies and bull producers
• specialty extension programs should be considered for seedstock, commercial producers and key industry people to cater for the specific learning outcomes
• breed societies can act as a catalyst for information for the beef industry more broadly outside of the member base they ordinarily service day-to-day.
More information
| Project manager: | Sally Leigo |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Angus Society of Australia |
