P.PSH.1468 - BeefLinks: Feedlot Performance
Did you know the research project supported on-farm practice change by improving producer awareness and access to better data to select cattle suited for finishing systems?
| Project start date: | 29 May 2023 |
| Project end date: | 15 June 2025 |
| Publication date: | 22 April 2025 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Western Australia |
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Download Report
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Summary
This research aims to collect data on feedlot cattle from rangeland and backgrounding operations in Western Australia (WA), including key factors such as breed, weight, and growth. The primary goal is to identify cattle suitable for southern finishing systems and assess their eating quality using the MSA index.
Key findings
- improve feedlot performance
- improve meat quality of cattle sourced from northern Western Australia.
Benefits to industry
Industry will benefit from the data gap analysis and willingness of producers to collect data and conduct on-station experiments. Clear guidance on the type of data required to support future investigations has been gathered.
The research project supported on-farm practice change by improving producer awareness and access to better data to select cattle suited for finishing systems. The advisory capacity available to rangeland cattle producers increased as staff were trained in research extension.
MLA action
The research project supported on-farm practice change by improving producer awareness and access to better data to select cattle suited for finishing systems.
Future research
The extension activities delivered by the project team has generated substantial interest in data collection, analysis and feedback from a wider range of producers than what were directly engaged in the project.
The recommendation is to capitalise on goodwill and motivation to use data to improve decision making by further investment in ways to improve data access and integration into business decisions. A benchmarking activity was suggested to enable producers to understand where their cattle performance currently sits for finishing and processing to enable them to identify areas of focus for breeding and management.
Further engagement with producers in the Kimberley region regarding international buyer specifications is also warranted. Additionally, enhancing data analysis and exploring innovations like AI and parentage testing can further optimise breeding and feed management strategies for greater efficiency.
More information
| Project manager: | Tony Parker |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | University of Western Australia |
