Given the reduction in Australia's beef herd, and predicted lower slaughter rates, it is important that the industry extracts as much value from every carcass processed, including older females.
- Dr Michael Campbell
FINDING the value in cull cows is the aim of some new research being undertaken at Charles Sturt University (CSU).
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The insights, in conjunction with Meat and Livestock Australia have shown that it is possible for producers to increase weight and carcase quality and increase financial returns from culls by feeding a high-energy ration.
The findings of a 2019 study by Charles Sturt Honours students Jake Bourlet, Christine Harris and Jessie Phillips will be presented at the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation's Livestock Forum on Friday, July, 31.
Research supervisor and Charles Sturt farming systems lecturer, Dr Michael Campbell, said it shows there's potential to develop a high quality product from culls aged more than five years.
"Given the reduction in Australia's beef herd, and predicted lower slaughter rates, it is important that the industry extracts as much value from every carcass processed, including older females," Dr Campbell said.
"We have also seen a trend towards branded products, which can extract further value from animals that have high eating quality attributes.
"With this in mind, it is important that we understand how to better manage cows that have been culled from a beef breeding herd to improve meat quality outcomes."
The 2019 study examined the performance and meat quality of Angus and Angus cross cows that had been culled due to their age.
They were fed the same diet for different periods of time before slaughter and a full Meat Standards Australia carcass evaluation was performed on each animal.
"The live weight, carcase weight and quality increased with an increased time of feed," Dr Campbell said.
"The number of carcasses that met the required standards to be given an MSA index increased to 84 per cent after 56 days on feed, compared with only 11 per cent after 28 days on feed.
"If the market rewards this quality with higher prices it could be worthwhile to put cattle on feed for a period of time before slaughter."
The Forum is being held online on an interactive digital platform to allow livestock producers to find out about new research and hear from industry experts.
The forum costs $10 and people can register at https://bit.ly/2D82NnX
