School's In For Cattle Appraisal Skills
AUSTRALIA - Cattle producers from throughout Central Queensland are invited to attend an informal on-property field day to fine tune their visual appraisal skills and achieve higher returns by targeting premium market specifications.
15 November 2007
2 minute read
"By improving their visual appraisal expertise, the objective is to select animals that will meet the specific age, weight and fat score requirements"
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries CQ BEEF project officer David Hickey
The market assessment appraisal day will run from 10am to 3pm on 23 November, and will be hosted by the CQ BEEF Mackenzie River group on Murray and Debbie Haigh's property Washpool, north of Blackwater.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries CQ BEEF project officer David Hickey, the coordinator of the CQ BEEF Mackenzie River Group, said members including the Haigh family had subjected their cattle enterprises to a stringent Profit Probe business analysis.
"Findings from their 2005-06 and 2006-07 economic business performance analyses identified increased profitability from cattle that met the carcase specifications for premium markets," Mr Hickey said.
"By improving their visual appraisal expertise, the objective is to select animals that will meet the specific age, weight and fat score requirements for premium EU, Jap ox or domestic trade carcase specifications."
The Haighs will yard a mixed draft of cattle of all classes for a hands-on practical appraisal.
The demonstration cattle would have their liveweight and dentition recorded.
For a technological perspective, CSIRO researcher Paul Williams has been invited to undertake ultrasound tests of each animal to measure eye muscle area and fat cover.
To provide visual appraisal guidelines, Matthew Noakes from Teys Bros Lakes Creek meatworks will be on hand to add to the discussion.
Mr Hickey said all participants at the field day would have an opportunity to compare their visual appraisal expertise with the ultrasound technology.
"While the CQ BEEF Mackenzie River project members believe that honing their livestock market appraisal skill has the potential to boost profitability, this worthwhile exercise certainly has merit across the broader beef community," Mr Hickey said.
TheCattleSite News Desk
