New research aims to gain a better understanding of how temperament affects cattle production and beef quality traits.

According to NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researcher, Linda Cafe, while it’s well established that cattle vary in their ability to cope with stress and remain calm, the biological links between temperament and production are not well understood.

"Differences in the way cattle of varying temperament respond to management practices result in differences in production and beef quality," Ms Cafe said.

"A recent study we conducted on young Brahman and Angus cattle suggests that small differences in temperament can be linked to differences in the responses of animals."

Cattle were assessed for temperament and production characteristics from weaning through backgrounding and feedlotting.

Carcases and meat from the cattle were assessed after feedlot finishing.

Temperament assessments of agitation and flight speed were made and physiological responses to stress were measured.

Ms Cafe said the cattle quickly adapted to the intensive and consistent handling required for the experiment.

"But cattle which were more temperamental at the start of the experiment remained so throughout," she said.

Brahmans had more variation in temperament than the Angus cattle.

"The flightiest of the Brahmans grew the slowest and produced the smallest and leanest carcases.

"They ate less in the feedlot than the quieter Brahmans, had similar feed efficiency, but tended to have tougher meat than the quieter Brahmans.

"Among the Angus cattle, although there were no discernable differences in growth rates or feed intake, the flightier ones had slightly less fat cover and even in this relatively calm group the flightier ones had tougher meat."

NSW DPI is continuing this research in collaboration with the Beef Cooperative Research Centre, CSIRO, Meat and Livestock Australia and the University of New England.

Contact Linda Cafe, Armidale, (02) 6770 1825, linda.cafe@dpi.nsw.gov.au