The Cooperative Research Centre for Beef Genetic Technologies (Beef CRC) started on 1 July 2005. It aims to use emerging gene discovery and gene expression technologies to equip Australia for precision cattle breeding and management. It also aims to ensure Australia has the ability to consistently produce beef products of exacting specifications to meet the needs of domestic and international consumers.

Nine organisations from Australia and one from New Zealand form the core participants of the Beef CRC, in addition to a number of supporting participant organisations from Australia, USA and South Korea.

NSW Department of Primary Industries is one of the core participants. NSW DPI input includes the use of:

• research staff from the Science & Research Division, and extension staff from the Agriculture & Fisheries Division, who are using their specialist expertise and networks across the state;
• NSW DPI laboratory facilities at Armidale and Camden;
• specialised beef cattle breeding herds at the Glen Innes and Trangie research centres.

NSW DPI is playing an important role in all the five programs of the Beef CRC. The focus of NSW DPI research, development and extension (RD&E) efforts is in key strategy areas in Programs 1 and 2.

The expected outcomes of the RD&E by the Beef CRC are to:

• improve capacity to deliver high quality beef to Australia’s 110 global markets using cattle of known genetic merit for exacting specifications without compromising animal welfare or the environment;
• enhance beef yield and herd reproductive efficiency, improve efficiency of resource use, reduce production costs, minimise methane emissions and avoid chemical and antibiotic residues through precise application of knowledge about the genes controlling these attributes in cattle, their rumen micro-organisms and in parasites that affect cattle productivity;
• ensure Australia is the number one supplier of beef to meet the growing demand by neighbouring Asian countries to 2020.

Program 1: High quality beef for global consumers

Mission

To develop and commercialise multiple DNA tests that account for 50% of the genetic differences in carcase yield, marbling and beef tenderness and non-genetic treatments to improve compliance rates for cattle achieving market specifications by 20%, with concomitant improvements in profitability due to improved efficiencies and throughput across the supply chain.

Strategies

• Proof of concept and biology of gene markers for beef quality traits.
  This strategy is led by Dr Paul Greenwood, NSW DPI, Armidale.
• Phenotypic prediction — To develop phenotypic models which will predict animal performance in terms of meeting market specifications, carcase eating quality and carcase yield. Establish supply chain networks to test and implement genetic technologies incorporated within the prediction models.
  This strategy is led by Mr Bill McKiernan, NSW DPI, Orange.

Program 2: Feed efficiency, maternal productivity and responsible resource use

Mission

To develop and commercialise multiple DNA tests and non-genetic treatment that will reduce feed costs for the national beef herd without impacting on cattle weight gain whilst simultaneously improving breeding herd efficiency in at least 50% of specialist beef enterprises and decreasing methane emissions from beef cattle by 20%.

Strategies

• Efficient utilisation of feed for improved productivity.
  This strategy is led by Dr Robert Herd, NSW DPI, Armidale.
• Commercialisation and adoption of feed efficiency, maternal productivity and responsible resource use technologies.
  This strategy is led by Dr Peter Parnell, NSW DPI, Armidale.

Additional information

For additional information about NSW DPI’s role in the Beef CRC contact:

Paul Arthur
Deputy CEO
Beef CRC;
and Director, EMAI.

Additional information about the Beef CRC is available at www.beef.crc.org.au