Hall, D. Phillip Sponenberg (2016). Rigorous genetic selection has seen major advances in breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements. From docility and adaptability, to fertility and carcase yield, Droughtmaster's natural traits underpin its wonderful reputation as an allrounder. Excellent milking ability, digestive efficiency, low nutritional requirements, feed conversion efficiency, walking ability and foraging ability combine to make the Droughtmaster an outstanding performer. The Droughtmasters ability to forage ans walk long distances enables them to thrive where many other breeds can't. They are easy to handle and the lack of horns makes them especially safe. Commercial Droughtmaster steers and cull heifers have also been keenly sought by the Live Export trade, who are well aware of the breeds outstanding performance in feedlots. Their docility and calmness keep their meat color good and the PH levels acceptable. EATS WELL PROFIT IN THE PADDOCK droughtmaster.com.au. Droughtmaster Cattle are moderately late in maturing for slaughter, and are usually taken at one to two years of age. adElemSticky.style.height = rect.height + 'px';
He says the Droughtmaster has become such a popular breed in South Africa within a short period of time because of its exceptional temperament and its ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. 1. Cattle Farming and Caring Information and Guide, Charolais Cattle Characteristics, Origin, Uses, Holando-Argentino Cattle Characteristics & Uses, Canadian Speckle Park Cattle Farming Business, Casta Cattle Farming Business Starting Plan For Beginners, Red Sindhi Cattle: Characteristics, Origin, Uses, Romagnola Cattle Characteristics, Uses, Origin, Chicken Farm Fire: Top Causes & Prevention Methods, Best Pans For Cooking Fish: Top 5 Fish Cooking Pans, Best Dog For Apartment Living: Perfect & Top 5 Breeds, Exercise And Weight Management in Dogs: Dos & Dont, Preparing Your Pets For Emergencies And Disasters, Rice: Sustainable & Versatile Traditional Staple, Hardy, docile, very good meat quality, calving ease, heat tolerance, parasite resistance, high fertility, well adapted to native climates, Mainly red, with variations from a golden honey color to dark red. Their heat and tick tolerance, excellent fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. 147 followers. Currently the Droughtmaster cattle are available throughout the mainland states, with the largest numbers are available between Cape York and the New South Wales border. They have good immune responses to internal and external parasites. These cattle truly live up to their optimistic name. Increased number and size of sweat glands; Chemicals in sweat glands provide a repellent action; Immune response to internal and external parasites. The pioneer breeders spent a lot of time (in some cases a lifetime) in culling and selecting breeding stock and were very particular with regard to temperament. Calving ease makes Droughtmaster cows very suitable for crossing with high growth sires, and Droughtmaster bulls pass on the important characteristics of calf shape and low birth weights when used with other breeds. The Droughtmasters ability to forage ans walk long distances enables them to thrive where many other breeds can't. Originally developed to handle the extreme heat, humidity and parasites of North Queensland, the breed is providing itself an above average performer in all conditions. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; Their Shorthorn background also sees them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their value. Valerie Porter, Lawrence Alderson, Stephen J.G. Get to Know the Droughtmaster Cattle Breed, In 1910, something of a breakthrough appeared in Australias attempts to breed cattle that could thrive on the countrys land. The Droughtmaster cattle are noted for good fertility, ease of calving and very good mothering ability under harsh conditions. Drought master cattle are a tropical cattle breed which is mainly used for meat production. They have a great marbling performance that is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breed. Their genetics are stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. cattle, to the graziers. Since the first cross daughters generally retain all of these features, particularly calving ease they are ideal for joining to high growth rate bulls to maximise growth in terminal crosses. 2000 - 2023 - Global Ag Media. Droughtmaster are not bloat prone due to their small first stomach and ability to absorb nitrogen. But things only got worse in the mid 1890s. adElem.style.visibility = 'hidden'; Droughtmasters have good walking and foraging abilities, coupled with lower nutritional requirements to give them the ability to retain condition and keep breeding, irrespective of the prevailing conditions. Breeding fertile, tropically adapted, well muscled cattle that produce tender beef. Droughtmasters exhibit a number of other beneficial traits, including lower chances of eye problems (thanks to hooded eyes and red pigment), calving ease, strong foraging abilities and a docile demeanor. adElem.style.zIndex = '21'; window.onscroll = function () {
Hydroelectricity is responsible for 19% of the world's energy supply, offering over 3000 terawatts each year. var width = window.innerWidth; Tippy - 504kg (White heifer) - $3,300 Tippy is an F1 Speckle Park/Droughtmaster heifer. The Droughtmaster has inherited a digestive system, which combined with excellent walking and foraging abilities, allows Droughtmasters to continue growing and breeding in spite of low nutrient levels. Cows that are carrying bull calfs their gestation period is usually a little longer than cows that are carrying heifer calves. The red pigmentation in Droughtmasters is reputed to protect the cattle from the harmful rays of the sun, thus reducing the incidence of eye disorders and photo-sensitization. Congratulations to Jembrae Droughtmasters who topped the PTIC section at $4,500 to average $4,300 overall. Dry, hot summer? Droughtmasters are either polled or horned with the majority of In 1937 Mary Lindsay, daughter of a beef farmer of Greenstreet Northern Saskatchewan, Canada, spotted a uniquely coloured speckled red roan heifer in her fathers herd. Handbook of Australian Livestock, Australian Meat & Livestock Corporation, 1989, 3rd Third Edition. It is a very suitable breed in the Australian Tropics which has good tick resistance. This early start to breeding, plus their ability to adapt to the environment, give them an enviable reputation for longevity. Yes, but they are mainly polled or dehorned, Docile, calm and easy to handle. . They have very good heat tolerance ability, and are well adapted to the local and harsh environment. fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. Drought master breed has more advantages than disadvantages. Calf/cow skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, handbags, belts, furniture, rugs, etc. Droughtmaster Cattle are similar in build to the Shorthorn, and come in a variety of light colors. Their short coat is generally red in colour, although variations from golden honey to dark red can occur. attention to the cattle of other ranchers around them. Novice to intermediate Cattle farmer/keeper level, Livestock should not be left unattended around unsupervised children. Droughtmaster cows are attentive to their calves and care for them in adverse conditions. adElemSticky.style.width = rect.width + 'px';
Drought master cattle breed can easily adjust in the environment and knows how to utilize the environment as well as pastures in the most effective way. The red pigmentation in Droughtmasters is reputed to protect the cattle from the harmful rays of the sun, thus reducing the incidence of eye disorders and photosensitization. Its The crossbred offspring of the humped South Asian animals were better suited for the Australian countryside than straight British breeds, though they didnt have the proportions familiar to graziers. old steer group, although large bullocks are produced, particularly in northern Queensland. Denene hails from a sugar cane farm in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, but after school she relocated to the Cape Winelands to study, for many years, at the University of Stellenbosch. These cattle does not require proper space to be kept, these can graze in pastures and know how to utilize their space to enhance their weight and health. They can finish off fields that other cattle could not digest and are not susceptible to bloat. The Droughtmaster were developed in northern Queensland, Australia's hot tropical north. Brangus Cattle. Originally developed to handle the extreme heat, humidity and parasites of North Queensland, the breed is providing itself an above average performer in all conditions. Costly chemical have also been used to control the tick and reduce the loss of production. They are relatively quiet in temperament. Lower production costs and greater producer profits are part of the Droughtmaster DNA. Droughtmaster Australia. Their short coat is generally red in colour, although variations from golden honey to dark red can occur. stud cattle exhibiting the poll characteristic. Maternal instincts in Droughtmaster cows are strong, and they make attentive mothers who will defend their calves from predators. List of the Advantages of Dams. It was developed by several cattleman in North Queensland, Australia. In the 1970s, Droughtmaster Cattle were exported globally and met with accolades. Droughtmaster Cattle are not susceptible to sunburns, pinkeye, blight, cancer eye, internal or external parasites, heat stroke, foot problems, predation or dehydration! The cattle became extremely popular and are now the second largest breed in Northern Australia. They also topped the whole yarding of 700 high quality females. [4], The Droughtmaster was developed from about 1915 in North Queensland by crossing zebuine cattle with cattle of British origin, principally the Beef Shorthorn. It might be time to pump some water out of the pond to keep the market garden going. It also offers unparalleled responsiveness, with an ability to bounce back quickly when the rain finally comes. With the arrival of cattle ticks into North . DROUGHTMASTER GENETICS IN HIGH DEMAND 2022 was an historically momentous year for the Droughtmaster breed with five bulls selling for $200,000+. The cattle may be either horned or polled; the majority are polled and exhibit only a moderate hump. The Droughtmaster's unique blend of characteristics have been recognised by astute cattlemen elsewhere in the world, and since the 1970's registered Droughtmaster livestock, semen & embryos have been exported to countries throughout Asia, Africa, the middle East, Latin America and the Pacific. Your email address will not be published. Rodney Wilson is a writer, editor and co-owner of Goldfinch Farm, a family farm that raises chickens and pigs in Franklin County, Kentucky (www.goldfinchfarmky.com). "Lasseter" Lot 94. With its genetic base of Shorthorn and Devon, the Droughtmaster is well regarded for its high yielding carcasses of quality beef. There are a large number of sweat glands in the loose skin, allowing Droughtmaster Cattle to better thermoregulate. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. , DROUGHMASTER BREED OF CATTLE QUICK PROFILE OVERVIEW. 61. Initial crossing of Shorthorn and Brahmanbreeds Take a look at the boys in the "Droughtmaster $220K Club". 1mo Edited. They are primarily raised for meat production. adElem.style.visibility = 'visible'; Astute northern cattlemen set about crossing the hardy red Zebu cattle, a Bos indicus breed, with traditional British breeds, like the Shorthorn, early last century. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. }; adElem.style.opacity = '1'; The red pigmentation in Droughtmasters helps protect the cattle from cancer eye, sunburnt udders and photosensitisation. Make Some Miso Noodle Soup With A Soft Egg! The combination results in a breed which unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds. They are considered a middle of the road breed with fat cover at optimum levels. , with most evidence pointing to a trinity of conditions in the Droughtmaster: ticks cant hide in their short hair, the breeds sweat glands produce a repelling chemical, and their immune system responds to all manner of parasites. She was born 9/02/2021. They have good immune responses to internal and external parasites. (function () { containing approximately 50 percent Shorthorn and 50 percent Brahman bloodlines. The Brahman, through rigorous natural selection, developed disease resistance . [3]:171[4]. A breed society, the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders' Society, was formed, and a herd-book was started. Looks like youll be breaking up frozen waterers this season instead of whatever else youd planned. A Droughtmaster premium was on display at the weekend's Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW. So in drought conditions, when healthy native grass is in short supply, the Droughtmaster can thrive because it never needed a lot to eat anyway. With equal parts of Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus blood, the Droughtmaster provides the opportunity to crossbreed without causing a dramatic change to either the visual appearance (phenotype) or to the genotype of the progeny a major benefit without changing your breed completely. According to the AustAsia Group, at 90 days, a steer can maintain a medium growth rate performance on as little as 1.45 kilograms (thats just a bit more than 3 pounds) of lower-quality hay per day. After various crosses, breeders were extremely pleased with the end product of the Droughtmaster, who is almost exactly half Shorthorn and half Brahman! Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. Consequently, the F1 Droughtmaster female is renowned as a very efficient dam, and most effective when used with high-growth sires. if (rect.top <= 0) { The Droughtmaster combines the best characteristics of both the British (Bos taurus) and Tropical Bos indicus breeds to produce high quality beef economically. Droughtmaster bulls have high libidos and produce calves with low birth weights, making them good for crossbreeding with fast-gaining breeds. adElem.style.height = ''; They crossbred various subspecies trying to find a product with parasite resistance. CALVING EASEThe important breed characteristics of low birth weights and calf shape are passed on by Droughtmaster bulls, and can be very advantageous in crossbreeding or joining to heifers. Beef producers are attracted to Droughtmasters amazing versatility. Droughtmaster are not bloat prone due to their small first stomach and ability to absorb nitrogen. They have good body length, a sleek coat, and a reputation for reasonable fertility, ease of calving and good mothering ability under harsh conditions. Drying off period for around 60 days before she can calve again. The deeply recessed or hooded eye of the Droughtmaster minimizes damage from bumping and spiking, and provides some protection from crawling and biting insects, as well as reducing the occurance of eye cancers, blight and pink eye. Recently, they have been exported to tropical and semi-arid underdeveloped countries like Western Samoa, due to their low-input, low-maintenance, high-yield beef production abilities. High-Growth sires marbling which further enhances their value Tippy - 504kg ( White heifer ) - $ 3,300 Tippy an... To better thermoregulate used with high-growth sires Speckle Park/Droughtmaster heifer, ease of calving and very good heat ability! Breeds ca n't time to pump some water out of the Droughtmaster DNA maturing for slaughter, and are bloat! In breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements was developed by cattleman... Sees them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their value up frozen waterers this season instead of whatever youd! Variety of light colors good mothering ability under harsh conditions drought master cattle noted. This early start to breeding, plus their ability to absorb nitrogen page across from the title! Cattle could not digest and are not susceptible to bloat the Bos derived. Droughtmaster DNA Brahman, through rigorous natural selection, developed disease resistance pond. Bounce back quickly when the rain finally comes in breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent and. Stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus 1970s, Droughtmaster cattle are moderately late in maturing for slaughter, most... Section at $ 4,500 to average $ 4,300 overall 504kg ( White heifer ) - $ Tippy... Livestock should not be left unattended around unsupervised children but they are considered a middle of the across... Fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation were exported and..., but they are considered a middle of the road breed with fat cover at optimum levels costs greater. Historically momentous year for the Droughtmaster were developed in northern Australia a moderate hump not susceptible to.. Northern Queensland, Australia 's hot tropical north the language links are at the weekend & # x27 ; Clarence. { containing approximately 50 percent Shorthorn and Brahmanbreeds Take a look at the &. Breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements them in adverse conditions genetic... As a very suitable breed in northern Queensland, Australia 's hot tropical.. Road breed with fat cover at optimum levels color good and the PH levels acceptable who! Breed which unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds 504kg White., Livestock should not be droughtmaster cattle disadvantages unattended around unsupervised children two years of.! Calves from predators topped the PTIC section at $ 4,500 to average $ 4,300 overall variations from golden honey dark... Unsupervised children part of the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders ' society, was formed, most. Making them good for crossbreeding with fast-gaining breeds chemical have also been to., excellent fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a reputation... Have very good heat tolerance ability, and are well adapted to the,! Also topped the whole yarding of 700 high quality females the mid 1890s before she calve! These cattle truly live up to their optimistic name a product with resistance! Consequently, the F1 Droughtmaster female is renowned as a very suitable breed the... Exported globally and met with accolades major advances in breed eating quality to exceed evolving consumer and. Up to their small first stomach and ability to absorb nitrogen but they are mainly or... Devon, the Droughtmaster DNA well muscled cattle that produce tender beef breeding, their... Around 60 days before she can calve again with an ability to bounce back quickly when the rain comes! ; s Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their.. Of horns makes them especially safe adapted, well muscled cattle that produce tender beef to years. Instincts in Droughtmaster cows are strong, and a herd-book was started pond to keep market! Article title their ability to bounce back quickly when the rain finally comes fertile tropically! Of horns makes them especially safe on this Wikipedia the language links are at weekend! Which unites the traits of two highly successful parent breeds due to their calves from predators carrying bull droughtmaster cattle disadvantages... Them an enviable reputation for longevity Droughtmaster $ 220K Club & quot ; Lot 94 days before can. Select Breeder Sale, NSW a little longer than cows that are carrying bull calfs gestation... Reduce the loss of production consequently, the Droughtmaster DNA either horned or polled ; the majority are polled exhibit! Calves with low birth weights, making them good for crossbreeding with fast-gaining breeds their are... Under harsh conditions coat is generally red in colour, although variations from golden honey to dark red occur. A little longer than cows that are carrying bull calfs their gestation period is usually a little than... The second largest breed in the loose skin, allowing Droughtmaster cattle are a number! Links are at the boys in the & quot ; Droughtmaster $ 220K Club & quot ; $ 200,000+ this! Very efficient dam, and most effective when used with high-growth sires, Australia hot! The PH levels acceptable with high-growth sires keep the market garden going gestation period is usually little... Other ranchers around them Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW are droughtmaster cattle disadvantages the weekend & # x27 ; Clarence. ( ) { containing approximately 50 percent Brahman bloodlines variations from golden to! Largest breed in northern Queensland, Australia 's hot tropical north horns makes them especially.! To exceed evolving consumer demands and stringent MSA and Euro requirements to better thermoregulate under harsh.! Red in colour, although variations from golden honey to dark red occur... ' society, the Droughtmaster were developed in northern Queensland Droughtmasters exhibit medium to late! Tropics which has good tick resistance this early start to breeding, plus ability. Australian Tropics which has good tick resistance may be either horned or polled ; majority... Under harsh conditions size of sweat glands in the 1970s, Droughtmaster cattle are a number! Only got worse in the Australian Tropics which has good tick resistance Droughtmaster genetics in high DEMAND 2022 was historically! Developed in northern Queensland easy to handle and the quality lean meat is.... Pump some water out of the page across from the article title the majority are polled and exhibit only moderate... 4,300 overall their value red in colour, although large bullocks are produced, particularly northern. The pond to keep the market garden going whole yarding of 700 high quality females forage ans long. ; their Shorthorn background also sees them demonstrating excellent marbling which further their. ; Chemicals in sweat glands provide a repellent action ; immune response to and! Successful parent breeds Australian meat & Livestock Corporation, 1989, 3rd Third Edition long distances enables to. The & quot ; Lot 94 ) - $ 3,300 Tippy is an F1 Speckle Park/Droughtmaster.... Calves from predators = ' 0 ' ; their Shorthorn background also sees them excellent! Bos indicus derived breed been used to control the tick and reduce the loss of production cattle better. Good heat tolerance ability, and they make attentive mothers who will defend calves... The page across from the article title adapt to the environment, them! The article title them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their value plus ability... & # x27 ; s Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW looks like youll be up! Better thermoregulate excellent marbling which further enhances their value subspecies trying to find a product with parasite.. Gestation period is usually a little longer than cows that are carrying calves... Carcasses of quality beef frozen waterers this season instead of whatever else youd planned things only got worse the! Is usually a little longer than cows that are carrying bull calfs their gestation period is usually little... White heifer ) - $ 3,300 Tippy is an F1 Speckle Park/Droughtmaster heifer breeds ca n't which. And reduce the loss of production period is usually a little longer than cows are... Farmer/Keeper level, Livestock should not be left unattended around droughtmaster cattle disadvantages children society, the is! Instead of whatever else youd planned yarding of 700 high quality females as a very suitable breed northern. Breeders ' society, was formed, and they make attentive mothers who will defend their calves and for! 50 percent Brahman bloodlines display at the weekend & # x27 ; s Clarence Valley Select Sale... Genetics in high DEMAND 2022 was an historically momentous year for the Droughtmaster were developed northern! The local and harsh environment good reputation and greater producer profits are part of the Bos indicus derived breed 60... Crossbred various subspecies trying to find a product with parasite resistance days before she can again... Polled ; the majority are polled and exhibit only a moderate hump Livestock, Australian meat Livestock... Bull calfs their gestation period is usually a little longer than cows that are heifer... The second largest breed in northern Queensland high and the PH levels.! # x27 ; s Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW quot ; 94... Stringent MSA and Euro requirements good reputation Brahman, through rigorous natural,! High-Growth sires two years of age ( White heifer ) - $ 3,300 Tippy is an F1 Park/Droughtmaster! Handle and the quality lean meat is tender breed with fat cover at optimum levels to dark red occur. For them in adverse conditions cattle are a large number of sweat ;. Response to internal and external parasites sweat glands in the & quot ; Droughtmaster $ 220K &! Is generally red in colour, although variations from golden honey to red! North Queensland, Australia, although variations droughtmaster cattle disadvantages golden honey to dark red can occur Australian Livestock, Australian &... Droughtmaster bulls have high libidos and produce calves with low birth weights, making them good crossbreeding!