Charolais class on show

Beef producers can achieve higher carcase weights, leading to better financial rewards, when two breeds of cattle are crossed using hybrid vigour, according to the Charolais Society of Australia.

In justifying this claim, the Charolais Society has been supporting a recent trial conducted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Under the microscope were 452 progeny, using Charolais, Angus and Hereford sires over Hereford and Hereford-cross cows.

"This research has conclusively shown that Charolais-sired progeny produced heavier carcases with significantly higher retail beef yields relative to Angus and Hereford progeny," a Charolais Society spokesman said.

"At 14 months, the Charolais-sired progeny were 25kg heavier than progeny sired by Angus or Hereford bulls.

"At 27 months, the Charolais progeny were 635kg live weight, versus 585kg for Angus and 569kg for Hereford.

"This live weight advantage of 50kg and 66kg, respectively, is why it pays to use Charolais bulls."

The spokesman said at the wholesale price of $3/kg, the Charolais progeny worked out to have a premium of $100/head over the Angus progeny and $132/head over the Hereford progeny.

The WA Charolais Society is anxious to spread this message to local producers and will be conducting a field day on Thursday, November 20 from 1pm to 4pm in Boyup Brook.

The venue, Venturon Charolais stud, located at 52 Sambell Road, will demonstrate the value of using Charolais sires in a commercial cross-breeding program.

WA Charolais Society president Robin Yost said there would be a selection of Charolais-sired crossbred calves on display from a variety of commercial cows, including Angus and Murray Grey females.

"Charolais silver calves, produced by cross-breeding Charolais sires over Angus females, are quickly developing a reputation," she said.

"Especially favoured among beef producers as an alternative, silver calves are consistently reaching their target weight at a younger age, providing higher-yielding carcases."

Mrs Yost said the beef from Charolais-cross cattle was generally younger and therefore more tender, with the ideal amount of fat to maximise eating quality.

"Charolais bulls are proven performers with strong structural soundness and longevity," she said.

"Their even temperament means they're easier to handle too."

Mrs Yost said the distinctive colouring and gentle disposition of Charolais cattle gave the breed an advantage in all Australian environments.

"The breed is well recorded on BREEDPLAN for birth, growth and meat quality traits," she said.

WA Charolais Society Field Day *

When * Thursday, November 20, from 1pm to 4pm

Where * Venturon Charolais stud, 52 Sambell Road, Boyup Brook

Contact *Robin Yost on 9574 2035 or Andrew Thompson on 0429 379 135