Droughtmaster
Best of Both Worlds
photo by:
Jenny Underwood
All information is provided by the Droughtmater Society of Australia
Combining the best characteristics of both the British (Bos taurus) and Tropical (Bos indicus) breeds, the Droughtmaster produces high quality beef economically despite parasites, poor pasture ans climatic extremes.
Droughtmaster was the name originally coined by a group of astute cattlemen in North Queensland for the breed of cattle which they evolved though cross-breeding Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds to over come the perennial problems of drought, cattle ticks, heat, eye cancer and many other ailments.
With Shorthorn, Devon and Zebu breeds as its base, the Droughtmaster is renowned for its high fertility, calving ease, heat tolerance, parasite resistance and quiet temperament.
Jenny Underwood
All information is provided by the Droughtmater Society of Australia
Combining the best characteristics of both the British (Bos taurus) and Tropical (Bos indicus) breeds, the Droughtmaster produces high quality beef economically despite parasites, poor pasture ans climatic extremes.
Droughtmaster was the name originally coined by a group of astute cattlemen in North Queensland for the breed of cattle which they evolved though cross-breeding Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds to over come the perennial problems of drought, cattle ticks, heat, eye cancer and many other ailments.
With Shorthorn, Devon and Zebu breeds as its base, the Droughtmaster is renowned for its high fertility, calving ease, heat tolerance, parasite resistance and quiet temperament.
Tolerance to Adverse Conditions
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.
Even in the temperate areas of southern Australia where seasons are more reliable, the Droughtmaster is rapidly building a reputation for performing as well as the traditional British breeds in the good seasons, and outperforming them in the dry times which invariably come about. Their walking and foraging abilities are also great assets in the ranges and steep foothills that are a major feature of the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Even in the temperate areas of southern Australia where seasons are more reliable, the Droughtmaster is rapidly building a reputation for performing as well as the traditional British breeds in the good seasons, and outperforming them in the dry times which invariably come about. Their walking and foraging abilities are also great assets in the ranges and steep foothills that are a major feature of the eastern seaboard of Australia.
Fertility
The pioneer breeders of Droughtmasters made sure that cows which didn't calve each year were culled at every opportunity and this resulted in a highly fertile breed, with exceptional weaning percentages of 85% to 90% in the extensive production areas of northern Australia. Fertility was and still is, a most important characteristics - extra calves weaned will always have the greatest economic affect.
Traits and Characteristics
* High Fertility
* Calving Ease
* Hardiness
* Docility
* Resistance to Parasites
* High Quality Lean Beef Production
* High Libido
* Easycare / Low Maintenance
* Meat Quality
The Droughtmaster can be either horned or polled (majority polled), they have sleek chestnut to red coats and show a moderate hump with deep even fleshing and a shallow fat cover. A high resistance to parasites is coupled with excellent foraging and walking abilities. Docile and generally early maturing, they produce high yielding carcasses of quality beef. Fertility, virility and calving ease combine to stamp the breed as highly efficient and economically productive.
Reproduction
Calving ease, high libido, fertility and adaptability all combine to give the Droughtmaster an outstanding reproductive performance.
Calving Ease
In the vast pastoral areas of northern Australia, cattlemen can't afford to be assisting breeders during calving, so this characteristic was also a high priority for the Droughtmaster pioneer breeders. They went to great lengths to retain the Bos indicus pelvic angulation which is designed for quick and easy calving, just like wild animals which would lose their offspring to predators if they had a slow and different birth due to bad pelvic angulation.
An added benefit to this is the lower birth weight of Droughtmaster calves compared to Bos taurus breeds, although the Droughtmaster calves always catch up by weaning. Calving ease can be used to great advantage when using Droughtmasters in a crossbreeding program with high growth European bulls.
An added benefit to this is the lower birth weight of Droughtmaster calves compared to Bos taurus breeds, although the Droughtmaster calves always catch up by weaning. Calving ease can be used to great advantage when using Droughtmasters in a crossbreeding program with high growth European bulls.
Growth
Excellent milking ability, digestive efficiency, low nutritional requirements, feed conversion efficiency, walking ability and foraging ability combine to make the Droughtmaster an outstanding performer. Consistently outgrowing most other breeds when nutrition is restricted, they perform as well as most breeds in feedlots or on high quality pasture.
Parasite Resistance
The arrival of the cattle tick from Asia into Queensland in 1896 was a key factor in the initial development of the Droughtmaster breed. The tick almost decimated the northern herds, which were almost exclusively long haired British breeds. The Zebu with their natural resistance to parasites were seen as the best solution, and through careful selection the Droughtmaster retained this natural resistance. Costly chemical have also been used to control the tick and reduce the loss of production.
The Droughtmaster's natural resistance to ticks allows virtual chemical free (and cost effective) utilization of tick infected grazing country. This reduced chemical use is so important in preserving our environment and satisfying the consumers demand for safe beef products.
The Droughtmaster's natural resistance to ticks allows virtual chemical free (and cost effective) utilization of tick infected grazing country. This reduced chemical use is so important in preserving our environment and satisfying the consumers demand for safe beef products.
Docility
Despite the reputation (mostly unjustified) of some Bos indicus and Bos indicus derived breeds, the Droughtmaster is renowned for its docility. 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. Apart from being concerned for their own personal safety, they were well aware that cattle with a bad attitude usually don't like to be mustered and so don't get to the marketplace - a major economic disadvantage.
Crossbreeding
Joining Droughtmaster bulls with British bred or European cows is a common practice amongst commercial cattlemen seeking to increase calving ease, milk production, parasite resistance, bloat resistance and / or tolerance to harsh seasons. In some cases, the Droughtmaster has been introduced to reduce eye disorders. 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. Naturally, the purebred Droughtmaster female is also ideal for use in this fashion.
Carcass
With its genetic base of Shorthorn and Devon, the Droughtmaster is well regarded for its high yielding carcasses of quality beef. A consistent winner in various reputable "hoof" competitions, the Droughtmaster also performs very well "on the hook". In a recent Queensland trial, Droughtmasters returned dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%. Their Shorthorn background also sees them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their value.
Under the current Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Cuts Based Grading System, Droughtmasters are classed as 50% Bos indicus, but with tenderstretching and 14 days ageing, their cuts can grade up to the equivalent of 5 star EQS.
Under the current Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Cuts Based Grading System, Droughtmasters are classed as 50% Bos indicus, but with tenderstretching and 14 days ageing, their cuts can grade up to the equivalent of 5 star EQS.
Export
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. 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.
Red Pigment
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.
Hooded Eyes
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.
Digestive Efficiency
Most beef production areas of the world suffer a nutrient deficit at some stage, and in some cases the deficit is virtually constant. 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.
The digestive efficiency comes through:
* Small first stomach
* Slow metabolic rate creates low feed requirements
* Recycling of nutrients through blood stream
* Reduced water consumption produces increased nitrogen
* Slow rate of protein turnover allows development levels to occur on low nutrients
These factors also give the Droughtmaster a greater feed conversion efficiency, which is important even when nutrient is in ample supply.
The unique structure of the gut gives the Droughtmaster a resistance to bloat, which is a distinct advantage in a good season when legumes are lush.
The digestive efficiency comes through:
* Small first stomach
* Slow metabolic rate creates low feed requirements
* Recycling of nutrients through blood stream
* Reduced water consumption produces increased nitrogen
* Slow rate of protein turnover allows development levels to occur on low nutrients
These factors also give the Droughtmaster a greater feed conversion efficiency, which is important even when nutrient is in ample supply.
The unique structure of the gut gives the Droughtmaster a resistance to bloat, which is a distinct advantage in a good season when legumes are lush.
Feed Efficiency
A low maintenance digestive system, unique to Bos indicus derived breeds, contributes to the Droughtmaster's reputation for highly efficient feed conversion, which provides a large economic advantage.
Pasture
Optimum growth under a range of variable conditions is a major benefit offered by the Droughtmaster. From prime improved pasture in temperate regions, light native pasture in tropical regions right through to drought conditions which invariably plague many areas of Australia, the Droughtmaster is recognised as one of the leading performers.