They crossbred various subspecies trying to find a product with parasite resistance. The Droughtmaster cattle are a tropical breed of beef cattle raised primarily for meat production. Experience has also shown that Droughtmasters have strong prepotency. Below average temperatures in the dead of winter? They are also used in tropical areas to improve carcass qualities and performance. They have red pigmentation which helps them to protect them from cancer eye, sunburnt udders and photosensitisation. Droughtmaster cows are attentive to their calves and care for them in adverse conditions. Droughtmaster bulls have high libidos and produce calves with low birth weights, making them good for crossbreeding with fast-gaining 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. With Shorthorn in its background, marbling performance is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breeds producing high quality, tender beef that grades well under the current MSA Cuts Based Grading System. This cattle breed is higher in weight and have very good fertility. Increased number and size of sweat glands; Chemicals in sweat glands provide a repellent action; Immune response to internal and external parasites. In some cases, the rankings of animals may also change. Large commercial Droughtmaster herds are running on native pastures in both Queensland and the Northern Territory and they are rapidly gaining prominence in the traditional British-bred areas in southern Australia. Maternal instincts in Droughtmaster cows are strong, and they make attentive mothers who will defend their calves from predators. This early start to breeding, plus their ability to adapt to the environment, give them an enviable reputation for longevity. The Brangus breed was developed to utilize the superior traits of Angus and Brahman 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. Hydroelectricity is responsible for 19% of the world's energy supply, offering over 3000 terawatts each year. [3]:171[4]. stud cattle exhibiting the poll characteristic. Whats more, Droughtmaster cattle also display resistance to internal parasites, eliminating the need for expensive vaccines, cumbersome. Droughtmasters are either polled or horned with the majority of stud cattle exhibiting the poll characteristic. Droughtmaster cattle are produced specifically as beef cattle. In a recent Queensland trial, Droughtmasters returned dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad');
Join us for this free event as we step back in time to celebrate our historic Texas roots and the kick-off of the San Antonio Stock . 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. They have a great marbling performance that is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breed. 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. } Cows rarely have twins or triplets, but it can happen. Their short coat is generally red in colour, although variations from golden honey to dark red can occur. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. DROUGHTMASTER was the name originally coined by a group of astute cattlemen in North Queensland for the breed they developed by crossing Bos taurus and Bos indicus to overcome the perennial problems of drought, cattle tick, heat, eye cancer and many other issues that reduce production and profitability.. With the arrival of cattle ticks into North Queensland in 1896, it became apparent that . They have good body length, a sleek coat, and a reputation for reasonable fertility, ease of calving and good mothering ability under harsh conditions. The severe drought still raged in 1926, when one R L (Monty) Atkinson set himself to the task of creating a tropical breed that yielded meat more like British cattle. Third Edition. Droughtmasters are medium to large cattle with medium maturity. adElemSticky.style.height = rect.height + 'px';
The tick almost decimated the northern herds, which were almost exclusively long haired British breeds. 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. Novice to intermediate Cattle farmer/keeper level, Livestock should not be left unattended around unsupervised children. Tick resistance in cattle is still an area for study, 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. Droughtmaster Australia. 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. Their heat and tick tolerance, excellent fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. The Droughtmaster were developed in northern Queensland, Australia's hot tropical north. They have a good milk yield and are easily bred. Numerous wins in carcass competitions across Australia confirm this performance. Drought master cattle breed has advantages like these cattle are free from ticks and are resistant to them. Curators at the Melbourne Zoo loaned three Zebu bulls, the countrys first imported. The arrival of the cattle tick from Asia into Queensland in 1896 was a key factor in the initial development of the Droughtmaster breed. In the 1970s, Droughtmaster Cattle were exported globally and met with accolades. The breed has a few other traits that add up to a remarkable digestive efficiency, too, including a small first stomach, an ability to recycle nutrients and a slow protein turnover rate. Droughtmaster proudly exhibited at Beef 2021 in both Stud and Commercial sections. Dams provide us with a source of clean energy. Droughtmaster cattle are well known for the superior quality of well-muscled carcass with optimum fat coverage. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission. They Droughtmaster cattle have an excellent dressing percentage and high saleable meat yields. fertility, ease of calving and quiet temperament give this breed a good reputation. Whats more, Droughtmaster cattle also display resistance to internal parasites, eliminating the need for expensive vaccines, cumbersome rotational grazing schedules and treatment plans. Calf/cow skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, handbags, belts, furniture, rugs, etc. A breed society, the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders' Society, was formed, and a herd-book was started. If you have any questions regarding the enhancements to Droughtmaster BREEDPLAN or changes in EBVs resulting from the enhancements, please contact Droughtmaster TBTS Technical Officers Paul Williams (P: 0427 018 982, E: paul@tbts.une.edu.au) , Tim Emery (P 0408 707 155, E: tim@tbts.une.edu . With the arrival of cattle ticks into North . 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. The cattle became extremely popular and are now the second largest breed in Northern Australia. Cows that are carrying bull calfs their gestation period is usually a little longer than cows that are carrying heifer calves. VIRILITY & DOCILITYSelection for docility and high libido by the pioneer breeders, has given the Droughtmaster a reputation as a potent and active performer. Their ears are medium to large in size. They can finish off fields that other cattle could not digest and are not susceptible to bloat. The Droughtmaster is an Australian breed of beef cattle. This is a major economic factor, because when the body temperature rises, so too does the stress level with its associated waste of energy reserves, increased water consumption and reduced feed intake. Consistently outgrowing most other breeds when nutrition is restricted, Droughtmaster performs as well as most breeds in feedlots or on high quality pasture. They are not specifically bred for their cattle hide but it does become a by-product of their meat production. Their Shorthorn background also sees them demonstrating excellent marbling which further enhances their value. adElem.style.height = rect.height + 'px'; 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. It also ensures low cow wastage and reduces 'passengers' in the breeding herd. Drought master breed has more advantages than disadvantages. Droughtmasters are either polled or horned with the majority of stud cattle exhibiting the poll characteristic. [6]:405 It has also been exported to other countries, among them New Guinea, Nigeria, Samoa and Taiwan. Cattle were weighed 26.02.2023. Their carcass yields are high and the quality lean meat is tender. In addition to requiring less water than other beef cattle, the breed has a markedly slow metabolic rate. Droughtmaster Cattle are similar in build to the Shorthorn, and come in a variety of light colors. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Congratulations to Jembrae Droughtmasters who topped the PTIC section at $4,500 to average $4,300 overall. They are neither fast growers nor slow, and are medium growers. The Zebu with their natural resistance to parasites were seen as the best solution, and through careful selection the Droughtmaster retained this natural resistance. Bulls should never be underestimated and always be treated with caution. Droughtmasters exhibit medium to slightly late maturity in carcass development. adElem.style.display = 'none'; This cattle breed is mainly found in North Queensland, Australia. After many years of selection evolved a highly adaptable, productive, fertile and docile breed in the Droughtmaster. It is a beef breed, and is reared particularly in areas with a high incidence of drought, heat, tick-borne disease and sun damage.[7]. Global Ag Media provides a knowledge sharing platform offering premium news, analysis and information resources for the global agriculture industry. 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. droughtmaster bull Clear all. For one, the breed is parasite-resistant, meaning the breeders effectively addressed the threats of cattle ticks on a herdlow birth weights, loss of condition, tick worry, decreased milk production and even transmission of the potentially fatal Tick Fever. if (window.innerWidth > 900) {
Copyright 2020 Droughtmaster. Consequently, the F1 Droughtmaster female is renowned as a very efficient dam, and most effective when used with high-growth sires. Droughtmaster Cattle are not susceptible to sunburns, pinkeye, blight, cancer eye, internal or external parasites, heat stroke, foot problems, predation or dehydration! Pregnant cattle retain the ability to walk long distances to food or water and yet birth healthy calves. CALVING EASEThe inherited Bos Indicus traits of pelvic structure, calf shape and low birth weight make for very easy calving, which can be used to great advantage in crossbreeding programs using high-growth sires. They This structure is parasite repellent as well, due to chemicals released in the sweat. Droughtmaster cattle are a beef cattle breed. With its genetic base of Shorthorn and Devon, the Droughtmaster is well regarded for its high yielding carcasses of quality beef. 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. Your email address will not be published. From docility and adaptability, to fertility and carcase yield, Droughtmaster's natural traits underpin its wonderful reputation as an allrounder. Droughtmaster Cattle have a unique phenotype, which allows them to survive the heat. The subsequent F1 females are renowned as efficient dams, very suitable for joining to high growth sires. A Droughtmaster premium was on display at the weekend's Clarence Valley Select Breeder Sale, NSW. Drought master breed has more advantages than disadvantages. World Dictionary of Livestock Breeds. With the arrival of cattle ticks into North . 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. 1988, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She was born 9/02/2021. Naturally, the purebred Droughtmaster female is also ideal for use in this fashion. Required fields are marked *. Droughtmaster Cattle will continue to reproduce even under harsh or adverse conditions. Its loose, saggy skin is partly responsible for this adaptability. Originating in Australia, Droughtmaster Cattle were conceptualized when cattle ticks imported to Australia in 1896 began ravaging local herds and European breeds, which did not particularly flourish in arid regions anyway. The deeply recessed or hooded eye of the Droughtmaster minimises damage from bumping and spiking, and provides some protection from crawling and biting insects, as well as reducing the occurrence of eye cancers, blight and pinkeye.The ability to adapt to adverse environments has given Droughtmasters a well-justified reputation for hardiness. Heat tolerance in the Droughtmaster comes from: Both internal and external parasites are very expensive to control, so Droughtmaster with their resistance to parasites hold a substantial economic advantage. Their docility and calmness keep their meat color good and the PH levels acceptable. MOTHERING ABILITYThe breeds maternal instincts are strong. The pioneers for this cattle breed wanted to establish a line of cattle that would be able to tolerate the rigors of northern They have long powerful legs and a small heart-shaped face. 1. , DROUGHMASTER BREED OF CATTLE QUICK PROFILE OVERVIEW. 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