19th Annual Bull Sale

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to attend our Annual Bull Sale which is to be held on Tuesday 17th August 2010 at our Sales Complex, “Under Wycombe” 330 Fosterton Road, Dungog.
We will be offering a quality line-up of 55 performance recorded bulls consisting of 45 rising 2 year old bulls and a small group of outstanding yearling bulls. We believe this is the soundest group of bulls we have ever offered for sale. They will present in great order. Having enjoyed a reasonable summer, they have been grazing on oats and ryegrass at “Melbee” since mid April. Please note that no bull in the sale has been fed any grain or had their feet trimmed.
The bulls on offer present some of the most popular Angus genetics available including sons of ARDROSSAN ADMIRAL A2, GARDENS HIGHMARK, MYTTY IN FOCUS, BANDO 0699 and BANQUET BUNDY B2
A feature of the draft is an outstanding line up of bulls by our resident herd sire, BANQUET ABODE A005. From one of the leading herds in the country and the top priced bull at the 2007 Banquet Sale. His sons excel in length, thickness, muscling and fleshing ability. Everyone who has inspected this year’s offering has been particularly impressed with the Abode sons, ranking them above the bulls by the high profile AI sires.
As a proven sire, he is a trait leader for 200, 400 and 600 day weights with a 600 day weight EBV of +128 and a Long Fed/CAAB index of +$106 and his figures continue to improve as more progeny are analysed. For a high growth rate bull, he is very easy calving and we have never pulled a calf by him. We are extremely pleased with his progeny and strongly recommend them.
We believe that this year’s draft contains a range of bulls that will suit all buyers whether they produce vealers for the local market, supermarket type yearling beef or specialise in the production of high quality feeder steers for the Japanese B3 Market. Over half the bulls in the sale would be suitable for heifer joinings.
As part of our ongoing quality control program the sale bulls have been independently assessed by Dick Whale of Independent Breeding Services; have been scanned by Roger Evans of Bovine Scanning Services and put through a breeding soundness examination by Ced Wise of Ced Wise Veterinary Services. They come with extensive pedigree and performance information (Breedplan EBVs). Weights, scrotal sizes and details on genetic conditions will be available on sale day.
Catalogues will be sent out at the end of July but in the meantime, if you would like to have a chat with Brett about what we will be offering or should you wish to arrange a pre-sale inspection, please do not hesitate to contact him on his mobile (0408 688 482).

Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM)

There has been considerable discussion in the media regarding the undesirable genetic condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM). The following article has been prepared from information supplied by The Angus Society of Australia, The American Angus Society and various other sources as a guide to understanding the genetic condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) or Curly calf syndrome.

It must be remembered that undesirable genetic conditions have been around since the beginning of time. All
species of mammals, including horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, pigs and humans have undesirable genetic conditions. The only thing that has changed is, that due to modern day genetic research, gene technology and pedigree information we are able to identify animals that carry undesirable genetic conditions. This technology enables us as cattle breeders to manage carrier animals in such a way as to utilize the positive benefits and genetics of these carrier animals without suffering the effects of undesirable genetic conditions

In Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM) the condition is inherited as a simple recessive gene and as such carrier animals are perfectly normal. The only time there is a problem is when carrier animals are mated together, and when this happens a small percentage of the progeny will carry a double cross of the recessive gene and will be born dead.

The management of AM is relatively simple. To avoid the effects of this undesirable genetic condition, carrier animals must not be mated together. If you have a herd of Angus cattle of unknown genetic background or have used animals that may be potential carriers, the safest way to avoid the problem is to buy bulls of known genetic background that are either classified AMF (tested free) or AMFU (free based on pedigree). Over time the use of AMF or AMFU bulls will eliminate carrier animals from your breeding herd.

If you are a cross breeder, or have a straight bred Angus herd that does not contain any carrier animals, it is possible to use carrier animals (AMC) in your breeding program. However, over time you will increase the number of carrier animals in your herd if you retain progeny for breeding. Your decision on what AM status is acceptable will depend on the genetics of your cow herd and your overall breeding program.

The greatest risk of undesirable recessive genetic conditions comes from the use of bulls of unknown genetic background. Based on testing and information supplied by the Angus Society of Australia, all bulls offered in this sale are either tested free of AM (AMF) or classified as free based on their pedigree (AMFU).