30 Years of Proof: Why Muscular Cows Mean More Meat, More Profit with Dr Linda Cafe and Brett Littler

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Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

Emily Johnston

27 episodes

1 week ago

Welcome to "Genetics in the Paddock," the podcast where we dive deep into the fascinating world of livestock genetics and its impact on agriculture.

Join us as we explore the latest advancements in livestock genetics, bringing you insights from experts in the field.

Whether you're a seasoned producer, a curious consumer, or someone with a passion for science, this podcast is your go-to source for understanding how genetics is revolutionizing the way we breed livestock. From discussing cutting-edge breeding techniques to exploring the genetic traits that make livestock more profitable, sustainable and productive, we cover it all.

Hosted by Emily Johnston, a Genetics Development Officer with NSW DPIRD, each episode features engaging conversations with scientists, researchers, and industry leaders who share their expertise and stories behind the innovations that are shaping the future of agriculture. Get ready to unravel the genetic mysteries hidden in the paddock and discover how they contribute to sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Tune in to "Genetics in the Paddock" and join the conversation in livestock genetics. Whether you're in the field or simply curious about the science behind livestock genetics, this podcast is your gateway to the insightful conversations around all things genetics.

For any feedback, comments, questions or recommendations for topics or guest speakers, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

All content for Genetics in the Paddock with Emily is the property of Emily Johnston and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Science

Education,

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30 Years of Proof: Why Muscular Cows Mean More Meat, More Profit with Dr Linda Cafe and Brett Littler

Genetics in the Paddock with Emily

36 minutes

7 months ago

30 Years of Proof: Why Muscular Cows Mean More Meat, More Profit with Dr Linda Cafe and Brett Littler

Join us for another insightful episode of "Genetics in the Paddock with Emily" as we welcome Dr. Linda Cafe, a research scientist from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Brett Littler, Senior Land Services Officer with Local Land Services. In this episode, we dive deep into a remarkable Australian study that ran from 1992 to 2020, exploring muscle scoring in beef cattle and its impacts on herd productivity and profitability.

Linda and Brett share fascinating insights from almost three decades of research, demonstrating how selecting cows for higher muscle scores significantly increases meat yield and carcass efficiency—without compromising maternal productivity, fertility, or calving ease. We discuss the genetics behind muscle traits, the role of the myostatin gene, and practical strategies producers can use today to enhance herd resilience, efficiency, and profitability.

Whether you're a producer, geneticist, or someone passionate about beef cattle, this episode offers valuable insights that challenge old myths and reveal new opportunities to optimise your herd's performance.

To provide feedback, comments, suggestions for future topics, or guest speakers you'd like to hear from, please email: emily.johnston@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

This information is for informative and educational purposes only and does not constitute advice.

This episode is produced by the Extensive Livestock Team within the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Resources:
Cafe LM, McKiernan WA, Robinson DL (2014) Selection for increased muscling improved feed efficiency and carcase characteristics of Angus steers. Animal Production Science 54: 1412-1416. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN14316

Cafe LM, McKiernan WA, Robinson DL (2018) Selection for increased muscling is not detrimental to maternal productivity traits in Angus cows. Animal Production Science 58: 185-192. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN13023

Cafe LM, Polkinghorne R and Robinson DL (2021) Increased muscling and one copy of the 821 del11 myostatin mutation did not reduce meat quality in Angus steers. Animal Production in Australia 33. 2021AAAS_Cafe_Linda (animalscienceconference.com.au)

Greenwood PL, O’Rourke BA, Brunner J, Johns WH, Arthur PF and Cafe LM (2019) Cellular development in muscle differs between Angus steers from low and high muscle score selection lines. Journal of Animal Science 97: 3199-3212. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz144

McGilchrist P, Pethick DW, Bonny SPF, Greenwood PL, Gardner GE. (2011) Beef cattle selected for increased muscularity have a reduced muscle response to adrenaline and increased adipose tissue response to adrenaline. Animal 5:875-884. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731110002508

McKiernan WA, Richardson E, Wilkins JF (2004) Effect of selection for increased muscling on early female reproductive potential. Animal Production in Australia 25:283. https://www.publish.csiro.au/SA/pdf/SA0401128

McKiernan WA (1995) Growth, carcass value and body measurements from high and low muscled bulls. M.Sc. thesis, University of New South Wales, Australia. Growth...