‘Advantage to beef farmers': New cattle breed set to boost industry for WA
Murdoch University is looking into whether Nguni cattle, which are indigenous to southern Africa and renowned for maintaining optimal production even under harsh conditions, could be suitable alternative for WA farmers to breed, feed and send to market.
The first eagerly anticipated calves in its program were born just two months ago at the university's Whitby Falls Farm, about an hour away in Mundijong.
Dean of veterinary medicine
Henry
Annandale said it was the first time Nguni cows had been bred in WA and they were now being studied for their growth and development in comparison to traditional breeds.
There are 32 newcomers in the Whitby Falls paddock, including a set of twins.
'This breed offers the opportunity of a unique, economically sustainable advantage to beef farmers,' Dr Annandale said.
'Nguni cattle are an ancient breed acknowledged for optimal production under harsh conditions and sustainable breeding, with a lower methane output than other breeds.
'Having acclimatised over centuries to extreme environments, Nguni cattle have proven to be the ultimate survivors, thriving despite challenges such as infectious diseases, drought and tick infestations.'
Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper said it was exciting to carry out research that ultimately might lead to changes within WA farming.
'Studying Nguni cattle will give us the chance to learn about the animals but also to share what we learn to help the local farming industry, and perhaps to undercover information, which will impact the industry in years to come,' Ms Cooper said.
'And seeing the calves right from the beginning of their lives is certainly a special experience for me as a student.'
Nguni cattle are characterised by multicoloured skin that can present in various patterns. They are medium sized, with bulls growing to 600kg, and can be both dairy and beef cattle.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
4 days ago
- SBS Australia
Tidal Moon leveraging traditional knowledge to bring banc Australia's first ever export the sea cucumber
Tidal Moon draws on traditional knowledge to harvest sea cucumbers one by one, the marine animal will soon be dried and processed at a brand-new export facility in the West Australian town of then they're sent to a Singaporean partner for export across South East Asia Gathaagudu is home to the planet's largest reserve of seagrass both a food source for marine life and a carbon storage powerhouse. Tidal Moon is leading one of the world's largest seagrass restoration projects. While scouring the seafloor for sea cucumbers, the divers also replant seagrass reserves. "One of the key things that we're trying to do is keep the carbon captured in the sea floor. So without seagrass restoration, you have these carbon bombs that go off and there's about 40 million tons of CO2 that are at risk in Shark Bay" Jennifer Verduin, a marine scientist at Perth's Murdoch University, agrees that the relationship might be 'mutually beneficial,' saying sea cucumbers are 'the worms of the ocean.'
West Australian
5 days ago
- West Australian
‘Advantage to beef farmers': New cattle breed set to boost industry for WA
They are a long way from where researchers hope they might end up but these calves — the first of a breed new to WA born here — could offer bright change for the State's beef industry. Murdoch University is looking into whether Nguni cattle, which are indigenous to southern Africa and renowned for maintaining optimal production even under harsh conditions, could be suitable alternative for WA farmers to breed, feed and send to market. The first eagerly anticipated calves in its program were born just two months ago at the university's Whitby Falls Farm, about an hour away in Mundijong. Dean of veterinary medicine Henry Annandale said it was the first time Nguni cows had been bred in WA and they were now being studied for their growth and development in comparison to traditional breeds. There are 32 newcomers in the Whitby Falls paddock, including a set of twins. 'This breed offers the opportunity of a unique, economically sustainable advantage to beef farmers,' Dr Annandale said. 'Nguni cattle are an ancient breed acknowledged for optimal production under harsh conditions and sustainable breeding, with a lower methane output than other breeds. 'Having acclimatised over centuries to extreme environments, Nguni cattle have proven to be the ultimate survivors, thriving despite challenges such as infectious diseases, drought and tick infestations.' Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper said it was exciting to carry out research that ultimately might lead to changes within WA farming. 'Studying Nguni cattle will give us the chance to learn about the animals but also to share what we learn to help the local farming industry, and perhaps to undercover information, which will impact the industry in years to come,' Ms Cooper said. 'And seeing the calves right from the beginning of their lives is certainly a special experience for me as a student.' Nguni cattle are characterised by multicoloured skin that can present in various patterns. They are medium sized, with bulls growing to 600kg, and can be both dairy and beef cattle.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Perth Now
New cattle breed a boost for WA farmers
They are a long way from where researchers hope they might end up but these calves — the first of a breed new to WA born here — could offer bright change for the State's beef industry. Murdoch University is looking into whether Nguni cattle, which are indigenous to southern Africa and renowned for maintaining optimal production even under harsh conditions, could be suitable alternative for WA farmers to breed, feed and send to market. The first eagerly anticipated calves in its program were born just two months ago at the university's Whitby Falls Farm, about an hour away in Mundijong. Dean of veterinary medicine Henry Annandale said it was the first time Nguni cows had been bred in WA and they were now being studied for their growth and development in comparison to traditional breeds. A Nguni calf at Whitby Falls Farm. Credit: supplied / Murdoch University There are 32 newcomers in the Whitby Falls paddock, including a set of twins. 'This breed offers the opportunity of a unique, economically sustainable advantage to beef farmers,' Dr Annandale said. 'Nguni cattle are an ancient breed acknowledged for optimal production under harsh conditions and sustainable breeding, with a lower methane output than other breeds. 'Having acclimatised over centuries to extreme environments, Nguni cattle have proven to be the ultimate survivors, thriving despite challenges such as infectious diseases, drought and tick infestations.' Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper said it was exciting to carry out research that ultimately might lead to changes within WA farming. Veterinary student Caitlin Cooper and Associate Professor Pete Irons at Whitby Falls Farm. Credit: Suppled / Murdoch University 'Studying Nguni cattle will give us the chance to learn about the animals but also to share what we learn to help the local farming industry, and perhaps to undercover information, which will impact the industry in years to come,' Ms Cooper said. 'And seeing the calves right from the beginning of their lives is certainly a special experience for me as a student.' Nguni cattle are characterised by multicoloured skin that can present in various patterns. They are medium sized, with bulls growing to 600kg, and can be both dairy and beef cattle.
