Brahman steers on ponded pastures on Granite Vale

THE Australian Brahman Breeders Association is hoping to “dispel myths” about the profitability of Brahman feeder steers, with entries being called into a feedlot trial and carcase competition.

Nominations are set to close at the end of the month, with pens of five steers to be entered into Barmount Feedlot on April 15. The pens will be fed for 110 days, given hormone growth promotants and processed at JBS Rockhampton.

Entry is five head per pen with the three best carcases to be counted in the competition, cattle must be purebred Brahman, 0-4 teeth, weighing between 400 and 480kg.

ABBA senior vice president Matthew Noakes said it was time for the breed to demonstrate its potential to be a profitable part of the supply chain.

“Brahman is one of the most geographically diverse breeds in the country, yet we are often treated as a collective,” he told beef central.

“We need to show what the lead of our cattle can do in the feedlot and I think the lead of this competition would line up against crossbred cattle.”

Mr Noakes said overall profitability was the main determining factor of the competition.

“MSA will be a component because there has to be a certain standard. But as much importance will be placed on carcase yield and average daily gain the feedlot,” he said.

Mr Noakes said strong interest was already being shown in the competition, with spots still available.

• To enter the competition click here