BEEF producers, bull breeders and other industry stakeholders can now access a dedicated online resource explaining the development of one of the most significant advancements in the nation’s livestock genetics system with the launch of Meat & Livestock Australia’s new Multibreed Beef Genetic Evaluation Information Hub.

The establishment of ‘multibreed beef genetic evaluation and livestock credentials’ is listed as one of five bold ambitions in the MLA Strategic Plan 2030, and builds on years of industry investment in genetics research and development.

The new hub brings together information on the development of multibreed beef genetic evaluation, designed to give producers the tools to compare the genetic merit of cattle across breeds and make more informed breeding decisions.

Genetics editor Alastair Rayner offers his thoughts on the prospect of multibreed evaluations in tonight’s weekly genetics review.

In a statement, MLA managing director Michael Crowley said the new Information Hub would help industry understand the progress of a project that has the potential to transform how genetic information is used across Australia’s beef supply chain.

“This is about giving producers and breeders access to more information, more comparability and ultimately delivering improved commercial profitability outcomes from genetic investments,” Mr Crowley said.

“For decades, industry has identified the need for tools that allow genetics to be compared across breeds, particularly for commercial producers seeking genetic tools to support making faster progress towards their breeding objectives,” he said.

“The Information Hub provides a central location where producers, breeders and stakeholders can learn about the science behind multibreed genetic evaluation, the progress being made in its development and the benefits it is expected to deliver.”

As development progresses, the multibreed evaluation system is expected to deliver a suite of new tools, including Australian Cattle Breeding Values (ACBVs), Australian Cattle Genomic Values (ACgVs) and Australian Cattle Genetic Profiles (GenProfiles).

These tools are being developed to support improved bull selection, stronger herd benchmarking and future evaluation of emerging traits including fertility, adaptation, resilience and methane emissions.

The current research and development program includes separate multibreed evaluations for tropical and temperate beef breeds (details below).

The Information Hub outlines how separate multibreed evaluations are being developed for tropical and temperate beef breeds and explains how the new capability is intended to complement, rather than replace, existing genetic evaluation systems.

Mr Crowley said a key message for industry was that multibreed genetic evaluation was intended to expand Australia’s genetics capability rather than replace existing breed-based systems.

“This is not about identifying a ‘best breed’, nor is it about reducing the role of breed societies or existing genetic evaluation programs,” he said.

“Australia’s breed diversity remains one of the industry’s great strengths. Multibreed evaluation simply provides an additional tool that allows producers to make objective genetic comparisons across breed boundaries while continuing to select the breeds and breeding systems that best suit their enterprise.”

Mr Crowley encouraged producers, breed societies and industry stakeholders to visit the Information Hub and engage with MLA as development of the new evaluation systems continues.

“The long-term success of multibreed genetic evaluation will rely on industry participation, collaboration and confidence.”

While the Information Hub provides a central source of information on the project, ongoing consultation with breed societies, seedstock producers and other key stakeholders would remain critical as development progresses, he said.

“Multibreed genetic evaluation represents a significant opportunity for the industry and it is essential that its development continues to be informed by those who will use it.

“MLA’s genetics team will continue working closely with breed societies and industry stakeholders to gather feedback, answer questions and ensure the system delivers value across Australia’s diverse beef production systems.

“We encourage everyone with an interest in beef genetics to explore the Information Hub, learn more about the project and be part of the conversation as this work progresses.”

Introducing multibreed genetic evaluations

Two beef multibreed genetic evaluations are initially being established – one for tropical breeds, called TROPBEEF, and the other for temperate breeds, TEMPBEEF.

The establishment of multibreed beef genetic evaluation is in a research and development phase. Once the R&D phase is complete, the TROPBEEF and TEMPBEEF evaluations will be made available for industry review and consultation, before progressing to commercialisation.

At this stage, the TROPBEEF genetic evaluation is scheduled for commercial release in November 2027, followed by the TEMPBEEF genetic evaluation in November 2028.

The Multibreed Beef Genetic Evaluation Information Hub can be accessed here.