Meat & Livestock Australia unveils online hub for multi-breed beef genetics evaluation

Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a new online platform to explain and support the next evolution in beef genetics: multibreed evaluation, aimed at improving breeding decision tools for producers by 2028.

Meat & Livestock Australia has launched a new online information hub aimed at explaining the next stage in beef genetics: multibreed genetic evaluation.

The platform is designed to help producers, breeders and other stakeholders understand how the system is being developed, why it matters and how it may change breeding decisions across the industry. MLA says the initiative is intended to let cattle from different breeds be compared on a more objective basis, while preserving the role of existing breed-based evaluations.

Managing director Michael Crowley said the effort was about improving the information available to producers and, in turn, lifting the commercial return on genetic investment. He stressed that the project is not about choosing a single “best breed”, but about adding another decision tool for enterprises that already rely on breed diversity.

The work forms part of MLA’s Strategic Plan 2030 and builds on earlier industry research into multi-breed evaluation systems. MLA expects the new capability eventually to support Australian Cattle Breeding Values, genomic values and genetic profiles, with applications in bull selection, herd benchmarking and emerging traits such as fertility, resilience and methane emissions.

Separate evaluations are being developed for tropical and temperate breeds, with release targets set for 2027 and 2028 respectively. MLA says continued consultation with breed societies and producers will be essential as the system moves towards market use.

Story link: https://www.mla.com.au/news-and-events/industry-news/mla-launches-information-hub-for-next-generation-of-beef-genetics/