At Frontier Genetics, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible genetically. Our goal is to encourage each other to continue to explore and achieve new levels of genetic progress. Fulfilling environmental and consumer expectations goals – such as carbon neutrality – helps govern the Frontier Genetics roadmap.

In order to achieve our philosophy, we prioritise the following traits:

FERTILITY

As quoted by Black Box in 2023, the northern beef female typically produces a calf every 18.6 months; we would like to see this lifted to every cow producing a calf every year. This would in turn increase the production efficiency of the herd and thereby eliminate unproductive animals and reduce the herd’s overall carbon footprint.

• EBV Traits to watch for fertility are: Scrotal Size, Days To Calving, Percent Normal Sperm.

RATE-OF-GAIN

Frontier Genetics promotes a balanced approach to improvement of rate of growth in conjunction with fertility. By measuring, and presenting EBVs for female reproduction and cow traits like mature weight, we will provide our clients with the information they need to make informed choices about both.

• EBV Traits to watch for rate-of-gain are: 200day weight, 400day weight, 600day weight, Mature Cow Weight.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTATION

To reduce environmental impact, tick and fly resistance are crucial factors to be considered in selection for a low-input herd. Thermal stress also has a negative effect on growth production and reproduction in cattle. Brahmans have a natural adaptation to handle thermal stress better than Bos Taurus cattle and Brahmans are known for their pest resistance. Frontier Genetics aims to select animals with the ability to thrive, not just survive, in their environments.

POLL/HORN

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework 2023 Annual Update quotes a genetic progression of the poll gene in Australian beef cattle from 56.8% in 2000 to 66.2% in 2010 and 71.9% in 2022. Polled genetics reduces the necessity for invasive animal husbandry procedures of removing horns. Frontier Genetics continues this progressive approach to breed polled cattle by selecting high-performing polled animals, identifiable through DNA verification.

INCREASING GENETIC GAIN AND PROFITABILITY

A nucleus/multiplier structure is used to manage genetic gain and achieve profitability in other proteins, such as poultry and pork. We believe that beef can also benefit from this approach. That’s why we, as 12 individual herds, are now working as one with researchers and industry partners to develop and implement innovative solutions that drive genetic progress in the beef industry.

WHO WE ARE

At the core of Frontier Genetics is the power of our group to generate:

• pasture-fed bulls with high percentile data and phenotype
• planned, annual genetic gains for the Brahman breed
• improved data accuracy through genetic linkage, and
• interest to attract new like-minded members.

With the strength of collaboration, our group – along with future members – are able to design and participate actively in research projects to drive our mission of Future Focused Beef for our industry.