Annual bull sale - Wednesday 7 July 2021

Region: Greater Darwin, Katherine Region, Barkly Region, Central Australia | Topic: Livestock
May 2021

Prize bull

Caption: Top priced bull from the 2020 sale.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s (DITT) annual bull sale is an opportunity to purchase quality Brahman and Tropical Composite bulls from the department’s high-fertility research herds.

The Brahman bulls presented for sale are the result of a 30‑year breeding program. Animals are selected for their reproductive and growth traits, with artificial insemination (AI) sires used from well-respected studs in Queensland.

The Tropical Composite herd was developed approximately 20 years ago and had an original breed composition of 56.1% Brahman, 12.5% Africander, 12.5% Tuli, 6.3% Shorthorn, 6.3% Hereford and 6.3% Charolais. The composition may have varied slightly over time with the selection for fertility.

Both breeding programs produce cattle that are highly productive and adapted to the conditions of the Northern Territory. The aim of the breeding programs is to produce the most fertile animal possible while still meeting the live export market weight targets. The females are selected for early puberty and consistent re-conception while lactating. The sires in both herds are selected on their weight, percentage of normal sperm and scrotal size as a yearling. Polledness and their mother’s fertility performance are also taken into account when making the selection.

The majority of the bulls sold will be 2.5 years old (weaned in 2019) with some older bulls up to six years old. The bulls will be auctioned online with AuctionsPlus on Wednesday 7 July 2021. More information about the bulls will be available in a catalogue in June 2021 including BULLCheck results, estimated breeding values (EBVs) and photos.

There will be opportunities to view the bulls before the sale at the Katherine Research Station, including at the upcoming field day on Tuesday 27 April 2021.

For more information contact:

Gretel Bailey-Preston
Phone: 0448 771 449
gretel.baileypreston@nt.gov.au

Back to NT Rural Review - May 2021