fficient, effective and economical performance in all links of the production chain.

The pioneer cattlemen who developed the Droughtmaster retained the most desirable performance traits from both Bos indicus and Bos taurus genetics.

They developed a breed which could perform by consistently producing and reproducing despite parasites and adverse environments, while economically producing high yielding carcases of quality beef.

Performing well in harsh conditions is important, but performance in all links of the beef production chain is more important.

The Droughtmaster is renowned for its performance in:

REPRODUCTION

Calving ease, high libido, fertility and adaptability all combine to give the Droughtmaster an outstanding reproductive performance.

GROWTH

Excellent milking ability, digestive efficiency, low nutritional requirements, feed conversion efficiency, walking ability and foraging ability combine to make the Droughtmaster an out-standing performer.

Consistently outgrowing most other breeds when nutrition is restricted, they perform as well as most breeds in feedlots or on high quality pasture.

FEED EFFICIENCY

A low maintenance digestive system, unique to Bos Indicus derived breeds, contributes to the Droughtmaster's reputation for highly efficient feed conversion, which provides a large economic advantage.

PASTURE

Optimum growth under a range of variable conditions is major benifit offered by the Droughtmaster. From prime improved pastre in temperate regions, light native pasture in troical right through to drought conditions which invariably plague many areas of Australia, the Droughtmaster is recognised as one of the leading performers.
Improved Pastures (Buffel)
Douglas Daley Reasearch Station N.T.     .84 kg/day
(through 5 month wet season)
Native Pastures
Kidman Springs Reasearch Station N.T.     .36 kg/day
(average p.a. 1997-2002)

ASIAN FEEDLOTS

Asian feedlots are an important and growing section of theh global beef production chain. Access to high quality stock feed as well as climatic extremes are major challenges for them. An ability to handle the Asian heat and humidity, complemented by the efficient conversion of lower quality feed make the droughtmaster a popular choice for the Asian feedlot buyers. This growth performance is highlighted in the following figures recorded for Droughtmaster steers & heifers in an indonesian feedlot.

Steers     Shortfed (41 days)     1.92 kg/day
Steers     Shortfed (90 days)     1.45 kg/day
Heifers     Shortfed (48 days)     1.65 kg/day
Heifers     Shortfed (80 days)     1.27 kg/day

Data supplied by Austasia PTY LTD

CARCASE

• Well muscled carcases with optimum fat cover, give Droughtmasters excellent dressing percentages and high saleable meat yields.Recent trial results produced dressing percentages of 58% and saleable meat yields of 76%;
• Being a "middle of the road breed", fat cover is at optimum levels;
• With Shorthorn in its background, marbling performance is among the highest of the Bos indicus derived breeds;
• Their outstanding docility keeps meat colour and pH at acceptable levels;
• By achieving suitability for a range of market specifications, at a reasonably young age, Droughtmasters produce high quality, tender beef;
• Under the current MSA Cuts Based Grading System, Droughtmaster carcases can grade EQS 3 and 4 star under a standard production system. High growth performance and extended ageing of cuts, can produce EQS 5 star grading;
• Numerous wins in carcase competitions across Australia confirm this performance.