Updated 14th February 2009

News


Limousin blitzes field in Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic

Limousin added to its impressive winning record, and again demonstrated why it is rapidly growing in popularity as a terminal sire around the world, by taking out Grand Champion prize and two of the four first prizes at the recent Southern Grassfed Carcase Classic competition.

The prize giving presentation dinner held on 30th January 2009 at the Kincraig Hotel, Naracoorte, was dominated by impressive Limousin and Limousin-cross winning entries. The competition, organised by Teys Bros, Naracoorte, with proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, attracted 135 entries in four classes.

David and Alison Galpin of Warrawindi Limousins, Penola, took out the Class 3 first prize for Trade Steer/Heifer, maximum 2 teeth, CWT 180 - 260kg, with a 250kg Limousin X Murray Grey, which then went on to win the Grand Champion carcase trophy.

First prize was also awarded to the pen of three Limousin X Angus steers (Class 2, maximum 4 teeth, CWT 300 - 420kg) entered by Carole and Frank Burden of Graffoe Limousins, Tintinara. These entries were sired by a Pebbly Range Limousins' bull.

Another Limousin X Angus steer entered by Graffoe Limousins took out third prize in Class 1 (Steer, maximum 4 teeth, CWT 300 - 420kg), and a purebred Limousin steer also entered by Graffoe Limousins took out third prize in Class 3 (Trade Steer/Heifer, maximum 2 teeth, CWT 180 - 260kg). The Class 3 purebred Limousin carcase was awarded the third highest score of all 135 entries in the competition.

Four of Graffoe Limousins' prize winning entries.

Click here to read more on the competition and for a photo of David and Allison with their trophy.


Limousin promotion and commercial cross-breeding field day

South Australian breeders held a Limousin cross-breeding field day on Sunday 23rd November 2008 at the Burden's Graffoe Limousin Stud, near Tintinara. Three of the field day talks were given in the Burden's shearing shed, and the final talk conducted at the cattle yards in front of pens of young Limousin bulls and Limousin/Angus steers.

Seventy people attended the field day, of whom half were Limousin stud breeders. The remainder were commercial cattle breeders, stock agents, and other beef professionals, who were keen to learn more about Limousins.


Lance Chaplin (right) spoke about his experience as a branded beef producer (Patchawarra) in the state's Upper South East and explained why he chose Limousin as a terminal sire over his 1,000 Hereford/Friesian cross cows. Key points made were:





Associate Professor Wayne Pitchford (left) presented the results of over ten years research into the so-called Limousin muscling gene. Key points made were:



Alex McDonald (right), the ALBS general manager, presented data on premiums attracted by Limousin and Limousin-cross cattle. Key points made were:



Barry Vogt of the Maryvale Limousin Stud finished the field day at the cattle yards with a backdrop of young Limousin bulls and Limousin/Angus steers. Barry explained why Limousin and Limousin-cross cattle are ideally suited to the European Union (EU) market. Key points made were:




Limousin raises the steaks!

Pebbly Range Brutus — bred by Sandra Keatley of Pebbly Range Limousin Stud. Prepared and shown by University of AdelaideFor four consecutive years Limousin has won the "Grand Champion Steer on the Hoof" prize at the Royal Adelaide Show (2005 - 2008). This year's steer (Pebbly Range Brutus) beat more than 150 other entries from 13 breeds, and went on to be reserve champion in the heavy weight domestic category on the hook.


Limousins were placed in all categories on hoof this year showing their capability to finish at all weights. Limousin had the highest average dressing out percentage of all breeds at 61.6%, superior to Angus by 4.6%, Shorthorn and Murray Grey by 4.8%, and Hereford by 5.7%.


2007 saw Limousin win the double with Grand Champion on Hoof and Hook.




Up to 20% more beef from the same amount of feed

Dr Wayne Pitchford and his team at Adelaide University have discovered that cattle with two copies of the F94L variant of the myostatin muscling gene can give the above premium. He reports that Limousin cattle have a very high frequency of this gene, whereas other breeds such as Angus or Hereford have very low or zero frequency. The gene also increases tenderness by 15%. Click here for more ...