Bos Indicus Content

Droughtmasters combine the best features of the brahman with the best Bos Taurus features, resulting in excellent survival and excellent meat quality. It is increasingly evident that pure brahman cattle are less accepted in the meat marketplace, with reduced saleyard and grid prices compared with softer types. I saw the brahman bulls really struggle like never before in the 2010 FAB sale and I wonder if the droughties will eventually take over the mantle of the most numerous breed in Queensland because of this. We have had a number of commercial operators who have had pure brahman for decades, now asking for DM bulls. What do you think?

Droughtmasters are defined as roughly 50% Bos indicus and 50% Bos Taurus. I read in the John Boydell book on droughtmasters, that cattle with 50% content outperformed those of 75% indicus content in a large trial. I like to see plenty of content in my Parawanga herd, for protection against tick, as our properties are all within 50km of the coast. I especially prefer the soft, smooth sleeker coat type. What do you think is the right mix for you?