A Hereford cross steer has posted an average daily gain of 3.21kg to finish in the top five of the 2016 RNA Paddock to Palate feedlot trial.
The milk tooth Hereford-Brangus cross steer was entered by Ian and Anne Galloway, Galloway Cattle Co, Roma, in the 100 day export class of the challenge, finishing fifth.
The steer’s entry liveweight on March 8 was 397kg, and it had a mid weight of 584kg to give a mid weight average daily gain of 3.81kg.
A final weight of 718kg resulted in an average daily gain of 3.21kg.
On pen results, the Galloway team was ranked 26 out of 59 teams with an average an average daily gain of 2.59kg.
The Galloways also ranked 19th from 38 teams in the 70 day trade class with an average daily gain of 2.7kg for their Hereford cross steers.
Rob Taylor, Taylor Grazing, Injune, finished in the top 20 at 17th place in the export class with a Hereford cross steer on an average daily gain of 3.09kg.
Mr Taylor had a team ranking or 21 from 59 with an average daily gain of 2.64kg.
The competition was conducted at the Grassdale feedlot, Dalby, Qld.
The challenge is four phased, comprising the best aggregate weight gain, a carcass competition, carcass value and finishes with a beef taste off – a palate competition where a portion of striploin is cooked and judged.
Each exhibitor is limited to entering two pens, with each pen comprising seven steers, with the best six judged.
The Galloway steers were 16 months old, out of commercial Brangus cows and by home bred Hereford sires.
The steers were selected on muscle and saleable meat yield.
Mr and Mrs Galloway have entered the competition for over 15 years to receive feedback on breeding policy and program.
“We like to sire identify and follow them through the trial so we know how they perform on weight gain and carcass quality,’’ Mr Galloway said.
“Hereford cross cattle have always done well in the competition.’’
