An Introduction to Aussie Reds
Aussie Reds combine an extensive infusion of Scandinavian Red genetics with other Australian Red breeds such as Ayrshire, Dairy or Milking Shorthorn, Illawarra, or Red and White Holstein.
The Aussie Reds offer a commercial animal that can meet guidelines which require quality of milk for the present day market payments. With careful selection, comprehensive data on sires from Scandinavia of heritable traits such as disease resistance, ease of calving, fertility etc., is also available. This information has only been seriously considered in other countries around the world quite recently, but the Scandinavian countries have had breeding values on these traits for many years.
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A Progeny Test Scheme was introduced in 1992 in conjuction with Genetics Australia's AB Company. Genetics Australias scheme, "Horizon', now tests over 10 bulls each year. Current ABV Proofs from these bulls have been very acceptable due to the strict selection criteria and farmer confidence in the system. Progeny test semen is being well utilized in Australia, particularly in the commercial sector of the dairy industry. The Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS) provides Australian Breeding Values on these bulls and aligns Australia's ABV system with Interbull's International. In 2011, recent graduates ARBBONJOVI, ARBLIPPMAN and ARBLEX were in the top 5 publishable red bulls (across all "red" breeds) available in Australia for the Australian Profit Ranking (APR) system.
In 2009, ABS Australia selected their first Australian Red Progeny Test team, ABSBEAULANDS and ABSWAIKATO. These two bulls will also be progeny tested in Europe.
In 2010, Semex Global have also selected their first Australian Red Bull, Waikato Kenneth, to participate in their international progeny test scheme.
In 2011, Agrigene have begun an Aussie Red progeny test program with MEESON. Similarly ALTA have also begun an Aussie Red progeny test program with BEIJING and KALE.
Behind the development of the breed is the Australian Red Breed Committee. The following Sub-Committees, with the inclusion of the Executive Officer Bearers, are elected for:
- Progeny Test Approval Committee
- Classification Committee
- Breed Development Committee
- Review Rules Book Committee
This ensures a comprehensive structure for selection and administration.
By blending the red genotypes and breeding Aussie Reds you can select for the benefits which these genetics add to your herd:
- Higher protein yields
- High milk composition with high volume
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Sire selection for:
- Low calf mortality
- Ease of calving
- Resistance to Mastitis
- Fertility
- Workability traits
