Initially, 85 low growth rate cows were selected from
the Trangie Angus herd to establish the original "Lowline"
herd. These cows were joined to yearling bulls also selected for
low growth rate from birth to yearling age.
At the same time a high growth rate line
(Highline) and a randomly selected line (Controline) were established.
This unique experimental method was chosen to generate a rapid divergence
in growth rate, through conventional within herd selection, in the
shortest possible time.
Since 1974, the “Lowline” herd has remained
completely closed, with all replacement bulls and heifers selected
from within the line on the basis of low growth rate performance.
As a consequence, “Lowline” animals are now
smaller than the Control and Highline animals at all stages, from
birth to maturity.
In the early 1990’s “Lowline” were released
into industry by the Trangie Research Centre and, on Saturday 5
August 1992 at a meeting of 14 interested persons, the Australian
Lowline Cattle Association (ALCA) was formed.
The name LOWLINE was unanimously endorsed
with “Australian” denoting the indigenous characteristic of these
cattle.
Lowline cattle are very definitely a beef
breed. They are always black, naturally polled and at all stages
of their growth are 60% of the size of normal beef breeds. As they
stand today, they are generally the smallest breed of beef cattle.
At birth, calves average 20-24kg (45-53 lbs).
Their growth rate is very rapid at first, due to the fact that the
dams make excellent mothers and provide ample milk, and most double
their birth weight during the first six weeks. Mature cows can carry
a calf at the teat up until the calf is about 8 months.
At 8 months, the heifers average 110kg (240
lbs) and bulls 140kg (300 lbs). As yearlings, they have increased
to about 190kg (420 lbs) for heifers and 230kg (510 lbs) for bulls.
Cows at maturity, 3 years, weigh a consistent average of 320kg (710
lbs) in good condition and stand between 95 and 105cm at the shoulder.
The equivalent aged bulls, well muscled,
top out at over 400kg (880 lbs) and stand between 100 and 110cm
at the hip.
The females of the Lowline herd have some
unique qualities to their physiological makeup. Heifers will not
cycle until they have achieved a weight of approx. 220kg, which
will occur when they are between 14 to 18 months of age.
This has a tremendous management advantage
for the small acre farmer in that heifers may continue to run with
their virile brothers after weaning, without risk of conceiving
until they achieve the critical weight, which is totally out of
kilter with their bovine cousins which can and do begin to cycle
much earlier.
Clearly, this factor ensures easier paddock
management and peace of mind for farmer and stud master.
Cattle of the herd are naturally docile and
very easily handled. Some breeders handle their calves in a sheep
race until they are about 12 months old as the calves are normally
too small for a conventional calf cradle until they are 4 to 5 months
old.
The Lowline is the perfect breed for the
small acre farmer who can run 10 of these cattle compared with say,
6 Hereford or other similar breed.
They are perfect for the family sized freezer
and are not difficult to dress and slaughter "at home",
giving 55% of overall live weight for consumption. The flesh is
tender and well marbled, vis a vis their ancestors, the Angus, favoured
by the Japanese perfectionists.
At the moment there are but 251 females in
the Australian Herd (excluding 1993 born calves). There are 58 registered
purebred bulls thereby providing a broad gene pool for the future.
Unlike most other breeds, grading up to purebred
status it not permitted by the Association. This will, in the long
term, maintain the breed's exclusivity, facilitate easier management
of the Herd Book and ensure a high and consistent standard without
risk of throwback.
Lowline do not carry the Achondroplasia (Dwarfism)
gene and therefore there is no risk of genetically generated deformity
or abortion. Calving losses are extremely small and even heifers
show ease of calving.
Lowline produce premium small and exclusive
beef cuts which are marketed as "Lowline Boutique Beef".
The photographs and information contained
on this page are provided courtesy of the Australian Lowline
Cattle Association Inc., PO Box 4317, Sydney NSW 2001 Tel (02)331
9111.
