Selected cows on Norfolk Island were inseminated with elite genetics imported from the mainland in a program designed to boost the island’s genetic diversity in its cattle herd.
One of Australia’s most prominent Hereford herds is contributing genetics into the Norfolk Island cattle herd to boost genetic diversity and shore up domestic food security.
James and Nicki Pearce, Yavenvale Poll Herefords, Adelong, operate one of the nation’s largest seedstock Hereford herds at more than 1400 stud and commercial breeders, and have harvested embryos from elite females with the assistance of Breeder Genetics for the island.
The project is funded under the Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast.
Supported by the Australian Government and Norfolk Island Regional Council, the assisted program will introduce much needed new genetics into the existing herd through embryo transplants. In a 2019 report the genetic gain in island cattle was described as “parlous” with ageing bulls, inbreeding and little use of artificial insemination.
The program was designed in partnership with the Norfolk Island Cattle Association to directly address some of the key challenges faced by the cattle industry, which is one of the oldest surviving industries on the island with grazing records dating back to 1796. It responded to community concerns about the sustainability of the local cattle population.
James and Nicki Pearce worked with Jack Laurie, Breeder Genetics, to collect embryos from elite females at Yavenvale for implantation in females within the island’s herd of 1000 Hereford, Angus, Simmental, Limousin, Devon, South Devon and Norfolk Blue cows.
“We were pleased to be involved in the project and contributing to a sustainable beef industry on Norfolk Island with outcross genetics from Yavenvale, creating genetic diversity and shoring up their beef supply,” Mr Pearce said.
Breeder Genetics founder and director Jack Laurie said Angus, Hereford, Speckle Park, Simmental and Red Angus frozen embryos and semen were implanted to boost genetic diversity of the beef cattle population.
“The project aims to increase food security as well as the agricultural beef production and sustainability of the industry on the island. All saleable cattle supply the island’s domestic market,” Mr Laurie said.
“A total of 41 embryos were implanted and 30 AI programs carried out with more to happen in early September. The first embryo calves are due mid-March.”
The embryo implantations were carried out by technicians from Holbrook Breeders Australia.
“The island supports a population of about 5000 people, including 1000 tourists, and the project was born out of a need to have greater food security on the island. A major problem on the beef side was a lack of genetic diversity and issues with inbreeding,” Mr Laurie said.
“Australia took over the island in 2016 and banned all live imports, which was a catastrophic event for the local cattle industry.”