A commitment to breeding functional cattle that perform well in a range of environments fared well for Twynam Agriculture at their annual on-property sale last Thursday, reaching a top of $8,000 for two quality Angus bulls.
Twenty-five rising two year old Angus bulls were sold at the Helmsman sale at Jemalong Station, conducted by Kevin Miller Whitty and Lennon, Forbes, for an average of $5,600.
With many of the Twynam bulls on offer in the top 10 per cent of the Angus breed for one or more traits, it was no surprise to Twynam livestock manager, Luke Gleeson, Forbes, that top price bulls Twynam K136 and Twynam K002 reached $8,000.
New buyer, Colin Hall, Coobong Pastoral, Condobolin, managed to hold the top bid for both bulls, despite many bidder changes.
The two year-old son of Twynam G100, Twynam K136, weighed in at 810 kilograms and had an eye muscle area (EMA) of +7.2 and a scrotal circumference of 41 centimetres.
His Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) were a birthweight of +4.2 and +47 for a 200-day-weight.
Sharing in the top price was Twynam K002, the son of Lawsons Invincible C402, who weighed in at 852kg.
He had an EMA of +6.2 and a scrotal circumference of 39cm, with EBV’s of a +3.4 birthweight and +43 for a 200-day-weight.
Twynam livestock manager of six years, Luke Gleeson, said he was pleased with the sale success, saying the combination of returning and new clients taking home bulls, was a clear sign they are reaching their breeding aims.
“Our bulls are versatile – they are able to cope and perform in all conditions, ranging from arid conditions, to the colder climates of Victoria,” Mr Gleeson said.
“The two tops bulls have impressive intramuscular fat (IMF) and EMA – combined with good carcase attributes, a moderate birth weight and moderate mature cow weight, both bulls were very balanced,” he said.
Returning client, Ron Nash, R and C Nash, Bugaldie, near Coonabarabran, brought eight bulls topping $6,500 to an average of $5,343.
“We have been using Tywnan bulls for six years because they have the high EMA and IMF, with the quiet temperament we are looking for,” Mr Nash said.
“Luke doesn't pamper the bulls, they are paddock reared so they don't fall away when you get them home and working.”
Twynam K052, held an EMA of +1.8 and IMF of +2.7, with Twynam K099 presenting an EMA of +6.5 and an IMF of +1.4.