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Murray Greys now permitted in SA

After a delay of nearly two years the Department of Agriculture has again given permission for the importation of Murray Grey beef cattle semen and embryos to South Africa with a view to establishing stud herds around the country. The department originally granted permission to register the Grey as a breed in Africa in 2002. Unfortunately this decision was not gazetted, and in 2005 a new registrar took over and rescinded the agreement. However, after a lengthy study of the results of the Biological Impact Study carried out by Dr Iona Stewart at Cedara, and an inspection of the three-quarter and 7/8 cattle bred up from the original project, the current registrar has agreed to reinstate the Murray Grey as a registered breed in this country.

The Grey breed originated in the River Valley, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia, from a series of crosses between Aberdeen Angus bulls and a roan Shorthorn cow. The grey progeny from this cross were found to bear grey calves when crossed back to Aberdeen Angus sires, and to breed true when interbred. first grey calf was born in 1905. E arly market resistance to these unusually coloured cattle was overcome in the mid-1950s, when they first commanded a premium from buyers for the depth and quality of their meat. They had already demonstrated superior weight-gaining ability, and when this was allied with recognition of their meat quality their popularity spread. he Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society was formed in Melbourne in 1962 and the breed is now firmly established worldwide. Immediately after the Department of Agriculture’s stamp of approval for the breed, permission was received to import 500 straws of the Grey bull Leighon Anselm, bred in the UK.

This consignment has now arrived and is available, as is semen from the Australian-bred bull Ballam Park Willscarlet, to present and future breeders of the Murray Grey in South Africa. he Grey has all the characteristics of the British beef breeds such as early maturity, ease of calving, ability to finish quickly off grass and excellent beef quality. In addition it has the advantage of being bred to adapt well to hot conditions as it tends to have light-coloured coats but dark-pigmented skin. For more information contact Tim or Steph Arnot on (033) 234 4382 or 083 630 4124, or e-mail tim@semark.co.za . – Staff reporter

2007-08-08