Hubbry Logo
Australian LowlineAustralian LowlineMain
Open search
Australian Lowline
Community hub
Australian Lowline
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Australian Lowline
Australian Lowline
Australian Lowline
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
Australian Lowline
Bull
Conservation statusFAO (2007): no data[1]: 4 
Other names
  • Lowline
  • Lowline Angus[2]: 48 
Country of originAustralia
StandardAustralian Lowline Cattle Association
Usebeef
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    400 kg[3]: 223 
  • Female:
    323 kg[3]: 223 
Height
  • Male:
    110 cm[4]
  • Female:
    100 cm[4]
Coatsolid black, occasionally solid red
Horn statuspolled
  • Cattle
  • Bos (primigenius) taurus

The Australian Lowline is a modern Australian breed of small, polled beef cattle. It was the result of a selective breeding experiment using black Aberdeen Angus cattle at the Agricultural Research Centre of the Department of Agriculture of New South Wales at Trangie.[5]: 3  It is among the smallest breeds of cattle, but is not a dwarf breed.[3]: xxvi 

History

[edit]

In 1929 the Department of Agriculture of New South Wales started an Aberdeen Angus herd at the Agricultural Research Centre at Trangie with stock imported from Canada. Various additions to the herd were made, from Canada, from the United States, from the United Kingdom and from other herds in Australia, until the herd-book was closed in 1964. From about this time, various research projects were conducted at Trangie. In 1974 an investigation of the correlation between growth rate and profitability, and of whether feed conversion efficiency was higher in large or in small animals fed on grass, was begun.[5]: 3 

In the study, three separate herds were established: one of animals with a high rate of growth in their first year, one with animals that had shown low growth, and one randomly selected as a control group. These were called the High Line, the Low Line and the Control Line respectively. The Low Line herd started with 85 cows and some young bulls, and was closed to additions of other stock from 1974;[5]: 3  it eventually numbered more than 400.[6] To exclude possible effects of climate from the study, some stock was reared at Glen Innes in northern New South Wales and at Hamilton, Victoria. The experiment ran for nineteen years, by the end of which the Low Line animals were on average some 30% smaller than the High Line group.[5]: 3 

When the experiment ended in the early 1990s, the Lowline stock was auctioned off. A breeders' association, the Australian Lowline Cattle Association, was formed in 1992,[5]: 4  and the first herd-book was published in 1993; it listed 150 cows and 36 bulls.[6]

Australia is the only country which reports Lowline cattle to DAD-IS;[7] the breeders' association has members in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.[8]: 18 

Characteristics

[edit]

The Australian Lowline is among the smallest of cattle breeds, but is not affected by dwarfism.[3]: xxvi  Height is about 60% of that of the normal Aberdeen Angus breed, or about 110 cm for bulls and 100 cm for cows. Calves average about 22 kg at birth, but may weigh as little as 14 kg. The coat is usually solid black, but may also be solid red; some white colouring in the area of the scrotum or udder is tolerated.[4] The cattle are naturally polled and are quiet-tempered.[8]: 18  They adapt well to varying climatic conditions. Cows calve easily and provide plenty of milk to their young.[8]: 18 

Compared to larger cattle, the Lowline does less damage to pasture land, and does not need such high or strong fencing.[9]

Use

[edit]

The Australian Lowline is reared for beef. The meat is well-marbled and tasty; carcass yield is high.[8]: 18 

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Australian Lowline

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Australian Lowline is a compact breed of polled beef cattle developed in Australia, renowned for its small stature, efficient feed conversion, and high-quality, well-marbled meat production. Originating from Aberdeen Angus stock imported to the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre in New South Wales in 1929, the breed emerged from a long-term research trial initiated in 1974 by the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, which divided the closed Angus herd into high-growth, low-growth, and control lines to study genetic influences on growth rates and feed efficiency. Over nearly two decades, the Lowline group—selected for the lowest yearling growth rates—resulted in cattle approximately 30% smaller than their high-growth counterparts, with the trial concluding in 1993 and the Australian Lowline Cattle Association forming in 1992 to promote and register the breed. Physically, Australian Lowline exhibit a smooth black coat, natural polledness, and docile temperament, making them easy to handle; mature cows typically weigh around 320 kg (710 lbs) and stand 95–105 cm (37–41 inches) at the hip, while bulls reach over 400 kg (880 lbs) and 100–110 cm (39–43 inches), about 60% the size of standard breeds. They are fertile and maternal, with heifers reaching at 14–18 months and producing ample milk for calves born at low weights of 20–24 kg (45–53 lbs), contributing to minimal calving difficulties and low mortality rates. In terms of productivity, the breed excels in converting grass to meat with efficiency comparable to larger , yielding about 55% of live weight as tender, intramuscularly fat-rich that is free from issues like eye cancer and suitable for or grass-fed markets. Australian Lowlines are particularly valued by small-acreage farmers and hobbyists due to their adaptability, requiring less space and resources—such as supporting up to 10 head per acre compared to six standard —while maintaining the premium genetics of their Angus heritage without the achondroplastic dwarfism gene. Since the original dispersal sale in 1993, the has spread internationally, with purebred populations emphasizing and high carcass quality, including superior eye muscle-to-body weight ratios.

History

Foundation and Early Breeding

The foundation of the Australian Lowline breed traces back to the establishment of an herd at the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre in , , in 1929. The Department of Agriculture initiated this program by importing from the Glencarnock Stud in Brandon, , to provide high-quality breeding animals for the Australian industry. This importation marked the beginning of the Trangie Angus herd, which became closed in 1964 and served as the genetic base for future developments in breeding at Trangie. The imported cattle had traceable lineage to the original Scottish herds from which the breed originated in the , having been further refined in after initial exports from in the late 1800s. Starting in the 1930s, early selective breeding efforts at Trangie emphasized the inherent polled (hornless) and black-coated traits of the Aberdeen Angus, along with overall conformation and productivity, to establish a robust herd suitable for Australian conditions. These efforts did not yet involve deliberate selection for reduced size, focusing instead on promoting the breed's natural qualities for meat production and show ring success; the Trangie herd became prominent in Australian agricultural exhibitions from 1929 to 1963, securing numerous awards. The department continued importing select animals and making domestic additions until 1963, after which the herd was closed in 1964 to maintain genetic diversity and vigor within the population. The Department of Agriculture played a central role in sustaining and managing the Trangie Angus herd during this period, conducting routine breeding to support broader agricultural and dissemination of superior to farmers across the state. This foundational work laid the groundwork for later initiatives, including the Trangie Research Project that extended from these early herds.

The Trangie Research Project

The Trangie Research Project was initiated in 1974 by the Department of Agriculture at the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre to investigate the effects of for growth rates on feed conversion efficiency and overall herd profitability in . Funded by the Australian Meat Research Corporation, the project utilized an existing herd established at the centre since 1929 with imported . The primary goal was to determine whether smaller or larger animals were more efficient at converting grass into meat, with implications for sustainable beef production. The Trangie Angus herd, numbering around 500 animals, was divided into three distinct lines to enable controlled comparison: the High Line, selected for rapid yearling growth; the Low Line, selected for slow yearling growth; and the , maintained through random mating to serve as a baseline. The Low Line specifically began with 85 cows identified for their lower growth potential, which were then bred to yearling bulls exhibiting similar low-growth traits. All lines were kept closed to external from 1974 onward, with replacements sourced internally through rigorous selection based on yearling weight measurements, allowing researchers to track generational changes in size and efficiency over the 19-year duration of the experiment, which concluded in 1993. By , the project had produced marked differences in the lines, with Low Line averaging approximately 30% smaller than their counterparts, demonstrating the of low growth traits under selective pressure. Specific measurements showed Low Line mature cows reaching heights of about 39 inches (99 cm) and weights around 320 kg, while bulls stood at 43 inches (109 cm) and exceeded 400 kg—reductions of roughly 25-30% in height and 35% in weight compared to the . The Low Line had expanded to over 400 animals by the project's end, including 251 females and 58 bulls (excluding 1993 calves), with feed conversion efficiencies proving comparable between the Low and High Lines despite the size disparity. Genetic analysis confirmed the absence of the () gene in the Low Line, ensuring the size reduction resulted from polygenic selection rather than any single deleterious .

Formation of the Breed Association

As the Trangie Research Project concluded, its dissolution in 1993 facilitated the transfer of Lowline cattle to private ownership, beginning with a partial dispersal sale on August 8, 1992, where 9 bulls, 23 heifers, and 7 cows were sold to seven interested buyers. These purchasers immediately formed the Australian Lowline Cattle Association (ALCA) under legislation to promote the breed, manage registrations, and ensure standardization, officially adopting the name "Australian Lowline" to reflect its indigenous development. The association's establishment marked the transition from experimental stock to a recognized , with the complete dispersal of the Trangie occurring on October 30, 1993, selling an additional 20 bulls, 44 cows, and 51 heifers for a total of $228,200 and expanding the 's foundation base among private breeders. In 1993, ALCA published its first foundation -book, which registered the initial animals from these sales as the core breeding stock, including the original seven founding members whose stud names remain in pedigrees today. This registry emphasized maintaining closed- purity, with early standards prohibiting crossbreeding to preserve the genetics selected solely for low growth rates within the pure Angus line. Initially, the breed's recognition was confined to , where ALCA's efforts positioned Australian Lowline as a distinct extant population in international like FAO's Domestic Animal Diversity (), reflecting its unique origin from the Trangie project without global distribution at the time. These organizational milestones in the early solidified the breed's structure, enabling controlled promotion and genetic integrity moving forward.

Characteristics

Size and Build

The Australian Lowline exhibit a compact physique, with mature cows typically measuring 95 to 105 cm (37 to 41 inches) at the and weighing an average of 320 kg (710 lbs), while mature bulls stand 100 to 110 cm (39 to 43 inches) at the and weigh over 400 kg (880 lbs). These dimensions represent approximately 60% of the size of standard Angus cattle, achieved through that avoids the introduction of genes or skeletal deformities. In terms of build, Australian Lowlines possess a well-proportioned, muscular frame similar to British beef breeds, characterized by a deep body, short straight legs, and broad well-fleshed hindquarters that support balanced conformation and efficient weight distribution. This scaled-down structure from the parent Angus breed ensures proportional muscling without compromising structural integrity. Compared to the Angus, the Lowline's conformation yields a higher rib eye muscle area relative to body weight—typically 20 to 30% greater—optimizing yields in a smaller package.

Appearance

The Australian Lowline exhibits a predominant solid black coat, reflecting its heritage, though wholly red variants occur due to the recessive red in Angus . Minor white markings are permissible only on the or , without extending beyond halfway to the on the underbelly, ensuring no spotted or extensive patterns that deviate from the breed's uniformity standard. The breed is naturally polled, lacking horns as a result of from polled lines imported from and . This hornless trait is genetically fixed within the population, contributing to its docile handling and alignment with traditional Angus conformation. Australian Lowlines display a compact, rounded with a strong backline, good barrel depth, and smooth tail set, emphasizing traditional Angus characteristics without extreme features such as . Their coat is smooth and fine, indicative of overall health and adaptability to diverse climates, while the prioritizes uniformity in color and conformation for registration.

Temperament and Adaptability

Australian Lowline cattle are renowned for their quiet and docile temperament, inherited from their pure Angus lineage, which facilitates straightforward handling even in small-scale operations. This inherent calmness makes them particularly suitable for novice farmers, families, and educational settings, as they respond well to low-stress management practices without requiring extensive training or facilities. The breed exhibits strong adaptability to a wide array of environmental conditions, thriving in Australia's arid inland regions as well as temperate zones, and has successfully acclimatized to international climates ranging from snowy areas in and to tropical environments in and northern . Their hardiness stems from this versatility, allowing them to maintain health and productivity with minimal intervention across diverse terrains and weather patterns. Due to their smaller stature and lighter body weight compared to standard beef breeds, Australian Lowlines cause less compaction and damage to pastures, while their compact hooves further reduce disturbance during . This trait, combined with their docile nature, permits the use of lighter materials and lower infrastructure costs, enhancing their practicality for resource-limited farms. Australian Lowlines demonstrate notable , often productive for 12-15 years or more, supported by low stress levels that contribute to overall welfare and fewer temperament-related health concerns. Their calm disposition minimizes injury risks during handling and transport, promoting sustained vitality in herd management.

Reproduction and Production

Growth and Feed Efficiency

The Australian Lowline breed was selectively developed for a slower growth rate, a trait intentionally emphasized during the Trangie to prioritize over rapid . Yearling weights in Lowline are approximately 30% lower than those in high-growth lines or standard Angus, with bulls typically reaching around 230 kg and heifers 190 kg at 12 months of age. This deliberate selection results in animals that attain full maturity between 3 and 4 years, contrasting with faster-maturing breeds that achieve similar milestones earlier. Such growth patterns stem from genetic divergence in the original Trangie lines, where the Lowline group exhibited 15% lower gains compared to the . Lowline demonstrate superior feed conversion , largely attributable to their smaller frame size and reduced maintenance requirements. These animals require about 18% less and 13% less protein for maintenance compared to larger cows in the 544-771 kg range, allowing for 20-30% lower overall feed intake per kilogram of body weight gain. Data from Trangie studies indicate a favorable , with estimates for net feed intake around 0.39, supporting the genetic basis for this low-intake trait. In controlled trials, Lowline steers achieved feed conversion ratios of 6.5-8.1 kg feed per kg gain, outperforming base populations at 8.2. This enables higher stocking rates and better resource utilization on pasture, yielding up to 40% more per than larger breeds. Carcass yield in Australian Lowline remains highly efficient despite the slower absolute growth, with a high of comprising up to 65-73% of the carcass after boning. Trangie evaluations showed no significant differences in lean yield or fat content across selection lines when adjusted for age and weight, but the breed's compact build contributes to a dressing of around 55%, emphasizing quality over volume. Metabolic adaptations, including lower demands for locomotion due to reduced body size and efficient suited to temperate environments, further enhance this yield by minimizing non-productive expenditure. These traits, validated through long-term Trangie data, underscore the Lowline's role as an efficiency-focused breed.

Calving and Fertility

Australian Lowline exhibit exceptional ease of calving due to the relatively low birth weights of their calves, averaging 20-24 kg with a range extending down to 14 kg. This characteristic results in very high rates of unassisted calving, minimizing the need for intervention and reducing associated risks. The proportional ratio of calf size to cow frame further contributes to low dystocia incidence, as the breed's compact build ensures compatibility during parturition without compromising calf viability. Fertility in Australian Lowline cows is notably high, with heifers typically attaining between 14 and 18 months of age at a body weight of approximately 220 kg. Inter-calving intervals average 365-380 days, supported by a shorter period of about 270 days and the cows' quick return to estrus post-calving. Although early selection showed some decline in reproductive traits, subsequent breeding has maintained high fertility without significant . Over their productive lifespan, which often extends 12-25 years, these cows demonstrate strong maternal instincts, providing abundant and vigilant care that enable calves to double their within the first six weeks. This results in high lifetime productivity, underscoring the breed's efficiency in reproductive performance. The docile temperament of Lowline also facilitates straightforward calving in various production settings.

Uses

Meat Production

Australian Lowline cattle are prized for their beef production capabilities, producing characterized by high marbling and exceptional tenderness. The content is notably higher than in standard breeds, enhancing juiciness and flavor without excessive external fat deposition. This marbling profile results in a fine-grained texture that appeals to markets seeking premium, flavorful cuts. Carcass traits of Australian Lowline further support efficient production, with dressing percentages approximately 55%, reflecting a high yield relative to live weight due to their compact build and minimal . The rib eye area is proportionally large relative to body weight. These attributes, combined with low external fat levels, facilitate straightforward processing and result in lean yet succulent products suitable for high-end butchery. In the market, Australian Lowline commands premium pricing, particularly in grass-fed segments, where its efficiency allows for cost-effective production on smaller while aligning with organic and sustainable farming systems. The breed's ability to finish on supports practices, yielding that meets demands for ethically raised, high-quality protein in both domestic and export markets, such as , where tenderness is highly valued. This positions Lowline as a versatile option for producers aiming for profitability in niche, value-added sectors.

Farm and Lifestyle Applications

Australian Lowline cattle are particularly well-suited for small acreage farms due to their compact size, which allows for higher stocking rates—nearly twice that of standard breeds—enabling efficient use of limited land without requiring extensive . Their smaller frame, approximately 60% that of larger breeds, reduces the need for robust fencing and handling facilities, lowering overall setup and maintenance costs for operations on plots as small as four acres. Additionally, their efficient feed conversion on minimizes supplemental hay requirements and decreases the risk of or paddock damage compared to larger . In lifestyle blocks and homesteads, Australian Lowlines serve as an accessible option for non-commercial production, often kept in numbers suitable for family consumption with carcasses that fit standard freezers. Their docile temperament makes them ideal for educational purposes, such as in agricultural programs, or even as recreational "" cattle in urban-adjacent settings where space is constrained. This adaptability extends to their role in preserving efficient genetics from the original program, contributing to breed conservation efforts among small-scale enthusiasts. Crossbreeding Australian Lowlines with other miniature breeds enhances hybrid vigor, producing uniform calves with improved fertility and calving ease for niche markets focused on small-farm sustainability. Internationally, the breed has been adopted in countries like the , , and , where their small size supports practices by reducing and promoting grass-finished systems on diverse terrains.

References

  1. https://breeds.okstate.edu/cattle/australian-lowline-cattle.html
  2. https://www.thecattlesite.com/breeds/beef/103/lowline
  3. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/the-breed/history
  4. https://www.lowlinecattle.eu/history-lowline-cattle
  5. https://www.australianheritageangus.com/history-of-ausline-cattle/
  6. https://americanaberdeen.com/history/
  7. https://www.angus.org/about/history
  8. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/History-of-the-Breed-%E2%80%93-Preface-of-ALCA-Foundation-Herd-Book-by-David-Barnett-OBE-Foundation-Member.pdf
  9. https://www.rarebreeds.co.nz/lowline.html
  10. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/the-association
  11. https://canadianlowline.com/FAQ.html
  12. https://7csfarms.ca/article-hub/comparing-full-sized-angus-lowline-angus-perfect-choice-for-farm-to-table/
  13. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Breed-Standard-extract-2019.pdf
  14. https://www.angusaustralia.com.au/news/understanding-the-genetics-of-coat-colour
  15. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/the-breed/faq
  16. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/the-breed/benefits
  17. https://www.farmstyle.com.au/news/guide-selecting-small-cattle-small-farms
  18. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Lowline-Journal-2010.pdf
  19. https://www.amberfield.com.au/whylowline.php
  20. http://www.wanamaralowline.com.au/why-buy-lowlines.html
  21. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/pdf/49640_ALCA-WEB-Version.pdf
  22. http://www.spurcattle.com/lowline-angus.htm
  23. https://www.aaabg.org/livestocklibrary/1991/ab91034.pdf
  24. https://www.thebeefsite.com/breeds/beef/103/lowline
  25. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Lowline-Journal-2016.pdf
  26. https://www.mla.com.au/contentassets/1501a9cd059a440d8685e393c4a70aaf/dan.075_final_report.pdf
  27. https://www.lowlinecattle.eu/lowline-beef-production
  28. https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/features/lowline-cattle-on-a-mission/
  29. https://casablanca.co.nz/lifestylers.html
  30. https://www.lowlinecattleassoc.com.au/2016/03/grow-your-own-beef-using-lowline-cattle
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.