A new approach to Adult Equivalent methodology

The Adult Equivalent (AE) is the standard measure of grazing loads used in extensive cattle grazing areas across northern and pastoral Australia. Despite its common use, the measure has been inconsistently defined and applied and this has limited its application and utility.

A practical, defendable methodology has been developed which provides an accurate, consistent means of calculating cattle grazing loads for production systems across northern Australia. The methodology calculates the energy demand of cattle based on animal specific variables. The calculated energy demand is expressed relative to the energy demand of the Adult Equivalent standard unit, ie a 450 kg Bos taurus steer at maintenance.

A spreadsheet based tool has been developed which applies the methodology to whole herd or individual classes of animals. It also generates a suite of tables which give AE ratings based on various physiological variables.

Join Ian McLean and Shane Blakeley from Bush Agribusiness Pty Ltd  as they discuss:

1. Background to methodology and project

2. Approach taken in developing methodology

• What is an AE a measure of?
• What is the equivalent?
• What inputs determine relative rating?

3. Issues with having standard measure for North

• Diet quality
• Distance walked

4. Tools and tables developed

5. Demonstration of tools

Who should register for this webinar?

This event is for anyone involved along the red meat supply chain including producers, processors, brand managers, supply chain managers, agents, consultants and consumers.

The session will be recorded and a link will be sent to all those who register. So if you can’t attend on the day, you won’t miss out.

To successfully participate in this webinar

1. Reserve your webinar seat now by following this link. Or copy and paste this into your web browser: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/136279718

You need to register to receive your personal login details (if you don’t receive an automated response within a minute or so, check your junk email folder).

2. Click the option to ‘Add to Outlook calendar’ to get an automated reminder to join the webinar.

3. Test your computer set-up beforehand by going to this Citrix website (http://bit.ly/citrix_test) and click on the ‘Join a session’ link. If you have problems, contact your local computer support people or the friendly GoToWebinar support folk (1800 356 792 in Australia).

4. Join 10 minutes early on the day of the webinar. You can interact by typing questions in the Q&A panel or by raising your electronic hand.

This is a BeefConnect event, brought to you through a partnership between FutureBeef and Beef Central.