2009 Peter Olsen Fellowship winner - Jason Schulz
Jason Schulz, the recipi
Jason, a member of the Co
“It was a very informative and enlightening trip and has provided us with knowledge to help develop our Raven Limousin stud,” Jason said.
“It has also provided us with future contacts to assist us with future breeding and marketing strategies.
“I am extremely grateful to the Peter Olsen Fellowship for making this trip possible.”
The focus of the study tour was to learn more about the F94L (muscle) gene in the Limousin breed.
“We had discussions with a number of genomic researchers from the two USDA research farms we visited in Montana and Nebraska.
“We also had an opportunity to look through the herds at the four Limousin seedstock producers we visited for potential future bloodlines that we may access through artificial insemination.
“We now have a greater understanding of the F94L gene and what that means to producers buying and using sires that carry one or two copies of the gene.”
Jason said the US findings were similar to University of Adelaide research, led by Dr Wayne Pritchford, which identifies a F94L gene mutation as one of the key influences in Limousin muscle development.
“Almost all Limousin cattle generally have one or two copies, with the large majority having two copies of the allele.
“Animals with two copies have a greater eye muscle area, carcase yield, increased leanness, but there is no negative effect on tenderness or calving ease.”
At the USDA Clay Research Centre in Nebraska, the Schulzes viewed the "Across Breeds Performance" trial which supplies data for a national breeding standard.
Jason has given a presentation on his findings to a National Limousin breeders’ conference and will speak at the 2010 Spirit of Excellence in Agriculture Awards dinner later this year.
“The overall trip was a tremendous experience and a huge benefit in developing our Limousin stud.
“As well as gaining knowledge, we made some valuable contacts which will be useful for our business.”
