Our Programs

The genetics used in the breeding program originate from some of the best genetics to have left Japan and are maintained in a breeding nucleus in Australia.

Semen used in the program is collected in a licensed semen centre and is handled and distributed to breeders with the greatest attention to detail. All semen collection and handling is done in accordance with company standards which have been set well above industry standards.

DBA producers comprise 2 different groups:

• Dairy Breeders
• Australian Black (AB) Breeders

Dairy Breeders

Calves will only be bred on selected farms that have demonstrated a commitment to best breeding management practice. Breeders are required to maintain records of semen use and calving, DBA stipulates best practice methods are used in calf preparation for collection. Tight controls are in place to ensure that the calves entering the production system are progeny of semen supplied by the company.

Dairy Breeding & Rearing

A number of company approved dairy farms will rear the calves they have bread to 150+ kilos under strict company protocols. It is critical that these calves reach pre-determined weights and the necessary treatment and feeding details have been supplied by the dairy farmer prior to purchase by DBA.

Australian Black Breeders

More suited to traditional beef producers the Australian Black program allows producers to take advantage of on farm sales with associated premiums.  Selected F1 females are available for sale to approved beef producers to breed Australian Black progeny. Semen is collected from specially bred composite bulls and is made available through DBA. Calves are reared on their mothers until they are sold back to DBA between 9 and 12 months of age. 

Calves born on dairy farms are weaned from their mothers within a week of birth and placed in specialized calf rearing facilities. Calves failing to meet rigid health requirements or identity checks are rejected. The calf rearers rear these calves to thirteen weeks of age. They are responsible for the complete welfare of these animals whilst in their care and adhere to standard operating procedures supplied by the company. These cover the feeding, handling, routine husbandry and veterinary treatment of the calves. Calf rearers need to demonstrate a commitment to animal welfare and are required to operate according to a code of practice that has been developed by the company. 

Accumulator facilities are collection facilities for calves between the age of approximately thirteen weeks and twelve months.  The facility owner / manager is responsible for the everyday wellbeing of the weaners.  They are fed a ration especially formulated by DBA.  Animal health treatments are administered to the calves in accordance with DBA Standard Operating Procedures and are recorded accordingly.  At approximately twelve months of age the calves will progress to the feedlot which they will stay at until they finish the production cycle.

At twelve months of age, the animals are moved to company contracted feedlots. All feedlots are accredited to National Feedlot Association Scheme (NFAS) however as part of their requirements they must comply with the DBA protocols. The cattle are fed a ration especially formulated by DBA.

Having achieved the target weights at the feedlots, the cattle are processed at a licensed abattoir. Process management is a critical stage in the production chain of high quality meat and is a major focus.

Meat packaging and distribution is supervised by Security Food representatives and is undertaken in compliance with strict government guidelines, quality assurance programs and Security Foods guidelines.