Presidential Address Selection of Cattle for Tropical Environments

Australia has a special obligation, in view of its large size and low human population density, to utilize its land resources fully. The main hope of widespread permanent settlement lies in the pastoral industry, and, for the climatically difficult areas of northern Australia, beef cattle production offers most promise. Two types of tropical environment must be recognised the hot humid and ’ the hot dry and selection of cattle having adaptational advantages appropriate to these, as well as to the intermediate climatic types, is necessary. While research into characteristics of cattle most suitable for hot-humid climates has advanced significantly, progress has been slower in identifying the traits most desirable for very hot-dry regions. Walking ability and water economy as well as heat tolerance are obvious prerequisites for survival in such areas,. and an objective method of measuring these is discussed. Some behavioural patterns of Shorthorn cattle, observed during hot months on a shadeless tract of country on which cattle grazed five miles out from a single watering point, are also described. The need is stressed for further, more intensive study where facilities for handling cattle are available. In pursuance of this, the establishment of a National Arid Zone Cattle Research Centre, available to visiting groups of scientists, is advocated.