Growth

Weaning weights of Belmonts have been higher than those of Herefords on spear grass (poor nutrition) and improved pastures (good nutrition) at ‘Narrayen’ and ‘Brigalow’. In Central Queensland weaning weights of Belmonts have been similar to those of Droughtmaster, Brahman-cross and Santa Gertrudis on commercial and research stations. At ‘Brigalow’ yearling (379d) weights of Belmonts were 13.5% heavier than Herefords. In ‘Aus-Meat trials’ (Average from 9 trials held in Queensland & New South Wales, 1988 – 1995): Weight gains of Belmonts were 4, 15 and 9 % higher than the trial average.

	Grain-fed Export	Grain-fed Domestic	Grass-fed Export
Belmont	1.74 kg/day	2.11 kg/day	110.6 kg
Trial Avg	1.67 kg/day	1.84 kg/day	101.3 kg

At  “Narrayen” cow weights of Belmont’s on Spear grass were heavier than Herefords by 25kg in October  (post calving) and 17 kg in mid April (weaning), demonstrating the Belmonts ability to handle poorer quality feed better than the Herefords.