Lowline cattle are a pure Australian breed of cattle which were developed at the Australian government’s Trangie Research Centre in New South Wales.  The original cattle were purchased from an Aberdeen Angus seed stock producer in Canada in 1929.  For the next 35 years, top purebred Angus cattle from Scotland, Canada, and the United States, were brought into the herd.  In 1964, the research centre closed the herd to outside animals and 10 years later began to research three distinct growth rates within the herd; one with high yearling growth rates, one with low yearling growth rates, and one control group.  The Australian government began a detailed evaluation of weight gain, feed intake, reproductive performance, milk production, carcass yield and quality, and structural soundness. Through 20 years of research, the Low lines were found to be extremely efficient in their protein conversion while being able to maintain the other desired research outcomes. Interest in the smaller animals was great, and a new breed,”Lowline” was created. The Lowline herd was released onto the Australian market in 1992, and came to North America in 1996.

Lowline cattle possess many traits that help them excel in today’s cattle industry.  They are naturally polled, black in colour, small framed, easy calvers, docile, and exhibit rapid early growth with moderate mature growth rate.  Lowline have superior carcass qualities.  The carcasses have less back fat  and have superb marbling.  The meat is tender and tasty.  The smaller cuts of meat are desireable in today’s market.

A mature Lowline bull stands approximately 42 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 1000-1200 pounds.  Lowline bulls are muscular, virile, and have a strong libido, while displaying a gentle temperament. A mature Lowline cow stands approximately 39 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately  800-900 pounds.  Lowline cows are natural mothers and provide ample milk.  They have a breeding history of regular calving and calving ease. Calving losses are extremely low.  Lowline calves average 40 pounds.  They double their weight by six weeks of age.  Lowline calves are vigorous and healthy, and are up and running very shortly after birth. At one year of age, Lowline females weigh in the 420 pound range while one year old bulls weigh in the 510 pound range.

Lowlines do not carry the Achondroplasia Dwarfism gene; they are bred to be the manageable size that is the defining breed characteristic.

Lowline cattle are predictable and consistent.  Lowline cattle combine many desireable traits which appeal to the small acreage farmer, the commercial cattleman, and the beef consumer.

Lowline cattle are a natural choice for the small acreage farmer.   Their manageable size makes them easy keepers.  They are easy on the environment, maintaining themselves on grass, and require minimal handling facilities.  Their docile temperament makes them easy and a pleasure to manage.  Big Island Lowlines receives great interest from cattlemen who have had cattle all of their lives, and now are interested in a breed that is a bit more manageable.  As well, Big Island Lowlines receives interest from many who own or have just purchased a small acreage and are interested in running some cattle, and from those who work off the farm as well, and are looking for easy keepers.

Crossbreeding with a Lowline bull will result in easy calving, with the benefits of the original Aberdeen Angus genes.  This is especially helpful with first-time calving heifers.  A 1000-1200 pound heifer will produce a calf weighing 70-80 pounds.  The calves are born small and aggressive with rapid early growth.  Lowline cross animals easily reach slaughter requirements compatible with other breeds on roughly a 1/3 less feed.  Big Island Lowlines receives great interest from cattlemen wanting to downsize their herd  and subsequently their feed costs, as well as to reduce calving loss.  Commercial heifers bred to a Lowline bull calve easily and breed back quickly, reducing calving interval. Those using Big Island Lowline bulls have been very pleased with their halfblood calves.  Big Island Lowlines has been successfully crossbreeding and selling these animals since 2005.  We have been crossing with Galloway, Angus, and Simmental.

Lowline cattle reach market weights on roughly 1/2 to 1/3 less feed. Carcasses yield between 60 and 65%. Lowline beef is tender, tasty, and well marbled.  The cuts are smaller, which is desired by many in the beef consumer market.  Lowline beef is highly sought after in restaurants in Australia and the United States.  This is an area of great promise in Canada as well.  Big Island Lowlines had it’s first experience selling beef in the summer and fall of 2006.  We have received extremely positive feedback and will have many repeat customers.  Many customers told us that the beef was “the best beef we have had in years!”  We are very excited about the excellent product we are able to provide to beef consumers!

The future is very promising for Lowline cattle.  The breed is moving forward with every step taken receiving positive results.  The Canadian Lowline Cattle Association is committed to maintaining genetic purity and breed integrity, and requires DNA parentage verification on all fullblood Lowlines.  The Association membership is very excited about the breed, and is working hard to promote the excellent traits of Lowline cattle, as well as the opportunities available to those considering investing in the breed.