Austrex Launched Brahman Cattle Feedlot Trial
Livestock exporters and producers are evaluating breed performance in Indonesian markets to refine future supply chain decisions.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Agriculture
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In July 2026, Austrex and the Australian Brahman Breeders' Association began a feedlot trial tracking 700 Brahman cattle from Northern Australia. The project monitors growth and carcass metrics at the PAM Feedlot in Lampung, Indonesia.
Why it matters
The trial aims to determine the commercial competitiveness of Australian livestock within Indonesian feedlots to guide future breeding and export investments. Producers are using these performance metrics to align their herds with specific international market demands.
The trial involves 700 head of cattle sourced from nine Northern Australian properties. Animals are being tracked over a 100-day feeding period to assess commercial viability.
The players
Austrex
An international livestock exporter specializing in the movement of cattle and sheep from Australia to global markets.
Australian Brahman Breeders' Association
An industry body dedicated to the promotion and genetic improvement of the Brahman breed within the Australian cattle sector.
PT Pramana Austindo Mahardika
An Indonesian agribusiness entity operating feedlot infrastructure for imported livestock.
The details
Researchers are measuring key indicators including establishment performance, average daily gain, feed conversion, and carcase dressing percentage. Cattle are held under normal commercial operating conditions at the PAM Feedlot in Lampung to ensure data reflects real-world market outcomes. Project partners include Austrex, PT Pramana Austindo Mahardika, and the Australian Brahman Breeders' Association.
Timeline
Late July 2026: Cattle export from Darwin commenced.
August 2026: Cattle export from Darwin concluded.
November 2026: The 100-day feeding component of the trial will conclude.
Market Landscape
This trial follows the established pattern of using large-scale feedlot studies to validate the export competitiveness of specific Australian cattle breeds in Southeast Asian markets. It sits within the ongoing effort to optimize the Northern Australian livestock export trade dynamics through standardized performance testing.
Operators should monitor the results to identify if specific genetic markers or growth rates correlate with higher profitability in tropical feedlot environments. Use these metrics as a benchmark when reviewing future breeding strategies or adjusting supply chain contracts for export-focused production.
The takeaway
This trial highlights the shift toward data-driven export strategies where specific carcase performance is as critical as animal volume. Operators should prepare for potential requests from export partners for more granular performance data on future cattle consignments.
What happens next
Performance data analysis is scheduled to follow the conclusion of the feeding phase in November 2026.
Further reading
For broader trends in global livestock production and trade, see the latest updates in our Agriculture section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Queensland Register.
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