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The five areas which research has shown to be key to improving returns will be adapted and applied to the four main segments of beef production (suckler cow management, and three finishing systems: suckler beef, Holstein bull beef and beef x dairy).
The use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) when selecting sires can result in an extra £30 per calf and improve performance of animals for both breeding and slaughter. EBLEX Beef BRP will explain EBVs and give guidance on which traits to look for when selecting a bull, and look at breeding strategy for both dairy farmers and suckler cow producers.
Tighter calving patterns can improve returns by up to £60 per cow. This is just one factor being looked at under fertility and health. Other issues include stock bull performance, herd replacements and herd health programmes.
Feed costs are the single biggest variable cost of a beef enterprise so it follows that it is vital to be feeding the right rations at the right price. Improved grazing management and correct ration control can save up to 10% of your feed costs. Feeding events and information will help with ration formulation and provide advice on feed planning and where alternative feedstuffs can fit into the diet.
Over 50% of beasts slaughtered in England do not meet target specification and will receive penalties. It is estimated that UK producers lose out on £12.5 million each year by supplying overfat cattle. Through EBLEX Beef BRP there are opportunities to attend Live-to-Dead days at abattoirs looking at both clean cattle and cull cows, handling them and assessing them both on the hoof then on the hook. Selection days at markets are also on the agenda with the key message through all of this being: select your animals for specific market requirements to obtain the best returns.
Achieving the best balance between enterprise resources and performance levels within the beef unit is a constant challenge for beef producers. Under this heading will be the newly developed Beef Snapshot [link to beef snapshot] which is an easy to use traffic light system to indicate what improvements need to be made within your business.
