New Qms-funded research aims for optimal size for livestock

Size does matter – that’s the message being rolled out to Scottish farmers.

A new research project launched this week aims to help livestock farmers improve production efficiency by allowing them to determine the optimum mature size for sheep and beef cattle – a move which is likely to reverse the growing tendency towards ever larger animals.

The project, carried out by Abacusbio International and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), will look at the effects of different mature weights on issues such as herd fertility and business profitability.

The project, funded jointly by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), AHDB and HCC, aims to use the research to develop techniques and tools which pedigree breeders and commercial farmers can use to ensure they can recognise the optimum mature weight for their enterprises.

“Breeding flocks and herds represent the backbone of lamb and beef production in Great Britain,” said QMS director of industry development, Douglas Bell.

He said that while profitability was related to the productivity of the breeding population, enterprise efficiency also required a sound understanding of the cost base as well as the output potential. Bell said that this knowledge would encourage efficiencies which would benefit both the economics of production and the environment.

Tim Byrne, managing director of Abacusbio International said that slowing down the trend for larger livestock was vital. He said that while this trend also saw growth rates rising, animals were not being slaughtered nay younger – leading to the benefits of being diluted by increased costs.

He said: “This project will demonstrate exactly what producers should be trying to achieve to maximise their productivity and profitability.”

The work is financed by the ring-fenced fund of AHDB red meat levies gathered on animal bred in Scotland and slaughtered in England being used for collaborative projects.