The Stabiliser production system reduces:
Feed costs | Forage efficient cows |
Finishing costs | Good performance on grass |
Labour costs | Easy care docile cows |
Veterinary costs | Easy calving and robust |
Herd depreciation costs | Retained long-lived replacements |
Breeding costs | High cow to bull ratio |
Housing costs | Hardy; ability to be out-wintered |
Calving interval | Faster re-breeding |
Disease risk | Closed herd breeding system |
The traits that make this happen are:
Maternal Traits | |
Optimum milking ability | Increases calf weaning weights |
Low birthweight | Improves calving ease |
Good calf viability/survival rates | Maximises calf numbers |
Improved fertility | High level of breeding |
Medium size | Low maintenance costs |
Early puberty | First calving at 2 years |
Retains hybrid vigour | Maximises Output |
Terminal Traits | |
Fertile and active bulls | High cow to bull ratio |
High growth rates | Increases output |
Good carcase grades | Increases value |
High eating quality | Branding potential |
Breed Characteristics | |
Robust structure | Reduces costs |
Mainly polled | Reduces labour |
Docile temperament | Easier to handle |
Morrisons Yearling beef Scheme
The objective of the partnership is “to develop a sustainable system of profitable suckler beef production for UK conditions that is not dependent upon subsidies”. The way it is organised means Morrisons get the beef quality they want and breeders get a premium for hitting the specifications.
There are also benefits in terms or coordinated and subsidies transport and for those using the approved finishing unit a finance scheme that smooths cash flow.
The key specification elements for bulls are 12-14 months old, 320-370kg carcase weight and 3 or 4L fat, R or better conformation. The steers have the same weigh, fat and conformation spec but can be up to 18 months old.
Bull Blue Print | |
Age at slaughter | 13 months |
Growth rate from birth to weaning | 1.4kg/d LW |
Growth rate weaning to slaughter | 1.6 kg/d LW |
Carcass weight | 360kg |
Grading | 70%R 30%U |
Steer Blueprint | |
Age at slaughter | 18 months |
Growth rate from birth to weaning | 1.1 kg/d LW |
Growth rate weaning to slaughter | 1.2 kg/d LW |
Carcass weight | 350kg |
Grading | 76%R 3%U |
See Best Practice Manual for management advice to hit these targets
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