British Livestock Genetics

The number of beef-sired calves born annually in England has declined by almost 70,000 over the past four years, reveals the latest English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX) analysis of British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) registrations.

BCMS figures for 2006 showed that total (beef and dairy) calves born have declined by almost 175,000 over the last four years. Dairy-bred calves were responsible for almost two thirds of this decline, not surprisingly perhaps given the continued consolidation of the dairy herd. The fact that 54% of animals registered from dairy sires were female against an average 50% across all breeds further suggests a significant number of dairy-bred male calves were disposed of on-farm, although the resumption of live cattle exports in May 2006 opened a viable alternative market for these animals.

The noticeably smaller annual decline in beef calf registrations since 2002 means a clear increase in the proportion of beef-sired calves joining the national herd - from 65% in 2002 to 67% in 2006. This changing balance should make a positive contribution to both carcase quality and slaughter weights.

Within the beef sector Limousins continued to dominate, being responsible for nearly a quarter of all and over two thirds of beef-sired calf registrations in 2006 and showing an ongoing increase in popularity since 2002. Slipping back but holding onto second place in the popularity stakes are Charolais sires (9% of total registrations), while Simmentals (8%) also slipped, allowing British Blues (8%) to narrowly take their place as the third most popular beef breed, having markedly increased their share.

Interestingly, Aberdeen Angus showed the most significant increase in annual births - up more than 21,000 on 2002 to an 8% share of total registrations - reflecting an improvement in breed fortunes almost certainly arising from the development of breed-specific branded and other quality beef marketing initiatives.

Herefords also showed a parallel increase in popularity, cementing their sixth place in the beef breed rankings with a 5% market share. Blonde d'Aquitaines fell back to 3% while the level of registrations from the vast range of other breeds also declined.

[09/01/2008]





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BCMS figures for 2006 showed that total (beef and dairy) calves born have declined by almost 175,000 over the last four years. Dairy-bred calves were responsible for almost two thirds of this decline, not surprisingly perhaps given the continued consolidation of the dairy herd. The fact that 54% of animals registered from dairy sires were female against an average 50% across all breeds further suggests a significant number of dairy-bred male calves were disposed of on-farm, although the resumption of live cattle exports in May 2006 opened a viable alternative market for these animals. The noticeably smaller annual decline in beef calf registrations since 2002 means a clear increase in the proportion of beef-sired calves joining the national herd - from 65% in 2002 to 67% in 2006. This changing balance should make a positive contribution to both carcase quality and slaughter weights. Within the beef sector Limousins continued to dominate, being responsible for nearly a quarter of all and over two thirds of beef-sired calf registrations in 2006 and showing an ongoing increase in popularity since 2002. Slipping back but holding onto second place in the popularity stakes are Charolais sires (9% of total registrations), while Simmentals (8%) also slipped, allowing British Blues (8%) to narrowly take their place as the third most popular beef breed, having markedly increased their share. Interestingly, Aberdeen Angus showed the most significant increase in annual births - up more than 21,000 on 2002 to an 8% share of total registrations - reflecting an improvement in breed fortunes almost certainly arising from the development of breed-specific branded and other quality beef marketing initiatives. Herefords also showed a parallel increase in popularity, cementing their sixth place in the beef breed rankings with a 5% market share. Blonde d'Aquitaines fell back to 3% while the level of registrations from the vast range of other breeds also declined. [09/01/2008]