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Abattoir data helps farmers select top breeding stock
Wednesday, 24 May 2023
Abattoir data from across the UK is used by AHDB to carry out genetic evaluations for slaughter age, carcase weight, conformation and fat class for British beef and sheep, writes Harriet Bunning.
The genetic merit of animals is reported as estimated breeding values (EBVs) and delivered to the industry through two AHDB-funded initiatives, the National Beef Evaluation (NBE) for cattle and as part of Signet’s genetic evaluation service for sheep.
A farmer can use this information to choose their next stock bull or ram to maximise the value of their calves and lambs.
Unlike other pedigree evaluations, the NBE uses data submitted by abattoirs rather than pedigree bull breeders, meaning even herds which do not performance record or even keep pedigree stock, can have EBVs.
For sheep producers, the recent launch of breeding values for abattoir traits was made possible through a levy-funded progeny test, RamCompare, that was run as a pilot project to show the value of this data in genetic evaluations.
The evolution of abattoir derived breeding values is a major step forward, as bull and ram selection become increasingly focussed on these economically important traits.