How has the breed profile of the GB cattle herd changed?

The choice of breeds involved in beef production vary for many reasons. Supply chain requirements, meat quality traits, on-farm performance and livestock husbandry all play a part. Consequentially, cattle breed populations change regularly, with trends visible over time. Data from BCMS allows us to explore how the breed profile of the national herd has changed.

On 1 January 2023, there were 7.75 million cattle on the ground in GB according to BCMS. This was relatively stable compared to the same point a year ago (-0.2%), but 5% (411,000 head) smaller than five years previous.

Out of those 7.75 million, 19% were registered as Holstein Friesian. The number of Holstein Friesian cattle has been generally falling over the past five years but remains the most populous breed by some margin.

Aberdeen Angus X (AAX) accounted for just under 12% of the total herd, which continued the steady long-term growth of the breed. As of 1 January 2023 data, AAX overtook Limousin X as the most populous beef-cross breed in GB.

Other breeds that remained in growth included British Blue X (BRBX), Hereford X and Beef Shorthorn X.

Registrations from the dairy and beef herds

While interesting to look at top-line figures, what is perhaps more pertinent from a beef supply perspective are the differences in birth trends between the dairy and beef breeding herds.

Dairy-born registrations

Total birth registrations to dairy dams in 2022 remained relatively stable versus the year before at 1.44 million head (-0.2%).

Looking at breeds born from the dairy herd, unsurprisingly the most populous breed was Holstein Friesian (24% of registrations). The proportion of births registered as such has fallen over time, down from 39% in 2012. On the contrary the fastest growing breeds have been AAX and BRBX. Overtaking BRBX in 2022, AAX accounted for 18% of dairy registrations in 2022, up from 7% in 2012. 17% of dairy registrations were BRBX in 2022, up from 8% in 2012.

Hereford X births have remained stable at around 5% over the past few years, while other beef breeds like Limousin X and Simmental X have been steadily falling.

Beef-born registrations

Meanwhile, birth registrations to beef dams in 2022 stood at 1.21 million, down 1% versus the year before.

From a breed perspective, the general trend of declining registrations of continentals and growth in natives continued. In 2022, 23% of registrations were Limousin X, down from 28% a decade ago. Other continental breeds including Charloais X, Simmental X and Blonde D’Aquitaine continued to reduce.

Conversely, registrations of AAX rose from 10% in 2012 to 15% in 2022. Hereford X and Beef Shorthorn X have also remained in growth.

You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.