Research Worth £1.5m to Drive Beef Efficiency

UK - A new £1.5 million research project is aiming to improve youngstock health and improve efficiency in feed and forage use to drive productivity in the industry.

8 November 2016

1 minute read

Europe

UK levy board AHDB Beef & Lamb is looking for research and industry collaborators to form a five-year Beef Knowledge Partnership focusing on these key areas of beef production.

Dr Mary Vickers, AHDB Beef & Lamb senior scientist, said: “Mortality and production loss due to disease have a significant impact on the bottom line, and reduce our competitiveness internationally. Increasing pressure to minimise antibiotic use across the livestock industry means that it is more important than ever to focus on proactive cattle health management.

“Food and forage use efficiency is another key factor in sustaining a profitable beef system. Research on beef ration formulation is now 30 years old, so there is a real need for updating through new research.

“A partnership approach provides a flexible means for researchers and the beef industry to work collaboratively.

“The five-year term of the agreement means the work being undertaken can respond dynamically to new developments or emerging science.”