Maximising forage in ewe diets and the Beef Feed Efficiency Programme are some of the projects highlighted in AHDB's 2016 research and development review.
The second edition of the report summarises the research carried out by the organisation on behalf of levy payers over the last 12 months, including key findings from completed projects and updates on ongoing research.
AHDB Beef & Lamb funds around 25 research projects a year, covering five key areas: health and welfare, nutrition, genetics, meat quality and sustainable systems of production.
A number of PhD projects are also funded, which produce high-quality research while providing training for people keen to enter the industry.
Dr Liz Genever, Beef & Lamb senior scientist at AHDB said the aim of the research AHDB Beef & Lamb undertakes is to produce "practical outcomes that can be adopted by the industry."
“The R&D Review is a good opportunity to tell levy payers about the breadth of work we are involved in and show how their money is being spent," Dr Genever said.
Adam Quinney, Beef & Lamb sector chair said: “Work by AHDB Beef & Lamb covers all aspects of beef cattle and sheep production, with the aim of improving efficiencies for the beef and sheep sector.
“As a levy payer and board chairman, the review is an easy way to gain an overview of research carried out in the key areas of production.”
Beef Feed Efficiency Programme
The ability to select cattle that eat less than others, but grow at the same rate offers tremendous opportunities to cut the cost of production across the UK beef industry
The Beef Feed Efficiency Programme aims to demonstrate the ability to measure and select for feed efficiency traits in beef cattle on specially equipped commercial farms.
Its ambition is to establish a system for recording feed efficiency that can be extended to other cattle breeds in the future.
