The Quality Charter
1. Early maturing
The influence of Limousin suckler sires and dams has never been more
important. An early-maturing breed, Limousins naturally produce young,
but mature, lean beef in the medium weight range demanded by supermarkets
and for intervention supply.
2. Carcase quality
The Limousin has built a reputation for being The Carcase Breed. It
produces beef with a low proportion of bone and fat, a top killing-out
percentage and a high yield of saleable meat (73.3%). Half and three-quarter-bred
carcases have excellent conformation well-suited to the market, which
demands a consistent, lean beef product. A Reading University study
into beef production highlighted the fact that suckled three-quarter-bred
Limousin calves produce 98% of carcases classified -U or better. The
meat quality of the Limousin carcase remains high whatever the animal's
age at slaughter.
3. Economic efficiency
Limousins guarantee excellent productivity at a low cost. The bulls
are extremely fertile and their good conformation is passed on to all
progeny, whatever the dams' breeding, while their lighter frame ensures
ease of calving.
4. High food conversion
The Limousin is a profitable converter of all feeds. Commercial producers
around the UK testify that Limousins cross-breds demonstrate a higher
live weight gain per kilo of food consumed than those of any other
breed. Beef producers rearing Limousin cattle can expect bulls and
cross-bred cows to do well on marginal land and their progeny to finish
faster. In an age where profit margins are determined by production
costs, this trait is of tremendous benefit.
5. Quality from dairy cows
Limousin cross Holstein Friesian suckler cows play a dominant role in
commercial beef production. When crossed back to Limousin bulls, their
three-quarter progeny produce carcases of similar quality and conformation
to pure-breds.
6. Traceability
Pure-bred Limousin females are top class suckler cows and provide
a viable commercial option for producers with a closed herd policy.
They demonstrate high fertility, a good milking ability, high conception
rates and ease of calving. Use of the breed guarantees vigorous calves
stamped with Limousin quality and home-bred replacements ensure total
traceability from birth to slaughter.
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