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projects : technical : growth and muscle press releaseGrowth and Muscle Press ReleaseLimousin Performance Figures Show Continued Genetic Improvement In Growth and Muscle The Limousin breed continues to show ongoing improvement in the economically relevant traits of growth and muscle. That’s the clear message from the latest genetic trends for the breed produced by MLC Signet Breeding Services. Recently published Limousin breed averages indicate that breed improvement is continuous, cumulative and will add value to all stages of the production chain. Breeding potential for growth trait figures from 2000 to 2005 show a 25% increase in the 400 day growth EBV to the present average figure of +20kg. The 20kg difference against a bull with a trait EBV of 0 when halved is the expected performance advantage of the progeny. Over 50 calves per year, the extra output potential is economically very advantageous. Similarly, economic advantages are also extended if bulls have superior EBVs for muscling. The Limousin figures for Muscle Depth EBV show a marked 30% improvement in the previous four years to the present average level of +1.3mm. Based on the ultrasonic measurement of eye muscle depth at around 400 days, this figure provides a direct measure of carcase worth in live animals. A particularly relevant point is that the trends show that the improvement in growth has been achieved at the same time as the breed further improving its muscling. The demonstrable breed improvement in performance figures come at a time when the numbers of Limousin cattle recorded continues to grow year on year. In the Limousin Breed Evaluation of March 2006 there were 290,000 data sets. The next landmark of 300,000 will be broken in the course of 2006. Performance recording is driven on by the demand for recorded bulls from pedigree breeders and commercial producers alike. In 2005, 81% of bulls sold at Collective Society Sales were performance recorded and grossed £1,687,629. Prices largely followed figures with bulls ranked in the top 1% of recorded Limousin animals selling to average close on £5000. Commenting, Jim Bloom, BLCS Technical Chairman said: “The demonstrable breed improvement in muscle and growth, added to breeders’ ongoing commitment to performance record their cattle, will further serve to increase buyers’ confidence in the performance and profitability of Limousin cattle. Buyers at sales know they have a diverse choice of stock to select from that are both visually appealing and high in genetic merit.” In 2005, there was a further 8% increase in Limousin herds performance recording.
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