Morrisons sets feed guidelines for Beef Shorthorn scheme

Morrisons has laid down finishing ration guidelines for Beef Shorthorn farmers looking to supply its new premium brand.

To qualify for the scheme – unveiled by Morrisons and the Beef Shorthorn Society at the Great Yorkshire Show (12 July) – cattle will be finished for the last 90 days on a “specific balanced diet”, before choice steak cuts are dry aged.

This is to ensure energy levels and the right balance of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) are present in cattle rations to promote optimal fat cover.

See also: Morrisons offer 25p/kg Beef Shorthorn premium

Guideline rations

• Energy: 10.8ME as a target. With finishers being “better off” at 11.5ME
• Protein: At least 13%CP but aim for 14%CP
• Fibre rationing is based on fibre NDF levels
• 35% starch by dry matter
• Maximum 10% of total dry matter from potatoes, or potato-derived products
• Vitamin E should be included at a rate of 500 IU per head per day
• Products known to taint or discolour meat, such as onions or beetroot, are not permitted.
• Extracted starch products may not be used.
• Care should be exercised in the use of urea and urea-based products to ensure they are properly mixed and used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Rather than prescribing what is fed, Morrisons will adapt rations according to what farmers have available to feed on their farm, be it grass silage, maize, barley, wheat, total mixed rations, blends etc.