AHDB seeking partners for £1.5m beef efficiency project

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

The aim of the £1.5m project is to devise and implement a programme of research, development and knowledge exchange in two key areas:

• improving youngstock health and reducing losses due to  poor health and disease during the production cycle
• improving feed efficiency

The AHDB Beef and Lamb programme will deliver focused, commercially relevant, innovative research to help prepare beef farmers for the challenges ahead. The project will also collect information on new technical developments, improved practices and emerging ideas from across the world.

See also: Beef Focus Farm: How to calve heifers at 24 months for improved efficiency

Dr Mary Vickers, AHDB Beef and 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.”

Further information on the call and the application process can be found on the AHDB Beef & Lamb website. The deadline for application is 20 January 2017.