Building a More Efficient Scottish Beef Herd: 20 Years of Genetic Progress

By Dr Emma McGowan, Genetics Specialist, Quality Meat Scotland

Over the past two decades, the Scottish cattle industry has made remarkable progress in improving both the economic and environmental performance of our herds. Through QMS-funded evaluations, breeders have focused on key carcase, efficiency and maternal traits, guided by Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). These informed decisions are helping farmers produce suckler beef that is not only more productive but also more environmentally sustainable.

Between 2003 and 2023, genetic trends show clear improvement across a range of areas. Animals are now reaching slaughter weight faster, with the mean EBV for days to slaughter improving from +9.11 to –7 compared to the UK average. Finishing cattle more quickly reduces feed, housing and labour costs while cutting lifetime greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10%, making it both an economic and environmental win.

At the same time, carcase weights have increased steadily, with average EBVs rising from –4.3 kg below the UK average to +1.97 kg above. This shift means more cattle are consistently hitting target weights, helping farmers meet abattoir and retail specifications efficiently. Growth rates have also advanced, with daily liveweight gain improving from –0.01 kg/day to +0.007 kg/day. Faster growth shortens time to market and reduces feed requirements, producing carcases that are heavier or leaner without sacrificing quality.

Confirmation and fat cover have both moved towards market ideals. EBVs for conformation improved from –0.43 to 0.44 over the 20-year period, while fat cover trends show a balanced progression (0.18 → –0.47 → 0.21), reflecting steady refinement in carcase shape and composition.

Reproductive efficiency has also benefited from genetic progress. EBVs for age at first calving decreased from +3.14 days to –7.82 days, indicating earlier calving, while calving interval EBVs show modest fluctuations but overall improvement. These changes translate into better fertility, higher lifetime productivity and more efficient herd management.

Genetic gains in productive life span and calf survival have strengthened herd resilience. Productive life EBVs have increased steadily since 2009, and calf survival EBVs reached record highs in 2023, showing that Scottish herds are not only more efficient but also healthier and longer-lived.

Environmental progress has been equally notable. Selecting for traits linked to environmental efficiency has delivered measurable reductions in the carbon footprint of Scottish suckler herds. EBVs for carbon efficiency show a steady decline toward 2023, demonstrating that smart genetic selection can deliver both economic and environmental rewards.

These results show the real-world impact of EBVs on farm. Faster growth, better carcases, improved fertility and lower emissions all contribute to a more profitable and sustainable beef industry. By continuing to make informed breeding decisions, Scottish farmers are ensuring that our beef sector remains competitive, resilient and environmentally responsible.

Looking ahead, the next 20 years hold even greater potential. With continued focus on genetics and the use of emerging genomic technologies, efficiency, productivity and sustainability across the Scottish beef herd can advance further. QMS remains committed to supporting farmers with the tools and knowledge to harness the power of genetics for a greener, more profitable future.

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