Understanding Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) – Free workshops

Quality Meat Scotland, in conjunction with SAC Consulting, a division of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), is offering commercial beef farmers the opportunity to attend two free workshops on Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).

The two workshops, being held in Ayrshire on 28 January and Thurso on 30 January, are being led by SAC Consulting’s beef specialist team and will help producers gain a better understanding of EBVs and how to select bulls for specific purposes on the farm. Potential buyers will also benefit from the day and the opportunity to work with catalogue figures in preparation for the imminent bull sales.

EBVs provide information on which bulls will breed calves that will maximise returns for the store producer and finisher.

The performance information is available to allow bulls to be chosen for their ability to produce good milky replacement heifers, judge which bulls are best to be used with heifers to avoid calving difficulties and see which bulls are the best to use for beef production.

Johnny Mackey, QMS Head of Industry Development, said the workshops will offer a valuable opportunity for beef farmers to get to grips with EBVs and how they can benefit their businesses.

“Previous workshops have proved extremely popular and we look forward to more farmers leaving these workshops with an improved understanding of performance recording and why they should use it as an essential decision making tool when buying a breeding bull.”

Gavin Hill, SAC Beef Specialist said: “The workshops will allow active participation and so help producers in attendance gain a better understanding and ability to use EBVs.

“I would urge any producer thinking of buying a breeding bull, whether it be for maternal or terminal use, to contact the relevant SAC office and book a place at these workshops.”

The dates for the workshops are:

28th January – Fenwick Hotel, Ayrshire, KA3 6AU

To book a place, please contact SAC Consulting Ayr

t: 01292 525252

e: FBSAyr@sac.co.uk

30th January – Weigh Inn Hotel,Thurso, KW14 7UG

To book a place, please contact SAC Consulting Thurso

t:  01847 892602

e: FBSThurso@sac.co.uk

Time: 11am to 3.00pm

Attendance at these workshops is free.