2023 Limousin Annual Journal

Turville Triumph sire Dyfri Prophet.
FEATURES
Turville Sausage polled son of Ampertaine Jefferson.
opportunity to form a closer
relationship with Commercial
breeders purchasing Limousin bulls.
In my mind its another important
step in ensuring our breed is
delivering to the needs and wants of
our customers, current and future.
Brian has a clear view for the
priorities on his farm in the months
and years ahead. Some of his future
aims include;
• Improving the weaned calf
weight per cow; by culling out
poor performing cows and using
bulls with better maternal traits.
• Introducing more polled
genetics; Currently 40% of females
are polled, reducing the need to
de-horn, a costly and unwanted
task.
• Reducing the time cattle are
housed; Current feed costs for
housed cows pre calving is £1.15
per day, rising to £2.28 per day
post calving. The quicker we can
turn cows to grass in the spring
reduces our costs considerably.
• Calving more heifers at 24
months; This requires selection of
bulls to produce calves averaging
below 40 kg at birth. Brian’s
team pelvic measure all heifers
to reduce calving issues. ‘We are
gradually reducing our calving
period by removing bulls 14 days
earlier each year and culling those
not in calf. Our aim is to calve all
cows in February, March and April’.
Thank you, Brian and Family, for your
hospitality and willingness to share
your views. Your mantra that the
customer is king is one I share. I’m
confident if we continue to breed
animals that meet the standards
and requirements of the processors
and retailers (representing ~70%
of UK beef demand) our breed will
continue to thrive and dominate.
www.limousin.co.uk
ANNUAL JOURNAL 2023 | 47