ICBF has slaughtered the first suckler-bred heifers as part of a trial evaluating the carcase and growth characteristics of high-maternal index bulls across several breeds.

The results have been positive with heifers recording a growth rate of 1.31kg/day while on the 90 day test period.

The 60 spring 2016-born heifers were sired by 32 different AI sires across seven different breeds. Charolais came out on top for a number of the measurements, while the Aberdeen Angus performed the worst.

In terms of feed efficiency the Charolais performed the best

The average carcase weight for the group was 346kg.

Heaviest carcase weight was the Charolais at 379.5kg and lightest was the Blonde d’Aquataine at 320.25kg. Average growth rate within the group ranged from 1.17kg/day for Parthanaise to 1.45kg/day for Charolais. The average kill-out for the group was 56%, with kill-out ranging from 52.7% for the Angus to 58.3% for the Blonde d'Aquataine.

Overall the animals graded extremely well with 36 of the heifers being of U-grade conformation, and the remaining 24 were R-grade for conformation.

Eleven of the 60 heifers missed out on the QA bonus, 10 of the heifers were overfat and one was under-finished. The average dry matter intake (DMI) per day for the group was 11.19kg, with heifers consuming from 7.19kg to 14.4kg/head/day on a dry matter intake basis.

Charolais dominance continues

In terms of feed efficiency the Charolais performed the best taking just 8.02kg/DM to put on 1kg of liveweight while Aberdeen Angus performed the worst taking 10.08kg/DM to put on 1kg of liveweight gain. The heifers were fed hay and concentrates as part of the trial.

The data demonstrates the large variation in performance and intakes between progeny in a heifer finishing system. There was a difference in feed intake of 630kgs over the 90 day test period between the lowest and the highest heifers. This represents a €157 cost in feed between heifers.

While numbers were small for some breeds ie three Angus heifers vs 24 Limousin heifers, the trial highlights that high maternal genetics can perform very well in a beef finishing system.

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