Wilkins Farming

Wilkins Farming Ltd have been using ultrasound since 2003 and CT scanning since 2007 to investigate how these technologies can be used to improve meat yield in their venison breeding programme. To date, industry genetic improvement programmes for venison production have focused on improving growth rates. High growth rate animals achieve slaughter live weights at an earlier age than lower growth rate animals, so there are obvious economic benefits in selection for growth rate. While efficient conversion of grass into live weight gain is important in running an efficient venison operation, the proportion of meat cuts that can be recovered for sale is also very important. Heavier animals tend to have a greater weight of meat than lighter animals, but that does not necessarily mean that the carcass has yielded well. Animals slaughtered at the same live weight can vary considerably in the weight of meat they produce. This report compiles information derived from four years of CT scanning work and summarises the results to date.

To read this full report from Neville Jopson at AbacusBio go here