Page 109 - British Blue Yearbook 2023

THE BRITISH BLUE HISTORY & CHARACTERISTICS
1982 – 2023 – 41 years
• First importation into the UK 1982
• Approx. 50% of the UK's dairy beef inseminations are by ‘British Blue’ bulls
• Statistics from BCMS show a steady increase in Blue/Blue crosses
• In 2007 the Herd Book changed to “The British Blue Cattle Society”
Characteristics
• A large long bodied beef animal, well-proportioned with fine bones and strong legs
• Coat-colour can be black, white, blue, red or any combination of colours that are acceptable to the Council
• Gestation length is generally slightly lower than the bovine average
• Food conversion is 13% better than other continental breeds, which is backed up by over 40 years of Feed Efficiency Data
• Very high boning out percentage: Up to 85% with an excellent yield of top quality/price cuts
• The meat is very lean and has, potentially a much lower fat content
SUCCESS WHERE IT MATTERS
• Winners of “Best Steak” competitions at Royal Highland, Royal Welsh and Balmoral Show
• Winners of many Carcase Competitions throughout the UK
• Winners of the Nat West Team of 5, Females of the Future Pairs, Fitzhugh Champion Pair and Exhibitor Bred Pair at Royal Welsh Show
• The Duke of Norfolk Trophy Winners at The English Winter Fair
• The Burke Trophy Winners in 2019
• Numerous Fatstock and Winter Fair Champions
• “Blue” X Dairy Calves regularly top markets throughout the UK
WHATEVER THE BREED, THE “BLUE” IS WHAT YOU NEED
Quiet temperament Easy handling qualities Premium Calf prices Premium Crossbred prices Premium Cull prices
www.britishbluecattle.org
107