National beef evaluations

Using the right animal genetics can help the beef industry become more efficient and profitable.

At AHDB we have developed the National Beef Evaluations database, providing estimated breeding values (EBVs) for five commercial carcase traits plus three new maternal EBVs in beef cattle, using national data from processors, breed societies and the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). 

The five commercial carcase traits are:

• Days to slaughter
• Carcase weight
• Carcase conformation
• Carcase fat class
• Average daily carcase gain

The three maternal traits are: 

• Age at first calving
• Productive lifespan
• Calf survival

Using the AHDB National Beef Evaluations when you make breeding decisions will help you breed efficient cattle that meet the needs of your target market.

Our bull selection manual gives more information on using EBVs to choose bulls for breeding.

To produce these EBVs, we have worked with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), using data from processors, breed societies and the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS).

We rely on BCMS data to tell us the relationships between animals. You can help improve this data by recording known sires on BCMS passports.

Questions? Find more details about our National Beef Evaluations in our Knowledge Library or by using the links below.