In a move which it claims will increase the uptake of performance recording among both large and small herd the British Limousin Cattle Society is to take the provision of performance recording services in-house.
The Society believes moving these services to within its control will lower the running costs, enabling more breeders to participate. Specifically, the Society will take on responsibility for data collection and the provision of performance recording services to pedigree Limousin breeders from 1 April 2013. SAC egenes will continue to undertake data analysis and genetic evaluations for the breed as happens at the moment.
Speaking on behalf of the Limousin Society chief Executive Iain Kerr said, “This is another big step forward for the BLCS and we are delighted to have reached this agreement with Signet.
“The Society is committed to providing performance recording services that pedigree and commercial producers can use to drive breed improvement and to market their herds. Through the structure of the BASCO livestock database we are aiming to provide a leading-edge service that is paperless and built around web-based data capture.”
“This new approach will, we anticipate, allow the service to be provided at a lower cost for both large and small herds and will quickly encourage a further and significant uptake in the number of Limousin herd’s performance recording.”
Commenting, Signet Manager Sam Boon said: “British Limousin has grown into a large and successful breed and we have been delighted to play a part in that development with the provision of performance recording services. Following discussions we can see a new and tailored approach through the BLCS to further develop the delivery of the services and to build on the recording base that has been established. Between now and April 2013, and indeed beyond, we will work closely with the BLCS to fully facilitate this move.”
While I don’t doubt the intentions behind this move are aimed at being in the best interests of Limousin breeders it does strike me that there could be issues in future when the time comes to review and update/upgrade the models used for data analysis. On top of that it is bound to be a concern for Signet that it’s largest breed will no longer need it’s services as it will doubtless lead to reduced investment in this area to the detriment of the breeds which are remaining within Signet’s service provision.
Time will of course tell, but one key consideration which will need addressing in the immediate future will be the staffing of these new services within BLCS, could Signet staff be about to jump ship too?
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