The Canadian Limousin Advantage
Limousin - the adapted breed
Imported to Canada in 1968 from France, Limousin is one of the five major breeds in the country. It is known throughout the world as the leading breed for carcass quality and yield. Like Limousin animals adapted to the terrain and environment in France, they also quickly acclimatized to Canadian conditions and management methods to secure a position in the North American beef industry.
Careful genetic selection has been on-going for over 40 years in Canada. Canadian Limousin breeders have been perfecting economically important traits and convenience traits such as calving ease, polled, performance and feed conversion from birth to slaughter.
The black gene has also been introduced among the domestic Limousin population, allowing for greater specific market acceptance.
Limousin - the convenient breed
In commercial production, using Limousin genetics allows access to a spectrum of conveniences and added benefits.
Using a Limousin sire has proven to be one of the best crosses with British based females. Limousin genetics add muscle, therefore extra weight at weaning, and the blend of British and Limousin blood makes for the perfect carcass recipe with yield and marbling. The Limousin sire also preserves calving ease as the breed offers the smallest birth weights of all the continentals.
The commercial Limousin female is also appreciated by large and small producers alike. She has optimum milk production, colored teats and udders preventing sunburn. She provides outstanding mothering ability; longevity and higher end result salvage values.
Whether Limousin genetics is injected from the sire or dam side of a commercial herd, they consistently offer economically important traits. Furthermore, uniform color is achieved in red, apricot or black, an appealing choice for buyers.
Limousin - the natural genetic advantage
Limousin cattle excel in feed efficiency and have proven to consume less than other animals of the same size and yet perform to equal or superior levels.
Limousin influenced calves are also sought after for their outstanding carcass quality. The biggest domination is the carcass competition at the Canadian Western Agribition (largest beef show in Canada) where Limousin sired animals have won an unprecedented 32 championships in 28 consecutive years with both steers and heifers. A record that has never been equaled.
Carcass yield is synonymous with profit, as it is the direct calculation of meat ratio over waste. Limousin genetics naturally boost the yielding ability.
Consumers recognize Limousin meat for its leanness and its fine grain. Limousin genetics will achieve maximum beef quality to create an exceptional and healthy experience for consumers.
The Canadian Beef Advantage
Many attributes have been identified to support the value proposition and the Canadian Beef Advantage: Canadian beef breeds and genetic improvement system; beef profitability and value; animal health and on farm food safety system; food safety system at slaughter and fabrication plants; beef grading system; beef product specification and processing characteristics; supplier sales and service standards; eating quality, shelf-life and appearance; beef nutrition and health; animal welfare and efficient cattle production system. In brief;
- High quality beef and high yielding beef carcasses
- Superior cattle breeds and beef genetics
- Effective cattle identification system that enables traceability and source/age verification
- HAACP based food safety systems second to none at the packer level and voluntary on-farm HACCP based food safety systems (HACCP = Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points)
- Canadians as people with integrity
- The commitment to leadership and innovation
Canada enjoys an enviable reputation as a source of productive and safe beef cattle genetics—a record unmatched in the world. A number of factors contribute to this high level of success. The list includes a clean environment fostered by careful stewardship, healthy livestock supported by a national animal health and safe food policy, mandatory identification, provincial programs, dedicated professionals, careful record keeping, accurate genetic improvement programs delivered by national breed associations, leading edge research conducted by leading universities and corporate entities. Canadian purebred beef genetics have worldwide impact. Currently, Canadian purebred beef breeding cattle have market access in more than 50 countries. Canadian purebred cattle semen has market access in more than 100 countries, and Canadian purebred cattle embryos have market access in 75 countries.