The BCBC
The British Cattle Breeders Club provides a forum for exchange between scientists and breeders of beef and dairy cattle.
At the annual British Cattle Conference papers are presented by leading scientists, breeders, industry specialists and veterinarians.
The conference is a truly international occasion, providing a unique opportunity to meet other breeders and scientists in a warm and friendly environment.
Changing Times
Much of the way we farm and breed cattle today has been shaped by discussion at the conference of the British Cattle Breeders Club.
Here are some landmarks, highlights and lowlights from almost 60 years.
Dr John E Moffitt CBE
Sadly, John Moffitt, noted British cattle breeder, died on 6 May 2008, aged 78. The cattle breeding industry has lost a leader, an innovator, a friend and a counsellor to many.
Born on 11 September 1929 in Cumbria where he started farming, he will long be associated with Northumberland where he subsequently farmed. A very well attended memorial service was held for him in Hexham Abbey on 19 May.
Leptospirosis vaccination
Leptospirosis vaccination can deliver a significant fertility bonus.
Two strains of leptospirosis affect UK cattle and the spring grazing months are the key risk period for transmission of these two disease strains.
Genomic selection
Choosing cattle and semen for breeding programmes in future could have more to do with selecting a package of genes than choosing individual cattle or breeds, claim Chris Warkup and Roel Veerkamp.
Pneumonia treatment
Veterinary experts are urging cattle producers to talk to their vet about the latest advances in lung protection therapy (LPT) in time for the peak pneumonia season.
LPT delivers fast, visible recovery from pneumonia, whilst also preserving optimum lifetime growth rates.
Conference - Highlights
The 2008 British Cattle Conference took place at the Hawkstone Park Hotel near Shrewsbury in Shropshire.
It was the Club's largest ever with nearly 240 delegates attending over the 2 days.
Conference - Beef debate
The type of cow which consistently delivers all the required traits can only be achieved by using the strengths of a number of breeds.
This message from Richard Fuller kicked off the beef debate in which composite breeds, pure and crossbred cattle came under scrutiny.
Conference - Dairy debate
Opinions were widely divided in the debate for dual versus single function dairy cattle.
Mark Roach suggested that with a growing world population and greater wealth, there was no choice but to become more efficient and more intensive or risk being unable to feed the world.
