Published date: 4 March 2022
Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.
Contract summary
Industry
Research services - 73110000
Location of contract
London
Value of contract
£0
Procurement reference
tender_299258/1049676
Published date
4 March 2022
Closing date
1 April 2022
Closing time
12pm
Contract start date
1 May 2022
Contract end date
1 May 2023
Contract type
Service contract
Procedure type
Open procedure (above threshold)
Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.
This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.
Contract is suitable for SMEs?
Yes
Contract is suitable for VCSEs?
Yes
Description
In the beef and dairy industry, most production is delivered by a small number of specialized breeds. High productivity dairy animals are often poorly suited to beef production, and dairy/beef cross breeding increases the opportunity for calves to enter the value chain. At present it is estimated that around half of all UK beef is sourced via this route. Specialist beef production relies on dedicated suckler beef breeds, with limited capability for economically viable milk production.
This study will explore the role of breeds, such as heritage and dual-purpose cattle, that currently contribute a smaller amount to overall production. These breeds are generally used in heritage enterprises as well as for conservation grazing. The products from these cattle can either go into the general production chain or are sold separately as market differentiated products at an increased price. There is potential however for this share to be expanded beyond specialist systems and in addition these animals hold potentially valuable genetic material which can be used to improve the overall stock within the UK.
Aim of the research
An evidence review is required to assess the potential for heritage and dual-purpose cattle breeds to provide either a larger share of the current dairy and beef production, or to use for crossbreeding aiming for certain traits to improve efficiency, animal health and reduce GHG emissions. This review would aim to identify the efficiency and suitability of different breeds to beef and/or dairy production and which ones hold potential for future breeding. Whilst accounting for a variety of conditions such as differences in diet, land management (e.g., conservation grazing, marginal grazing), climate and general management.
About the buyer
Contact name
Defra
Address
17 Nobel House
London
SW1P 3JR
England
Telephone
00
Website
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Closing: 1 April 2022, 12pm
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