The four-year project will be carried out by EBLEX with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Defra tendered for the research after the results from a scoping study identified continued selection of beef cattle as a priority area.
It aims to deliver a substantial positive effect on both the economic performance and environmental impact of beef production in the UK. The research has a projected increase in farm level profit of 39 per cent and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 22 per cent.
The results will be used to develop Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for traits relating to feed efficiency and produce a set of possible business models for the continued recording of feed efficiency parameters.
EBLEX head of research and development Kim Matthews, who is leading the project, said: “We are very excited about this research project. Feed is one of the main costs in any beef enterprise. Therefore this research has huge potential for beef farmers in the UK.”
Defra will provide £1.5 million funding and £250,000 will be funded by EBLEX, making it the largest project in terms of cost that EBLEX has undertaken.
Secretary of State for the Environment Elizabeth Truss said: “I want to forge a future for British farming, based on innovation, technology and the quality of our great British food.
“That is why we are helping fund this new research using biotechnology to identify what genes make the best beef cattle. This landmark project is expected to contribute to £150m a year in farm profits and is just one example of how food and farming is embracing the future to become a high-tech, powerhouse industry.”