What is EstLimRing?
EstLimRing is a joint initiative of some Estonian cattle farmers who are focused on the breeding of the Limousin breed. Our aim is to:
– introduce Limousin breeding farms and their activities in Estonia
– market our breeding animals
– be a partner for farm visits to Estonia for breeders from other countries.
Three first farms in our ring were Topi Mõis, Lahe Maamees and Karitsu Rantšo. All these farms share similar values about cattle keeping and overall breeding principles. However, the Ring will be wider as more farms join.
Use of breeding material
Estonia has our own system for collecting performance data and a model for assessing its own genetic breeding values. Data based on birth and weaning weights of the offspring of many bulls used in Estonia are also available in the international INTERBEEF database.
Year after year, Estonian breeding farms are increasingly contributing to the acquisition of breeding material from many foreign countries. Breeding bulls have mainly been purchased from France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
In addition to natural mating, artificial insemination is also increasingly being used, for which semen is supplied from France (Evolution, KBS Genetics), Great Britain (UK Sire Service), Ireland (Progressive Genetics) and Sweden (Viking Genetics).
Breeding activities
Since 2006, the Estonian Beef Cattle Breeders’ Society, in cooperation with the Estonian Breeding Association, has been conducting a performance test for young bulls, which will end with a competition for young breeding bulls and a public auction in the spring. Every year there are also Limousin bulls from our farms.
For the last five years, linear breeding of animals has been carried out in several breeding herds, based on a model developed in Denmark.
In addition, several farms order their best animal genome tests (EvaLim) from the Ingenomix laboratory in France. With tests, we are able to get a good overview of the genetic potential of our animals compared to the Li breed overall (the reference base in 2017 was 12,800 animals). With the genome test, breeders also receive official confirmation of polledness and double muscling of the animals in addition to confirmation of existing genetic abnormalities (like cleft palate syndrome).
Interested parties are welcome
All farms in EstLimRing are ready to host interested people from abroad for farm visits, and are happy to introduce their animals and breeding principles.
On this website, you will find the contacts and more detailed information about the farms. Feel free to contact us!
Therefore – all Limousin farmers around the world, if you are visiting Estonia, you are always welcome to contact us. Besides other activities in our beautiful country with its amazing nature and unique culture, we can share our experiences and talk about farming.