We conduct research and education on beef and lamb production aimed at environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable systems.
Our goal is to develop knowledge for both producers and consumers, thereby contributing to increased food preparedness and self-sufficiency in Sweden. This knowledge is applicable and spans the entire chain—from feed and grazing, through rearing, all the way to the plate. Our three main focus areas are animal nutrition, farm management, and meat science.
Key Areas:
Beef and lamb production involves many interacting factors—more so than in other types of livestock production—because biodiversity and ecosystem services are also part of the equation. Therefore, we aim to cover the entire production chain within the same research group.
In ruminant nutrition, we focus primarily on forage and grazing for meat-producing animals. Research questions related to animals include their nutritional needs and how these relate to feed intake, growth, and carcass traits. Forage-related questions involve crop selection, feed preservation, and biorefining. Grazing mainly concerns semi-natural pastures and how to preserve their biodiversity while ensuring acceptable growth in grazing animals.
In farm management, we seek profitable rearing models primarily for pasture-based beef and lamb production. This is done through comparisons of different breeds, pasture types, housing systems, winter feeding strategies, value-added concepts, and subsidies. We also investigate ways to reduce labour time and work more efficiently.
In meat science, we explore how to achieve high and consistent eating quality in meat, primarily from cattle, sheep, and pigs, but also from fish, poultry, and game. We compare meat from animals reared in different ways, as well as the effects of live animal handling during slaughter and various carcass and meat treatments post-slaughter.
The research group is responsible for the SLU Götala beef and lamb research facility, where the university's rearing of meat-producing cattle and sheep takes place.
Top row from left Lisa Stensson, Elin Stenberg, Karl-Ivar Kumm, Kristina Holmström, Kajsa Lätt, Jonas Dahl, Anders Karlsson, Dan-Axel Danielsson, Katarina Arvidsson Segerkvist, Jenny Lans. Front row from left: David Johansson, Annelie Carlsson, Anna Hessle, Mikaela Jardstedt, Maria Gustavsson, Frida Dahlström. Missing from the picture Qasim Mashood, Karin Wallin, Carl Helander, Johanna Friman.
Examples of Projects Representing the Subject’s Three Pillars
• Circular systems for beef and lamb production • Feed and methane efficient dairy cows and their calves • From theory to practice – cost-effective business analysis • Taste sensation for both everyday and festive occasions - meat products from the mouth to the tail • Research facility SLU Götala Beef and Lamb Research Centre
Contact
Would you like to collaborate with us? Do you have any questions? Please contact Anna Hessle, who leads the Beef and Lamb Production research group.
