October 2, 2024

 

Major dairy calf-to-beef conference to be held in Wexford, Republic of Ireland

A major international conference on dairy calf-to-beef production is set to take place in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, on October 16 and 17, 2024, Irish Examiner reported.

 

The event, hosted by the Republic of Ireland's Agriculture and Food Development Authority Teagasc with the support of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) and ABP, will focus on the production of beef from the dairy herd.

 

The conference will present the latest research and innovations aimed at promoting sustainability in the sector, ensuring the future viability of both the dairy and beef industries.

 

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to address challenges in beef production from the dairy herd. This includes large-scale joint initiatives with industry partners, which will be highlighted at the conference.

 

Teagasc director, Professor Frank O'Mara, expressed his anticipation for the event, stating: "I am looking forward to hearing about the latest innovations in the sector and efforts to promote sustainability within the dairy-beef sector."

 

He added that national and international scientists would discuss the differences between concentrate-based and pasture-based dairy-beef systems, the role of genetics in the dairy herd, calf nutrition, and health in intensive and pasture-based environments. The conference will also explore how to improve vertical integration in the dairy-beef industry.

 

Kevin Cahill, managing director of ABP Ireland and Poland, highlighted the significance of the conference, noting, "This innovative event provides insights into the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production both in Ireland and globally." He also mentioned ABP's ongoing collaboration with Teagasc, which began with the development of a dairy-beef breeding programme in 2014 and the establishment of the ABP Trial Farm in 2015.

 

Dr Ellen Fitzpatrick, Teagasc research technologist, outlined the topics for discussion over the two-day event. These will include dairy-beef production systems, animal health and welfare, calf nutrition, vertical integration, breeding, and reproduction.

 

Dr Fitzpatrick also noted that delegates will have the opportunity to visit Teagasc's dairy-beef research herd at Johnstown Castle, as well as the ABP demonstration farm.

 

-      Irish Examiner