The current research findings in dairy calf to beef systems at Teagasc Johnstown Castle

The Beef Edge

Since 2013 there has been research in dairy calf to beef systems in Teagasc Johnstown Castle and on this episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Ruth Dunne, research technologist in Teagasc Johnstown Castle, joins Catherine Egan to discuss the current research findings. Ruth highlights how results from the previous production systems research have shown that systems where a high proportion of weight gain was achieved from grazed grass were the most profitable. Current trials are investigating optimum stocking rates for grass-based production systems. There are three ‘farmlets’ with three stocking rate intensities, high which is stocked at 3.2 LU/ha, medium at 2.9 LU/ha, and low at 2.6 LU/ha. Alongside this trial, there is also a sire evaluation trial in conjunction with ABP. The aim is to find the ideal bull that can achieve good calf growth rates and beef traits, while having the desirable easy calving and short gestation traits. Ruth also discusses current performance on farm and how she is coping with current weather conditions. Ruth will be featuring in the Dairy Calf to Beef Day as part of the Teagasc Beef virtual week on the 7th July to discuss the trials in Johnstown Castle and how to optimise stocking densities on farms. For further details about the Teagasc Beef Virtual Week click here. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.