A major Dairy Calf-to-Beef International Conference will take place in Co. Wexford on October 16 and 17.
Teagasc, with the support of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) and ABP, is hosting this technical conference, focusing on the production of beef from the dairy herd.
This conference will showcase the latest information and new innovations to promote sustainability within the sector and underpin the future viability of dairy and beef sectors.
In recent years, there has been a major increase in research efforts to address challenges around the production of beef from the dairy herd, including the development of a number of large-scale joint initiatives with industry partners.
The latest results from these studies, as well as updates on state of the art technological advances in dairy-beef production internationally, will be communicated at this two-day conference.
Leading national and international scientists from Ireland; the UK; New Zealand; Belgium; Denmark and Spain will present the latest science.
Dairy calf-to-beef
Speaking in advance of the conference, Teagasc director, prof. Frank O Mara said: “I am looking forward to hearing about the latest innovations in the sector and the efforts to promote sustainability within the dairy-beef sector.
“Leading national and international scientists will compare intensive concentrate-based and pasture-based dairy-beef systems and their impact on financial and environmental sustainability, as well as the impact of new developments in beef cattle genetics targeted for use in the dairy herd.
Prof. O’Mara added that it will have an impact on “nutrition of dairy-beef calves in early life, health of dairy-beef calves in intensive and pasture-based systems, as well as measures to support better vertical integration of the dairy-beef industry”.
Managing director of ABP Ireland & Poland, Kevin Cahill, said: “ABP is delighted to partner with and support Teagasc and the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) at the upcoming Dairy Calf-to-Beef International Conference.
“This innovative event has the opportunity to provide insights into the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production in Ireland and across the world.”
Cahill added: “As a beef processor, evidence-based research is an integral part of our operation. ABP has a long-standing relationship with Teagasc on key dairy beef projects.”
President of the BSAS, Dr. David Kenny said: “BSAS is delighted to partner with Teagasc and ABP in the delivery of this exciting, timely and hugely warranted technical conference.
“As the leading society in the UK and Ireland, for the dissemination of livestock science, BSAS is acutely aware of the requirement for an objective scientific forum to discuss state-of-the-art science based best practice in the breeding, nutrition and health management of dairy origin beef cattle.”
Dr. Ellen Fitzpatrick, Teagasc research technologist in Livestock Systems said: “This conference will give a platform to leading national and international scientists to give their prospective on optimising dairy-beef production.”
The topics covered at the two-day event will include: Dairy-beef production systems, animal health and welfare, calf nutrition, a session on vertical integration, and breeding and reproduction.
“Delegates will also get the opportunity to visit the Teagasc dairy-beef research herd at Johnstown Castle and the ABP demonstration farm,” Dr. Fitzpatrick added.