At this time of the year, breeding decisions are being made on spring-calving dairy farms across the country and the artificial insemination (AI) and stockbulls used will influence the genetic merit of the 2024 national calf crop.

The use of sexed semen is increasing and a greater focus is being placed on using high-genetic-merit beef bulls that have an acceptable level of calving difficulty and gestation length, but will produce a saleable calf with a good beef value.

As part of the Advantage Spring Dairy-Beef Series, ABP Food Group’s Advantage Beef Programme farm liaison officer Oisin Lynch has explained how sire information can be quickly sourced.