International dairy calf-to-beef conference to take place in Wexford
Dr O’mara, Livestock Teagasc Of Of Picture: Ellen Frank Systems; Professor President Finbarr Ireland Technologist Director Poland Bsas; David Fitzpatrick, Director Research Teagasc The Managing Cahill, In Kevin And O’rourke & Dr Abp Kenny,
A major Dairy Calf-to-Beef International Conference is set to take place in Co Wexford on October 16 and 17.
The technical conference, which will focus on the production of beef from the dairy herd, will be hosted by Teagasc with the support of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) and ABP.
It will showcase the latest information and new innovations to promote sustainability within the sector and to 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.
Speaking in advance of the conference, Teagasc Director Professor 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; the impact of new developments in beef cattle genetics targeted for use in the dairy herd; 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.”
ABP Ireland and Poland managing director Kevin Cahill said: “This innovative event has the opportunity to provide insights into the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production in Ireland and across the world. 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. In 2014, we developed the dairy beef breeding programme in collaboration with Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), and in 2015, we established the ABP Trial Farm, providing industry-leading research to inform our Advantage Beef Program, which supports Irish farming families.”
Dr Ellen Fitzpatrick, Teagasc Research Technologist in Livestock Systems, explained the topics that will be covered over the two-day event include dairy-beef production systems, animal health and welfare, calf nutrition, a session on vertical integration, and breeding and reproduction.
"This conference will give a platform to leading national and international scientists to give their perspective on optimising dairy-beef production. Delegates will also get the opportunity to visit the Teagasc dairy-beef research herd at Johnstown Castle and the ABP demonstration farm,” she added.
The full programme can be viewed and places can be registered on the Teagasc website.
