ICBF evaluations can unlock best in breeding - Teagasc

WHEN it comes to cattle, breeding the best with the best will not always give you the best, according to Teagasc Research Geneticist Dr Donagh Berry.

Dr Berry is among three guest speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise during this week’s Irish Grassland Association Beef Conference.

He says that large variability in genetic merit exists, even among full-sib progeny, and genomics can help identify the superior (and inferior) animals earlier. He believes that published ICBF genetic evaluations are the most accurate way to identify the most suitable animal, male or female.

The importance of beef producers making connections with the final consumer will be discussed by Professor Patrick Wall.

“In the livestock sector many of the stakeholders work within their confined areas without realising the real objective of their activities,” he said.

“The production of safe food for humans should be a goal for all engaged in agri-food activities and those working in animal genetics, in feed mills and rearing cattle on farms are as much in the food business as those operating processing facilities or running hotels and restaurants.”

Finally, Cork beef farmer Ger Dineen will outline how he achieved a beef output figure of 999kg live weight per hectare on a heavy farm, by targeting grassland management to grow and utilise high quantities of grass.

Profitable

Less than 10 years ago he was ready to quit farming. Now he’s running one of the most profitable beef herds in the country. “It’s all about grass — that’s how I’ve cut my costs,” he explained.

The big turning point for Dineen was when he joined Teagasc’s BETTER beef farm programme. “I knew that it was crazy to be eating into my Single Farm Payment, and with it starting to be reduced, I knew that I had to make a real go of it or else forget about it,” he said.

Such was his determination to succeed, he was winner of the Beef Enterprise award in 2017.