Open Day Focuses on Latest Beef Technology

15 September, 2004-09-15

Blueprints for profitable beef production in the radical new policy environment which comes into effect in January 2005 were outlined by Teagasc at a national beef open day at the Teagasc Beef Research Centre at Grange, Co. Meath, today.

Leading research scientists and advisory specialists presented the latest technology on breeding, feeding, animal health and cost control to the country’s most progressive beef farmers.

Dr Eddie O’Riordan, Head of Grange Research Centre, told the open day that only farmers who adopt the best breeding strategies can expect to prosper under the new market-driven policy.

“Our research has shown that high quality beef from superior cows and beef bulls will deliver more than €200 per hectare in additional revenue to beef farmers. We have also shown that a live-weight gain of 200kg per animal is achievable on well-managed grass. This is a target to which all committed beef farmers must aspire,” he said.

“Following more than a decade of farming to meet complex premia rules, there must now be a national refocusing on critical production technology which will enable our beef industry to capitalise on its competitive advantages. Issues such as enriching our farms with clover, the value of which has been proven by Teagasc research, must become a priority issue on beef farms,” he added.

Farmers attending the open day were also given advice on the best winter feeding strategies for beef animals. Eddie O’Riordan announced that a saving of €40 a tonne can be made on compound feed without sacrificing animal performance.

The results of Teagasc research on the health attributes of beef were also outlined. This research has shown that beef produced from grass has much higher levels of fatty acids which the medical profession accepts can protect against cancer, obesity and heart disease. Including plant or fish oils in the supplementary feed can further elevate levels of these beneficial fatty acids.

Teagasc experts presented the results of research on low cost animal wintering facilities. Trials at Grange have shown that animals fed on out-wintering pads consumed 15% more feed, had a 40% increase in liveweight gain and a 21% higher carcass weight than those fed in conventional slatted housing. An expert group drawn from key government departments will shortly decide if these out-wintering pads can be approved for use at farm level.

Earth bank storage tanks for animal waste were also demonstrated to open day visitors. Teagasc research has shown that these lower cost facilities can provide environmentally safe storage for slurry, soiled water and silage effluent. The government expert will also soon decide if they can be approved for general farm use.