Releases Archive 2006

Currently, 52% of prime cattle slaughtered in Northern Ireland come from the suckler herd and 44% from the dairy herd. The decoupling of subsidies from production is predicted to result in a decrease in beef production from the suckler herd. This, together with the desire by dairy producers to increase income from calf sales, is likely to result in an increased proportion of beef calves from the dairy herd. Whilst beef cross dairy calves command a significant premium in price in the market place relative to Holstein bull calves, it is important that the actual additional value of beef cross dairy calves to the beef finisher is determined. A major research AFBI programme, funded jointly by AgriSearch and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), has recently been initiated to evaluate the effect of beef calves from the dairy herd when finished as either steers or bulls on:

The research will also examine the impact of using semen from beef bulls in the dairy herd on calving difficulty and subsequent performance and fertility of the dairy herd.

There are major limitations on labour availability on many farms in Northern Ireland. When moving from a suckler cow system where the cow is responsible for rearing the calf, to a dairy-beef system, it is important to consider the additional labour input associated with rearing calves. Therefore, if there is to be a move to sourcing more calves from the dairy herd for beef production, research into labour efficiency must be considered and a further aspect of the project will be to develop low labour systems for rearing dairy bred calves.

To date, approximately 110 February/March born calves have been sourced from Holstein-Friesian herds across Northern Ireland. The main breeds sourced were Belgian Blue, Limousin, Aberdeen Angus and Holstein-Friesian. On arrival at AFBI Hillsborough, the calves were allocated to two rearing systems:

Preliminary findings indicate that rearing system had no significant effect on calf performance, with calves reared on the LLFS having similar live weight gains from the start of the trial until weaning (Table 1). There were also significant labour savings associated with the LLFS (up to a 2/3rd reduction in labour inputs). After weaning, calves on the LLFS were turned out to grass from early May onwards. Due to poor weather conditions in the spring, calves on the LLFS had lower live weight gains from weaning until 3 months of age, relative to those on the SFS, such that they were on average 23 kg lower live weight at 3 months of age. However, by 5 months of age this difference had almost disappeared, with calves on the LLFS weighing only 2 kg less than those on the SFS.

Initial results also indicate that breed of calf had a significant effect on performance with Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue cross calves exhibiting superior performance compared with Holstein – Friesian and Limousin calves (Table 2).

The performance of the cattle involved in this study will be followed through to slaughter with detailed records of food intake, food conversion efficiency, live weight gains, carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Details of other ongoing AFBI beef research projects, including the new Beef Suckler Research herd will also be available at the Open Day. The Open Day will give all those interested in the beef industry the opportunity to see at first hand research being undertaken to improve performance/reduce costs under local conditions. Representatives from AFBI Stormont (veterinary research), CAFRE, DARD and the wider industry will also be present to provide up-to-date information on key issues affecting the beef industry. Keynote speakers will provide an insight into future markets for Northern Ireland beef, options for developing sustainable suckler cow systems and genetic improvement for the beef industry.

All those attending the Open Day must bring thoroughly cleaned and disinfected footwear for use throughout the event. Those attending are also asked to wear clean clothes not previously or subsequently to be worn while in direct contact with their own animals. Protective overalls and foot wear will be provided and everyone will be requested to wear these throughout the event. Disinfectant mats and foot dips will be provided upon entry to AFBI Hillsborough and use of these by everyone attending will be mandatory.