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Project Code [2023RP892]
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Project title
A solution-oriented framework for reducing the slaughter age of Irish beef cattle
Primary Funding Agency
DAFM
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
Teagasc
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
Reducing the mean slaughter age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030 has been identified as fundamental to achieving Ireland�s commitment to reduce the agricultural sector�s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25%. Nationally, mean age at slaughter is six-to-nine months later than achieved on grass-based beef research and high-performing commercial farms. To expedite a reduction in cattle slaughter age, there is an urgent need to identify and quantify factors currently impeding Irish beef farms from achieving potential live weight targets throughout the animals� lifetime. This project aims to quantify, within animal genotype, the effect of nutrition, health and on-farm environment factors presently constraining animal growth performance and slaughter age of cattle on beef farms and to assess their impacts on GHG emissions using (i) data currently collected from commercial suckler- and dairy-bred beef farms by Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland and Bord Bia, (ii) new data generated from a large-scale on-farm study and, (iii) new fundamental coefficients generated from a production systems research experiment evaluating the biological efficiency and methane emissions of contrasting cattle genotypes finished from pasture at 26-, 28- or 30-months of age. Additionally, ethnographic and qualitative interviews will be used to identify the factors influencing Irish beef farmers� decisions relating to management practices impacting animal slaughter age, and ascertain the likelihood and/or feasibility of change implementation. Finally, whole-farm beef systems modelling will be used to quantify the environmental and financial impacts of implementing strategic interventions identified within this project. Overall Beef-Quest will identify, quantify and rank the primary on-farm technical and behavioural-related bottlenecks negatively impacting beef cattle slaughter age. Using this new information more targeted, high-impact and deliverable KT solutions can be disseminated to reduce the slaughter age of cattle, thus improving the sustainability of Irish beef production.
Grant Approved
�779,702.83
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
30/11/2027