Increasing genetic gain in the national dairy herd for milk production and fertility, as well as a move towards smaller-type cows has led to a constant decline in the beef merit of the Irish dairy herd over the past 10 years.

The annual decrease in genetic merit for carcase weight in Holstein Friesian dams is 0.2kg on average, which equates to a 4kg reduction in carcase weight for a 24-month steer at farm level.

Teagasc recently looked at national carcase data, which shows that as the Jersey proportion of cows increase, the slaughter performance of their resulting beef progeny decreases. Cows of different Jersey proportions in their genetics were compared to purebred Holstein Friesian cows when mated to an Angus bull.

Results

The main difference between the different cow types was the carcase weight and age at slaughter while conformation and fat score were relatively similar regardless of dam type. However, the difference in carcase value was only €53 for Angus progeny from first-cross dams (50% Jersey) compared with Angus progeny from purebred Holstein Friesian dams.

Teagasc concluded from the research that genetic potential still exists for high-value dairy beef progeny irrespective of dam breed.