Can CBV deliver for your pocket?
With 62% of the national beef kill now made up of dairy-origin animals, greater attention is being placed on practices to improve animal performance, profitability and the overall efficiency of dairy-beef systems.
Through BEEF2026, Teagasc’s flagship beef open day taking place at Teagasc, Grange on July 1, the latest research, tools, technologies and practices will be showcased to dairy-beef producers looking to optimise their system through the Dairy-Beef Village.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Jamie O’Driscoll, dairy-beef systems researcher at Teagasc Grange explained: “Dairy-origin beef animals bring challenges, as the dams of these calves have primarily been bred for dairy production. This can sometimes be antagonistic to beef production traits, meaning careful selection and management are essential if farmers are to maximise returns from these systems.”
One of the key tools available to farmers to overcome this challenge is the Commercial Beef Value (CBV), which will form a central topic of the discussion on the day, with Dr. O’Driscoll adding: “The CBV gives each animal an overall economic value based on its potential profitability compared with other animals. Research has shown that the CBV can be effective in increasing profit at farm level and this is also being reflected nationally.
“An ICBF analysis of 50,000 cattle found that animals in the top third of CBV had a €170 higher value at finish compared with those in the bottom third. This represented a 3:1 return on investment, even though higher-CBV calves generally cost €55 more to purchase.”
Through BEEF2026, beef farmers will have the opportunity to see CBV in action through live cattle demonstrations, discussions featuring representatives from ICBF and Teagasc, and research findings from Teagasc, Grange on its effectiveness.
Dr. Jamie O’Driscoll and DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon joined a recent episode of the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the dairy beef research taking place in Teagasc Grange and how this is being implemented on the DB500 Programme farms:
Key considerations for farmers starting or growing their dairy-beef system will also be outlined, including selecting the appropriate system for your farm, animal nutrition, calf housing, health and best practices in calf rearing.
Farm systems and the selection of suitable animals will be covered by Nicky Byrne, while the Commercial Beef Value, including where farmers can find CBV information, will be explained by Cliona Ryan.
Calf rearing will be addressed by Marie McFadden and Ellen Fitzpatrick, with a particular focus on the transition to grass, while Rischi Robinson will focus on preventing summer scour syndrome and practical strategies to reduce risk.
An animal health and welfare demonstration will also feature, led by Orla Keane. This will include a focus on parasite resistance, the calibration of dosing equipment and the impact of pneumonia, with damaged lungs on display to show the consequences of infection. The financial and physical performance of dairy beef systems on commercial farms will also be showcased through the DairyBeef 500 and Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm displays.
“Through the Dairy-Beef Village at BEEF206, we’ll bring attendees right through the initial process of selecting the most appropriate system for their farm to the management practices required to carry an efficient and profitable dairy calf to beef system. There is going to be something at each stop for farmers to take home.”