More beef sired calves from the dairy herd

The proportion of dairy calves sired by beef bulls has increased significantly, a new publication Achievements 2025, published by Teagasc on February 18 has revealed.

Based on data from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), in 2025, 63% of all dairy herd births were registered to a beef sire, up from 57% in 2024 and 47% in 2020. The trend is largely attributed to the expanded use of sexed semen within dairy herds, allowing dairy farmers to target more cows for beef breeding.

As discussed in the publication, improving the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) of calves remains a central technical priority for both dairy and beef producers. Higher CBV animals consistently deliver heavier carcass weights at younger slaughter ages, supporting stronger margins per head while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The growing use of beef sires in dairy systems is contributing to a steady improvement in the average CBV of dairy-bred calves, and as a result the average commercial beef value (CBV) has increased to €77.

The Achievements 2025 publication also revealed that the proportion of prime beef cattle throughput originating from the dairy herd continued its upward trend in 2025. Dairy-bred animals accounted for 62% of prime cattle slaughterings, reflecting the ongoing structural shift in beef supply following the abolition of milk quotas.

For more on Dairy Calf-to-Beef Farm Performance in 2025, view the Teagasc Achievements 2025 here (PDF).

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