For the second part of the 'Dairy Calf to Beef’ series’ on the Beef Edge, Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, discusses what to be aware of when sourcing calves and the essential things to get right during the rearing process.
David explains that when sourcing dairy-beef calves this spring, the health of the calf, breed and genetic make-up are very important.
Avoid any signs of ill health, and minimise stress around purchase and transport. Good ventilation, bedding, and stocking density are important to reduce disease.
David says that a good milk replacer is essential an keeping a routine at feeding time is important.
Daily liveweight gain should ideally double from purchase at 3 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age gaining 0.8kg/head/day.
It is essential that the calf has a well-developed rumen and maximises early life performance to ensure good thrive going forward. David also highlights that developing a farm-specific health plan with a vet is key to ensure issues from previous years are resolved and overcome.
Further details at:
Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026
The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 7pm at Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary, E34 VK12.
For more information on the conference:
https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-conference/
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
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