Mr. Eamonn Farrell:

I will list two initiatives that can be undertaken. First, we need technology that predetermines the gender of a calf, in particular sexed semen, due to the potential to maximise dairy calf heifer numbers, and we must facilitate an increased usage of quality beef bulls. The industry, together with support from the National Dairy Research Institute is funding a new research trial into this area. Ultimately, we need a permanent laboratory located in Ireland so that the industry can have better access to the highest quality bulls.

Second, it would be beneficial if the ICBF developed a dairy beef index.