Zeroing in on the right finishing age to meet 2030 climate targets

Farmers have reduced the finishing age of steers, heifers and young bulls by about two months, without major negative impacts on the average carcase weight

Over the last decade and a half, the average finishing age has dropped by about two months.

Attention is now focused on the 30% of prime Irish beef cattle which is considered over-fat at finish.

Once cattle reach the desired fat score of three plus (3+), their carcass weight potential has been maximised, and taking these animals to higher levels of fat cover reduces their efficiency significantly, in terms of average daily gain, explained Teagasc researcher Dr Paul Smith, in a recent edition of the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast.