New collaboration to advance rapid silage and pasture analysis
(Left to right) Dr Karen Dawson, Teagasc, John Murphy, managing director Goldcrop, Dr Michael Dineen, Teagasc principal investigator and animal nutrition scientist, Professor Michael O'Donovan, funded investigator in VistaMilk and Teagasc head of grassland science, Conor Butler, director FBA Laboratories and Tom Butler, founder of FBA Laboratories. Picture: O'Gorman Photography
A new industry-supported research collaboration has been launched to develop animal feed analysis techniques tailored specifically to Irish pastures and silages.
The three-way collaboration project between VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, Teagasc Grassland Science Department, Goldcrop and FBA Laboratories aims to deliver rapid, accurate feed nutritive value analysis to support data-driven decision-making across Ireland’s pasture-based livestock sector.
A key output will be the integration of advanced forage analysis results with PastureBase Ireland, creating a dedicated database and dissemination tool to support the sharing and practical use of feed nutritive value data at both farm and industry levels.
VistaMilk helps drive digital innovation in sustainable, pasture-based dairy systems and is co-funded by Research Ireland and the department.
During Phase I (2018–2024), VistaMilk produced a broad body of research spanning multiple areas of dairy science, from soil to food. A key element of this work was the development of a strong evidence base in grassland science and data-driven decision support.
This established body of research provides the scientific foundation for the next stage of research being advanced in Phase II, which will span from 2024–2030.
Speaking on the collaboration, Grass and Forage development manager of Goldcrop and Pasture Innovations, Pat Cashman, said: “Accurate, timely feed analysis is a cornerstone of good grassland management.
"By working with VistaMilk and FBA Laboratories, we are helping to ensure these tools are grounded in Irish conditions and practical for use on farms nationwide.
“This capability will also increase progress in forage breeding and evaluation programmes, enabling improved varieties to become available,” he added.
Director of FBA Laboratories, Conor Butler, said: “Robust forage nutritive value data is central to farm management, sustainability and long-term competitiveness, particularly in pasture-based systems where home-grown forage quality directly influences animal performance, nutrient use efficiency and farm profitability.
"This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, traceability and continuous improvement in agricultural testing and advisory services.”
Principal investigator and animal nutrition scientist at Teagasc, Dr Michael Dineen, highlighted the practical benefits: “Rapid feed nutritive value analysis will provide farmers with greater confidence in day-to-day decision-making.
"It can help avoid over- or under-feeding of nutrients by supporting more precise nutrition management, for example, optimising crude protein supplementation to reduce nitrogen excretion. It can also inform silage harvest timing, guide the allocation of silage to specific animal groups, and support more quantitative, data-driven problem-solving on farms.”
Speaking at the launch, funded investigator in VistaMilk and head of grassland science at Teagasc, Professor Michael O’Donovan, said: “This collaboration demonstrates the value of industry-directed research in driving innovation within Ireland’s grass-based systems.
"By combining scientific expertise with industry insight, this project will deliver practical tools that strengthen both sustainability and profitability at the farm level.”
