Rischi Robinson

Project Title: An evaluation of dairy-beef calf management practices and their impacts on animal health and performance

Overview: Rischi works on a project to evaluate dairy to beef calf management practices and their impacts on animal health and performance. The surplus of dairy calves from dairy production in recent years following the abolishment of the milk quota by the European Union has given a wider opportunity for the utilization of these dairy calves for beef production. The dairy to beef calf program was introduced with the aim to improve the Irish beef production. Rischi’s project will be the first study to characterize different farm management practices of the dairy to beef calf system in Ireland. In this project, Rischi will develop an on-farm survey to record the farm management practices of dairy beef calf, and further investigate the risk factors and farm characteristics that are associated with animal health, welfare, and performance. The output of Rischi’s study will give scientific-based evidence to the farmer regarding dairy to beef calf management practices and provide insights for the farmer to self-assess their current practices and further implement them to improve animal productivity.

Rischi is from Indonesia, and has a strong interest in animal health, as he holds university degrees in veterinary medicine and animal science.

Programme Area: Animal and Bioscience 

Supervisors: Dr Bernadette Earley, and Dr Catherine McAloon

Location: Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath

Funding Source: Teagasc