Teagasc Beef Manual

The Teagasc Beef Manual is designed to be a user-friendly source of practical information for anyone with an interest in the business of producing beef. The content of the Teagasc Beef Manual is built on rigorous scientific research and sound business principles which each reader can apply to his farm’s unique business and physical circumstances.

The Teagasc Beef Manual is designed to be a user-friendly source of practical information for anyone with an interest in the business of producing beef. It is certainly not a book where you start at the beginning and read through to the end. Dip into the contents to answer questions as they arise during the year. 

The information is divided clearly into sections and chapters. Chapters are further divided into questions and answers on day-to-day and strategic issues. Don’t forget to make use of the index at the back to find all of the references to the subject you are interested in.

The content of the Teagasc Beef Manual is built on rigorous scientific research and sound business principles which each reader can apply to his farm’s unique business and physical circumstances. No business can move forward profitably without occasionally drawing on professional support and we believe the Teagasc Beef Manual can assist farmers to make even more effective use of their local Teagasc adviser, vet, merchant, accountant etc.

Above all, the Teagasc Beef Manual reflects the complexity of running a beef farm and we hope it can assist farmers to run their businesses sustainably, profitably and enjoyably. Readers who wish to discuss topics raised in the Teagasc Beef Manual should contact their local Teagasc Office/Adviser.

Section 1 - Beef Farming (PDF, 4.8MB)

• The significance of beef
• How competitive is Ireland as a beef producer?
• Structure of the beef farming sector in Ireland
• Beef marketing
• Quality beef for the consumer

Section 2 - Farm Business Management (PDF, 7.7MB)

• Drivers of profit for beef production systems
• Cattle and beef pricing
• Investing in beef production
• Keeping track of beef business finances
• Making money from bought-in cattle
• Taxation in farming
• Planning for retirement and farm succession
• Farm partnerships and other business options
• Quality assurance
• Educational opportunities for beef farmers

Section 3 - Beef Systems (PDF, 5MB)

• Selecting a beef system
• Suckling to weanling systems
• Suckling to beef systems
• Store to beef systems
• Dairy calf to beef systems

Section 4 - Breeding (PDF, 2.7MB)

• Improving genetics in the suckler herd
• Achieving high reproductive performance in beef herds
• AI and heat detection in beef herds
• Synchronisation regimens for beef cows and heifers
• Replacement heifers

Section 5 - Soils and Environment (PDF, 6.8MB)

• Soil fertility management
• Nitrogen and sulphur requirements for pasture and silage
• Phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and slurry
• Beef farming on heavy soils
• Key environment issues for beef farmers
• Cross compliance and the nitrates derogation

Section 6 - Nutrition (PDF, 9.2MB)

• Managing your grass
• Making silage
• Concentrate feeds
• Feeding the suckler cow
• Calf nutrition
• Feeding weanlings and store cattle in winter
• Feed option for finishing cattle

Section 7 - Animal Health (PDF, 4.7MB)

• Animal health - a strategic perspective
• Biosecurity
• Diseases of young calves
• Significant diseases in beef cattle
• Calving and the newborn calf
• Managing colostrum
• Dehorning/Disbudding
• Managing weaning
• Animal welfare

Section 8 - Infrastructure (PDF, 7MB)

• Winter accommodation for beef animals
• Calf housing
• Mechanisation on beef farms
• Health and safety on drystock farms
• Grazing infrastructure