A new research collaboration has been launched to develop animal feed analysis techniques tailored specifically to Irish pastures and silages.

The collaboration is between VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre, Teagasc Grassland Science Department, Goldcrop and FBA Laboratories.

The project 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 level.

Research collaboration

Speaking on the collaboration, Pat Cashman, grass and forage development manager of Goldcrop and Pasture Innovations, said that "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," he said.

"This capability will also increase progress in forage breeding and evaluation programmes, enabling improved varieties to become available."

FBA Laboratories, based in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, is one of Ireland’s longest-established agricultural testing laboratories, providing accredited analysis services for soils, forages, fertilisers and environmental samples.

Conor Butler, director of FBA Laboratories, commented: “Robust forage nutritive value data is central to farm management, sustainability and long-term competitiveness."

He said this is particularly the case 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," he added.

Practical benefits

Dr. Michael Dineen, principal investigator and animal nutrition scientist at Teagasc, highlighted the practical benefits.

"Rapid feed nutritive value analysis will provide farmers with greater confidence in day-to-day decision-making," Dineen said.

"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.

"In addition, timely feedback on grassland management can help farmers consistently deliver high-digestibility pastures and reduce reliance on purchased feeds."

Speaking at the launch, Professor Michael O’Donovan, funded investigator in VistaMilk and head of grassland science at Teagasc, said the collaboration "demonstrates the value of industry-directed research in driving innovation within Ireland’s grass-based systems".

"By integrating PastureBase Ireland as the dissemination centre for this research, rapid and accurate feed analysis results can be made readily available to farmers."

This will help them to improve animal production efficiency and refine nutrient management to reduce emissions.

"By combining scientific expertise with industry insight, this project will deliver practical tools that strengthen both sustainability and profitability at farm level," O'Donovan added.