The use of continental breed sires such as Charolais on dairy cows has become more popular in recent years, as dairy farmers push to maximise the value of the beef progeny from their dairy herds.

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) calf price database shows that the average price for 3-6 week-old Charolais bull calves in the week ending Sunday, April 5, remained over €520.

There were several cases this year where Charolais calves bred from the dairy herd made as high as €800-€1,000 in cases this spring.

Dairy farmers Michael and John Behan from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, have seen the value of Charolais sires on their dairy cows first-hand, after using Charolais on their herd for over two decades now.

Shane Maguire from the Irish Charolais Cattle Society recently visited the farm to see the system and the Charolais progeny from the herd.

He said: "The trend of using Charolais sires on dairy cows is now more common.

The Behans' stock bull is generally sourced at the Irish Charolais Cattle Society sale at GVM Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly.

Careful attention is paid to selecting a suitable Charolais bull for their dairy herd.

Bulls are selected based on a balance of calving ease, growth, and carcass traits.

Their latest purchase was Scarduane Top, the Reserve Champion at the April 2023 sale.

"The bull carries one copy of the sought-after 'Q' gene, and has been used successfully on dairy heifers," he said.

Maguire said: "The Behans' system is simple but effective. They rear their progeny through to sell as forward store cattle.

"In an industry where margins matter and efficiency is everything, the Behans firmly believe the Charolais breed delivers where it counts.

"While others are only beginning to see the advantages of using Charolais on dairy cows, Michael and John have already spent decades refining the system."

The Irish Charolais Cattle Society is set to host a show and sale at GVM Tullamore Mart, Co. Offaly, on Saturday, April 25, with a total of 97 bull catalogued on the day.