Purpose
Since 2021, ABP has been working with Irish Country Meats to understand the role of genetics, health and grassland management in the economic and environmental sustainability of lamb production. The work began at the ABP Demonstration Farm in Carlow and now spans three sites.
Action
Research at our demonstration farms focuses on six key areas: hogget and store lamb finishing, CO₂ measurement, carbon footprint analysis, co-grazing benefits, breeding strategies and proactive animal health.
Our five star Ram Trials have examined the genetic differences between high-merit and low-merit lambs, tracking performance from conception to finish. To date, we have purchased 12 five-star rams to evaluate improvements in breeding value, growth rate, carcass quality, lower emissions and increased farm returns.
The use of three trial farms allows comparisons across varied environments and increases the robustness of the data.
Impact
Our demonstration farms are proving the advantages of higher genetic merits. Lambs in the five-star group finish earlier, achieve heavier carcass weights and show improved performance.
These results provide strong evidence that genetic improvements can deliver lower emissions, better animal performance and enhanced farm profitability.