Growing compound feed use increases the role of grain in Ireland’s livestock sector

Ireland’s dairy and beef sectors are becoming increasingly dependent on concentrate feed. According to Teagasc, average concentrate use on Irish dairy farms increased by 11% in 2024, from 1,226 kg to 1,358 kg per cow.

Concentrates can account for up to 20% of milk production on Irish farms, and in some cases even more. Milk output remained broadly stable, while milk solids per cow increased slightly.

Beef production is also becoming more reliant on concentrates. According to Teagasc guidance, finishing cattle may require 5–7 kg of concentrate feed per day, rising to 7–8 kg when lower-quality silage is used to achieve around 1 kg of daily liveweight gain.

At the same time, Ireland has a deficit of domestically produced feed ingredients and imports a significant share of its feed materials, particularly protein sources. The sector sees greater use of locally produced grain and protein crops as a way to improve feed self-sufficiency.

The Irish Grain Growers Group says grain prices matter not only for the tillage sector but also for the competitiveness of dairy and beef production. The growing role of concentrate feed makes stable domestic grain production increasingly important for the livestock industry.

Tags: Ireland, compound feed, livestock sector, grain, imports