This publication contains the proceedings of a Seminar "Beef production from different dairy breeds and dairy beef crosses", held in Ireland on April 13-15, 1981, under the auspices of the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) as part of the European Communities (EC) programme for beef production research. The CEC wishes to thank those representatives of Ireland who took responsibility for the organisation and conduct of this Seminar, notably Professor E.P. Cunningham, Dr. G.J. More O'Ferrall (local organiser), Dr. Patricia McGlaughlin and In particular, thanks are due to Dr. McGlaughlin Mr. R. Barlow. and Mr. Barlow for their recording of the discussions. Professor Ian Gordon of the Faculty of Agriculture, kindly made available the facilities of Lyons House, University College, for the Seminar. Thanks are also accorded to the Chairmen of the Sessions Professor D. Smidt, Dr. R.B. Thiessen, Professor A. Neimann­ Sorensen, Professor E.P. Cunningham, and to all the participants who presented papers and took part in the discussions. X OBJECTIVES The aims of the Seminar were to review recent comparisons of Holstein and Friesian strains with other dairy breeds for beef and veal production; to look at the use of beef breeds for crossing on dairy herds in various EEC countries, and to examine the economic and genetic balance between milk and beef traits in dual purpose bull testing and selection.