
Breeding
- A big focus on improving the breeding performance of the herd
- Working out a simple breeding plan for the farm
- Replacement policy going forward
- Is AI and an option ?
Genetic improvement can be achieved through breeding high index replacement heifers, purchasing stock bulls that are five stars for the important beef traits and by using AI where possible to avail of bulls that have high reliability attached to their breeding values. Gains made from improving the genetics of a breeding a herd are cumulative and once achieved are there for the lifetime of the herd. Like John, every suckler farmer needs to have a breeding plan to ensure that the next generation of stock is superior to the previous generation.
John current farming system is;
The first step of the plan is to ascertain where the herd stands now in terms of performance and in the replacement value index. The ICBF 2022 reports highlights both positives and negatives results.
While the calving interval and 6 week calving rate are on the right track- there is a big issue with calves/cow/year and mortality at 28 days. Reviewing 2022 , there was an issue with the bull been sub – fertile and scanning revealed 12 empty cows. For 2023, John has fertility tested and carried out a bull NCT to ensure that he will be in good working order this year . As part of a new herd health plan all calves are now vaccinated to reduce the incidences of pneumonia.
Looking at the replacement index of the existing cows, the ICBF report highlights that they are well above the average of €87 . They are relatively balanced and have very good figures for daughter milk and calving interval . The only concern, given the system is finishing beef , is that the carcase weight trait is low and close to the average of 10kg. This will need to increase and will be addressed when choosing replacement heifers and sires as part of the breeding plan.
There are currently 2 bulls on the farm. The CH bull is used as a terminal sire so that will not a source for replacements. An easy calving Angus was purchased in 2022 and will be used on the maiden heifers . Both bulls are genotyped and will be eligible for the SCEP scheme.
Breeding Plan 2023
The wet weather in March has played havoc. Even on a dry farm like John’s ground conditions have deteriorated rapidly. Cows and calves have been rehoused. Luckily , there is plenty of straw and feed on the farm. It is not ideal but there was no other option.
There is very little slurry out and as soon as ground conditions allow – the plan is to apply 3000 gals /acre to the silage ground. The silage ground was grazed off in Jan/Feb. As the P & K’s are at index 3 and/or 4 , this amount of slurry will provide enough P & K to grow the crop. The only form of chemical N will be 80 units of Protected Urea per acre which will be applied in the first week of April (weather permitting) . The planned cutting date is May 25th.