Dairy

How many Dairy replacements do we need?
How many Dairy replacements do we need? Increased focus on improving beef traits from the dairy herd has led to a key breeding recommendation to only generate enough heifers to meet your replacement requirements. But how many replacement heifers are required on your farm? Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Dairy Advisor Newcastle West, answers […]
10 May 2021

Low milk fat at grass – explained
Low milk fat at grass – explained Cows in most cases are often milking very well, have good appetites and look otherwise healthy. So, why the low milk fat?John McNamara, Co-ordinator of the Teagasc/Carbery Joint programme, explains why low milk fat at grass can arise. John also has some key management guidelines […]
23 April 2021

Thoughts Turn to Breeding
Thoughts Turn to Breeding As end of calving season arrives on many farms, focus now turns to preparation for breeding. Management of the herd in the weeks prior to breeding ultimately has a detrimental effect on the success. John Greaney, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Dairy Advisor outlines the objectives Breeding objectives The objective […]
19 April 2021

Heat activity in pasture based dairy cows
Heat activity in pasture based dairy cows During the recent Teagasc/ICBF breeding week three key reproductive targets were identified as being critically important in seasonal calving dairy herds. George Ramsbottom, Dairy Specialist has details, plus breeding guidelines for spring 2021 and advice on managing late calving dairy cows here Key reproductive targets […]
15 April 2021

Upgrading an Old Milking Parlour
Upgrading an Old Milking Parlour Francis Quigley, Teagasc milking machine specialist, outlines what farmers should consider when upgrading a milking parlour in respect of location, collecting yard design, handling facilities, good cow flow & water systems. Advice for a 30-cow farmer with a 4-unit parlour considering upgrading a milking parlour to accommodate 100 […]
12 April 2021

Feeding for fertility in the lead up to breeding season
0 Feeding for fertility in the lead up to breeding season Nutrition plays a vital role in achieving good herd fertility. Quality of feeding in the dry period and early lactation can affect outcomes. Teagasc specialist Joe Patton gives advice on getting nutrition right before breeding. There are many issues cannot be solved […]
5 April 2021

Dairy Breeding
0 Dairy Breeding Dairy breeding at Kildalton College has a focus on increasing the EBI (Economic Breeding Index) of the college dairy herd. Here for the Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware dairy lecturer Martin Raftice explains the advantages of improving EBI both for environmental and economic reasons Greenhouse gas emissions are of […]
1 April 2021

The cost of a missed heat
The cost of a missed heat George Ramsbottom,Teagasc Dairy Specialist and Laurence Shalloo, Teagasc Research Officer talk about the key reproductive targets in seasonal calving dairy herds. They discuss slippage in calving interval and the cost and consequences of a missed heat here Background The key reproductive targets in seasonal calving dairy […]
29 March 2021

Using both dairy and beef AI
Using both dairy and beef AI Teagasc in conjunction with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is running a dairy breeding week this week. The focus of today’s videos is on Using both dairy and beef AI, from the start of the breeding season. Siobhan Ring, ICBF, and Hugh Egan, Dairy Farmer, […]
18 March 2021

Managing late calving cows to shorten calving interval
Managing late calving cows to shorten calving interval We are now only weeks away from the start of the 2021 breeding season. Whenever you intend commencing your breeding season, the management of late calvers is something that needs to be given some thought in order to avoid them calving late again in […]
17 March 2021