Dairy
Early intervention key with problem cows
0 Early intervention key with problem cows Submitting cows for service is an important aspect of the breeding season, with a target of 90% submitted in the first three weeks. In this article, Teagasc Dairy Specialist Stuart Childs explains why now is the time for managing problem cows on your farm to maximise […]
8 May 2023
Completing a simple winter feed budget for a dairy herd
0 Completing a simple winter feed budget for a dairy herd Silage accounts for at least 25% of the annual feed budget for the average spring-calving dairy herd. This will be greater on farms operating high grazing stocking rates or on heavy soils. Weather shocks such as drought or poor spring growth can […]
8 May 2023
Improved pregnancy rates from sexed semen
0 Improved pregnancy rates from sexed semen Carried out over a five-year period, the most comprehensive analysis of the performance of sexed semen in a commercial field setting ever undertaken has shown improvements in the pregnancy rates being achieved. The results of this analysis was presented by ICBF and was based on over […]
7 May 2023
Setting the sights on milking quality silage in Co. Mayo
0 Setting the sights on milking quality silage in Co. Mayo Donal Ronayne is in his third year of milk production, milking a herd of 194 spring-calving cows in south Mayo. A participant in the Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme, he joined Teagasc Dairy Specialist James Dunne on a recent Let’s Talk Dairy webinar to […]
6 May 2023
Managing late-calving cows to shorten calving interval
0 Managing late-calving cows to shorten calving interval The management of late calvers is something that needs to be given some thought in order to avoid them calving late again or not at all. The bulk of herds will commence breeding in late April / early May, there will be a number of […]
2 May 2023
Managing the dairy herd for a successful breeding season
0 Managing the dairy herd for a successful breeding season With the dairy breeding season currently in full swing on most Irish dairy farms, Kevin O’Hara, Teagasc Ballinrobe, looks at some of the key targets farmers need to achieve over the coming weeks. Most dairy herds in Ireland typically start breeding from May […]
1 May 2023
Accelerating genetic gain in the dairy herd
Accelerating genetic gain in the dairy herd The calving season in the dairy herd is coming to an end and the breeding season is fast approaching. In this article, Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor in Teagasc Castlerea, outlines technologies farmers can use to accelerate the genetic gain in their dairy herd. Animal performance […]
28 April 2023
Synchronisation programmes for replacement heifers
Synchronisation programmes for replacement heifers With the breeding season having commenced on many dairy farms, the use of synchronisation programmes for replacement heifers may be one avenue by which the workload involved with breeding is reduced. On many farms, replacement heifers are located on out-blocks away from the yard, which poses challenges […]
24 April 2023
Strategies to reduce lameness on your farm
Strategies to reduce lameness on your farm Lameness is a painful disease that results in suffering for dairy cows, and damages the sustainable and welfare-friendly image of Irish agriculture. Lameness also has negative financial implications due to reduced milk yield and fertility rates, and increased culling and treatment costs. Teagasc lameness study […]
17 April 2023
Making the rest of 2023 a success with grass and breeding
Making the rest of 2023 a success with grass and breeding Spring 2023 started like a dream, with slurry, fertiliser and cows out in February and early March. However, since about the 10th March, record breaking rainfall has created a lot of extra work, increased costs and reduced production on all farms […]
17 April 2023