Dairy

Controlling thermoduric counts this spring

Controlling thermoduric counts this spring Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Mark Treacy shares tips on controlling thermoduric counts this spring, focusing on the importance of cow hygiene and plant and bulk tank cleaning routines. Thermoduric bacteria naturally occur in the cow’s environment, such as in soil, faeces, feed and bedding. Milk contaminated with […]
24 February 2025

Make grazing by day a priority

Make grazing by day a priority As each day a cow spends at spring grass is worth ~€4 to a dairy farmer and with March fast approaching, Advisor on the Teagasc Aurivo Joint Programme, John McCabe has urged dairy farmers to make grazing a priority – even if only by day. Noting […]
21 February 2025

John McCabe’s tips for spring grazing

John McCabe’s tips for spring grazing John McCabe, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Advisor, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to cover tips on grazing in spring. John first gives a range of scenarios that he has heard from across the country. He encourages people to get grazing if not already. For […]
18 February 2025

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities in cattle

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities in cattle DNA information collected at birth can now be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in livestock, helping avoid the costs and challenges of rearing infertile cattle. Chromosomal abnormalities in humans, such as having an extra or a missing chromosome, are known to cause various genetic disorders – many […]
16 February 2025

Genotyping gains

Genotyping gains Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, tells us how genotyping is enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the main dairy breeding indexes. In 2023 the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConologue, launched the National Genotyping Programme. Since then, the share of the national dairy herd that is genotyped […]
15 February 2025

Top five tips for February

Top five tips for February As part of the Teagasc Dairy Advisor newsletter, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Dr. Joe Patton shared his top five tips for February. Read them here: 1). Achieve at least one grazing every day Spring grass is the best-quality forage available on farm. Cows will benefit from […]
13 February 2025

Whole milk versus milk replacer – which pays?

Whole milk versus milk replacer – which pays? One question that often arises at this time of year is which is more economically beneficial – feeding calves milk replacer or whole milk? As Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at Teagasc, Aisling Claffey explains: “Both saleable whole milk and a quality milk replacer are effective […]
12 February 2025

Fertiliser or slurry: When to spread and how much to apply?

Fertiliser or slurry: When to spread and how much to apply? David Wall, Teagasc Researcher, Johnstown Castle, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss correct nutrient management use on dairy farms this spring. David outlines how the correct timing, rate and type of fertiliser is key to ensure efficient […]
10 February 2025

Calf scour: Know your enemy

Calf scour: Know your enemy A scour outbreak will significantly increase workload and stress at a time when farmers are already stretched. Read key tips on diagnosing scour, treatment options and ways of reducing its impact in this article. Scour refers to watery or custard-like faeces. It results from a badly damaged […]
10 February 2025

Managing Somatic Cell Count in early lactation

Managing Somatic Cell Count in early lactation Calving is in full swing on most dairy farms currently and it’s a busy time of year to keep on top of all the tasks that need to be completed. However, as Padraig O’Connor writes, keeping on top of your herd Somatic Cell Count (SCC) […]
10 February 2025