Dairy

Research Trial Update Clonakilty Agricultural College

0 Research Trial Update Clonakilty Agricultural College James Daunt, Clonakilty Agricultural College Lecturer caught up with Brian McCarthy, Clonakilty Research Officer to get a review of the clover trial at the College which took place from 2019 to 2021. The experiment looked at sward types and nitrogen fertiliser rates.  There has been four […]
3 March 2022

Getting the most out of automatic calf feeding this Spring

Getting the most out of automatic calf feeding this Spring Calf rearing accounts for a large amount of the total workload on farms in spring. Some farmers have purchased an automatic calf feeder to reduce workload. Dairy Specialist Martina Gormley gives advice on best practice when using these feeders. Automatic calf feeding […]
28 February 2022

Winning the War on Mastitis and High SCC in Dairy Herds

Winning the War on Mastitis and High SCC in Dairy Herds Did you know that a mild case of mastitis costs €200 and a severe case over €700, when all costs (including production losses) are included? More milk is lost when the cow is infected in early lactation than when infection occurs […]
26 February 2022

Talking about sustainable farm management: improving communication – have your say!

Talking about sustainable farm management: improving communication – have your say! Lisa Marijke van der Berg is carrying out an online survey to analyse communication with dairy farmers about sustainable land management practices, as part of a M.Sc. Research project with Teagasc and Wageningen University (WUR). Take the online survey here Farm […]
24 February 2022

Robotic milking – is it for you?

Robotic milking – is it for you? Robotic milking is increasing in Ireland as farmers upgrade their parlours and are potentially looking to reduce labour on their farms. Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discuses key aspects of robotic milking and what needs investigation before considering the robotic route As with a change […]
21 February 2022

The effect of temperature on the performance of young calves

The effect of temperature on the performance of young calves With calving well underway, now is a good time to review factors affecting growth rate in the young calf. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist focuses on the effect of temperature on the performance of young calves and has practical advice for keeping […]
14 February 2022

Let’s Talk Dairy – Plan for Spring Grazing 2022

Let’s Talk Dairy – Plan for Spring Grazing 2022 On this episode of Let’s Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 3 February, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses the plan for Spring grazing in 2022. Stuart outlines what is important to watch out for and some actions that people can […]
14 February 2022

Correct concentrate feeding – the key to rumen development in your calves

0 Correct concentrate feeding – the key to rumen development in your calves The intake of calf starter concentrates is the single most important factor in the development of the rumen, which is very small and undeveloped at birth. Starter intake is important in ensuring a smooth transition from milk feeding to an […]
7 February 2022

Somatic Cell Count (SCC) management in early lactation

0 Somatic Cell Count (SCC) management in early lactation Early identification of Somatic Cell Count (SCC) issues is important to being in control of SCC through lactation and especially as we head into the new era of selective dry cow therapy later this year. Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist explains how the California […]
1 February 2022

Colostrum – Liquid Gold

Colostrum – Liquid Gold The provision of adequate colostrum in appropriate quantities is probably the single most effective means of keeping new born calves healthy and enables them to fight infection and disease. Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor Teagasc Castlerea explains the 123 rule of feeding colostrum and has good advice Ireland has […]
31 January 2022