27 March 2025
Breeding healthier, more efficient cows with John and Brendan Walsh
John and Brendan Walsh are focused on breeding healthier, more efficient cows through a strategic approach to sire and cow selection.
Participants in the Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme and farming in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, calving commenced on the farm in January 18th and is expected to end on April 5th. Following soon afterwards will be the breeding season.
In the video below, John and Brendan Walsh explain that Sire Advice is used to pick the bulls, with a focus placed on picking selecting with high fat (+0.3) and protein (+0.25) percentages, suitable maintenance figures (an average of €18) and health ratings, such as TB traits.
Cow selection is another important focus area. Sexed semen, used through fixed time AI synchronisation programmes, is used on heifers, while some cows are mated to sexed semen following natural heats. As a technology, sexed semen has been working well for the Walshes. Last year, 70% of heifers held to the first serve, whereas as it was 65% the year previous.
The introduction of sexed semen, along with breeding replacements from the best cows in the herd, has resulted in over 60% of the cows bred on their farm receiving beef AI. To improve the quality of these beef calves produced, while still focusing on short gestation and easy calving traits, John and Brendan are using the Dairy Beef Index to select the most suitable beef sires.
Watch the below video for more detailed information on the Walsh’s breeding plan for the 2025 breeding season:
Find out more about the Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme here.