Articles
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves?
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves? Like cryptosporidia, coccidiosis is caused by protozoa but rather than present as a problem in calves shortly after birth, coccidiosis will tend to show in calves that are slightly older. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has more information on the signs, treatment and prevention of […]
21 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
The future is kelp!
The future is kelp! Did you know the word ‘kelp’ originally described the burnt ash of brown seaweed? Maria Hayes Research Officer, Teagasc Food Research Centre, together with Cawthron Institute Researchers, New Zealand, are looking at bio-product isolation from native Irish and New Zealand macro-algal species here. One of the last remaining […]
18 April 2021
70 years of grassland research in Ireland
70 years of grassland research in Ireland TEAGASC grassland research has enabled the transformation of Irish agriculture since the 1950s. The importance of grassland to Irish Agriculture is indicated by over 70% of agricultural output (monetary terms) coming from grassland as cattle, milk, & sheep products, Teagasc researchers reminisce Pat Dillon Teagasc, […]
17 April 2021
Bull Safety
Bull Safety The breeding season has started on many farms and that brings increased risks associated with close contact with animals. HSA figures show bulls were involved in over 18% of livestock related deaths on Irish farms in 2011-2020. John McNamara & Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialists report here Many farm […]
16 April 2021
How Does Grass Grow?
How Does Grass Grow? Perennial ryegrass (PRG) is the most commonly sown grass species in Ireland. As a perennial plant it’s characterised by having the growing point close to the ground and it regrows after each grazing & cutting, without the need for frequent reseeding. Patricia Lynch, Teagasc Advisor Westport has more […]
15 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
Preparing for Breeding
Preparing for Breeding As the calving season is coming to an end and the breeding season is about to start, it is timely that we should be looking at ways to maximise fertility on farms. Teagasc Beef Specialists outline the four key areas for most suckler farmers to consider here, and finish […]
14 April 2021
How to avoid meal feeding ewes after lambing
How to avoid meal feeding ewes after lambing Edward Egan, Meath Teagasc advisor, sums up the points made by 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmer of the Year Peter McGuinness, as he outlines some of the key steps he takes during the course of the year to ensure he has enough grass in March […]
13 April 2021
Coccidiosis and nematodirosis in young lambs
Coccidiosis and nematodirosis in young lambs At this time of year, the major parasites of concern for young lambs are Nematodirus and Coccidia. Coccidiosis is a disease of young lambs, usually from 3-8 weeks of age.The signs of nematodirosis are similar to coccidiosis. Orla Keane, Teagasc Researcher explains both parasites & their […]
13 April 2021