Sales of cattle ration have increased sharply in the North of Ireland

Farm visits to dairy and suckler herds this week in the North of Ireland reveal a significant reduction in the purchase of concentrated feeds for both beef and dairy cattle.

Poor beef prices and unprofitable milk production have pushed farmers into cost reduction exercises. Meal companies are faced with increased long-term debts and indeed are acting as form of credit for many dairy farmers.

The reduction in suckler herd size and interest in breeding the best from best using Ai has also seen a sharp tumble. Unfortunately reducing feed intake in high production type of dairy cows , they are consequent knock-on effects on body condition score. This will have severe negative implications in terms of reproductive performance and subsequent survivability.

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