Rearing Bull Calves on Dairy Farms in the North of Ireland

05 Dec 2019

In the North of Ireland currently it is not allowed to slaughter male calves as part of certification for dairy under the Red Tractor programme.

On a number of farms visited this week in the north, farmers have resorted to the use of sex semen to generate replacements for the dairy herd, then the use of beef semen to generate beef calves. One farmer informed me that he is currently averaging £300 pounds on average for Limousin cross and Angus cross bull calves and heifer calves @ 6 weeks of age. His costs of production are £86 pounds in terms of milk replacer to achieve the 6 week target for sale of calves.

There are increased aimed risks in rearing calves to the 6 week stage. To reduce the complications of same and to enable the purchaser to avoid health risks on the future a standard vaccination programme is implanted to include vaccinations against IBR and P13. This farmer in Co Derry informed me that his calving spread from October through April enable him to cope with the number of calves to be reared in his 220 cow herd is acceptable as he does not have a large number of calves born in any one week.

Testimonials

I have been using Dr Dan Ryan’s services for the best part of 20 years now at this stage. I completely depend on the information I get from his service.

I do 4 scans during the year. The first scan is in early April to see that every cow is cycling properly and to see where there are problems in the herd.

The second scan is in the first few days in June. I get all cows served over 28 days, cows pregnant, late calvers and heifers. I also learn if there are any embryonic deaths from this scan.

The third scan is in the first week of July. I get cows gone 28 days checked and also check for any embryonic deaths.

The final scan is in mid September. I get a clear picture as to which cows are in calf or not. I get projected calving dates for the following Spring. This scan can pick up services that the stock bull would have performed that I may have missed. I may see cows on heat and yet the scan would confirm that they are in calf. Multiple pregnancies can be picked up as well.

If I see a cow doing something unusual during the breeding season Dan and his team are always at the end of the line for advice.
All the above information is invaluable.

Kieran & his mother Marie Irwin
Ballingarry, Co. Limerick