2012 | ReproDoc Ltd.

On calls in County Limerick.

First call was to a client who had a Holstein dairy herd with a focus on utilization of grazed grass for milk production. The weather this morning was deplorable with a cold spell and extremely poor grass growth rates. The client informed me that grass growth rates on his farm had declined this week to […]

Milk markets are currently sluggish

Milk markets are currently sluggish with milk prices set to drop by up to 8 cents per litre. This is creating uncertainty and reducing the demand for farm inputs.

Dry cow management dictates the rate of the uterus post calving

Dry cow management and in particular close up management of calving dictates the rate of the uterus post calving. One of our clients who is currently on a P.H.M.P. Programme where repeated measurements of the reproductive tract are observed and analysis. From this we could show that a change in poor quality silage with an […]

Pre-breed Scanning in Co Cork

Visited a dairy farmer in County Cork where we conducted a pre-breed scan. He informed me that in 2009 he had 49 heifer calves who survived a severe outbreak of coccidiosis. Only 23 of these animals have survived into their second lactation. Of the 23 scanned, 8 had severe reproductive problems supporting my contention that […]

Testicle size considered too small

On a farm in County Clare, where a pedigree stock bull was not allowed to enter a sale because testicle size was considered too small. He would be allowed to be certified if he put a number of heifers in calf. On a previous visit we scanned heifers as reproductively sound, these were introduced to […]

Poor weather detrimental to milk production

On calls in Kerry where cattle have been housed because of the extremely poor weather conditions. Heavy rain has left land with heavy soils being waterlogged. This leaves the farmers with no option but to bring cows back indoors. This is extremely detrimental to milk production and the stress associated with same to reproductive performance. […]

Low milk protein and high somatic cell count costing a business 13,000 pound sterling a month

On a farm visit outside in County Down a dairy farmer with 350 cows informed me that low milk protein and high somatic cell count were costing his business 13,000 pound sterling a month. Poor silage quality, with poor transition management pre calving and post calving are the main cost factors.

On a farm visit in Kerry

Visited a farm where a client presented a sucker herd, that had an autumn calving programme for suckler cows, and a spring calving programme for dairy cows. Reproductive performance of the suckler herd of 20 cows and 2 heifers was excellent, while that in the dairy herd was very poor. The client informed me that […]

On a farm visit in County Kerry

A client had 40 heifers which had provided 2 groups in the 1 pen. Each pen had a stock bull which were routinely switched. In 1 pen 90% of the heifers were pregnant while in the other pen less than 30% were pregnant. How could this be explained, in a subfertile group 1 heifer was […]

Visited a sucker farmer in County Clare

Visited a sucker farmer in County Clare who presented 40 solar cows for scanning. Over 90% of the cows were pregnant over an 80 day breeding window. These cows are excellent mothers with cross suckling a common feature. These cows may however, lose significant body condition score dropping from 3 1/2 to 2 in the […]

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