2012 | ReproDoc Ltd.

Scanning of cows reveals delayed puberty in Blonde D’Aquitaine

I scanned a batch of heifers on a farm outside Thurles in Co Tipperary. The scan revealed the negative aspects with delayed puberty in Blonde D’Aquitaine heifers. Out of 10 heifers scanned only 2 were cycling, even though body condition score was excellent, while another feature was that these heifers were at least 14 months […]

Scanning cows reveals a positive outlook for the Hereford breed

On a farm visit to a Hereford breeder outside Moate, Co. Westmeath, the client told me that the sale of Herefords has increased dramatically as there is a greater demand associated with excellent temperment, easy calving, and little requirement for supplemental concentrates.

Scanning of cows essential after post-superovulation

Hormonal treatment of cows in a superovulation programme is very stressful on a cow and can result in a number of ovarian and uterine abnormalities. It is essential that these cows are scanned after a superovulation programme to rectify any problems.

Excellent reproductive performance in a Rotbunt Herd

I scanned 134 Rotbunt cross Friesian cows for a client who had run stock bulls with his herd. He wanted to establish dry off dates, calving dates and empty cows in his herd. There were only 9 empty cows identified which was excellent. The hybrid figure from crossbreeding plus the extra maintenance of body condition […]

Scanning cows for multiple births pays off

Visited a client outside Cork City who told me that I had previously scanned 3 cows carrying 2 sets of twin heifers. They thought this could not be right. However, they fed the cows and managed them for twin births, 3 sets of twin heifers were born.

Pre-breed scanning of cows

A client outside Bandon, Co. Cork presented a dairy herd with a spring calving section for scanning. Freshly calved autumn calving section were mixed in with the herd. They had not planned to scan this group of cows. Scanning revealed serious reproductive problems in the autumn calving section due to multiple ovulations, milk fever, or […]

Cost of winter milk production dramatically increased by feed costs

On a farm visit in Co. Limerick a client informed me that maize has increased from €200 to €460 compared to this time last year. Additional costs will include the impact of poor quality silage and maize with a depressed milk price.

The use of maize in an anaerobic digester in Co. Antrim

On farm visits in Co. Antrim the discussion centred on the amount of land required to support an anaerobic digester. The quality of maize produced in this part of the country is very poor, relative to that in Germany. The amount used in the anaerobic digester was 4 times greater than that produced. They now […]

Scanning cows reveals impaired fertility associated with inbreeding

On a farm visit to a Holstein Dairy farm outside Strabane, Co.Tyrone, the level of infertility was unacceptably high. The client revealed that the level of inbreeding was 3.8% while the U.K. average was 1.6%. Inbreeding will impair reproductive performance in a dairy herd.

Scanning cows reveals a herd with cow comfort as a priority

Visited a farm outside Richhill, Co. Armagh. According to this client the best investment he made in the past year was a machine that combined the scrapping of slatts, the brushing of cubicles and dusting of the cubicles.

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