Spring calving season is now in full flight on the majority of dairy farms. It is difficult to fathom that in excess of 1 million calves will be born on Irish dairy farms between February and April. Great strides have been made over the past decade in breeding a robust cow suited to grass based […]
Read MoreSilage analysis is essential to balance the dietary requirements of your cows both pre and post calving. Avoid the risk of Johne’s disease being spread among your new-born calves. Do not bulk feed from cows to all your caves. Know the disease status in your herd by using the older cows in your herd as […]
Read MoreSpring calving will begin over the next few weeks. Even though milk price does not cover the cost of winter milk production at manufacturing price, a significant number of farmers have milked their late calving cows through the Christmas period. In the past, milk quota restrictions ensured most spring calving cows were dry prior to […]
Read MoreDry cow minerals and vitamins need to be supplemented in dry cow diets based on requirements. Optimal transition management outcomes are dependent on same. Scan cows now not detected in heat, which are part of your autumn breeding programme. Scan cows bred greater than 20 days to identify cows with early embryo death and missed […]
Read MoreGrass based dairy production systems are now busy selecting cows for drying off. Contrary to previous years, milk quota restrictions and an excellent grass growth period up to the second week of November, have resulted in extended lactations. However, body condition scores (BCS) have suffered where either concentrate supplementation or fluke and worm management needs […]
Read MoreIdentify problem breeder cows by scanning using the Smart Scan Experience. (See ReproInfo for more details) Underlying herd health problems can be identified in the transition period by scanning cows when 14 days calved. Heat detection in suckler cows for AI indoors can be difficult. Use the Smart Scan Experience to manage your AI breeding […]
Read MoreThe month of October has been excellent for grass growth. The opportunity to graze grass on heavy land has been exceptional. Farmers are in an upbeat mood in general as a result of the fine weather. Milk price may have created an unsustainable long term proposition, but fine weather has meant that farm tasks put […]
Read MoreEnsure your cows get at least an 8 week dry cow period. This should be expanded to a 10 to 12 week period for first lactation cows, cows carrying twins and those cows with poor locomotion scores. Address the need of your cows for liver fluke, stomach fluke and worms at the time of drying […]
Read MoreAccurate calving dates cannot be achieved using milk tests where a stock bull is running with the herd. Scanning cows prior to 110 days of pregnancy will give accurate calving dates. The smart Scan Experience optimises the opportunity to provide accurate calving dates. Twins in dairy cows increase the risk of later embryo death and […]
Read MoreThe Annual National Ploughing event heralds not alone the largest outdoor event in Europe but a time of change in seasons with shorter days and reduced grass growth rates. Dairy farmers have accepted the fact that reduced milk prices will be a feature of the business for the foreseeable future. The current price of milk […]
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