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Stock bull running with maiden heifers causes extreme calving difficulty

Scanning a batch of Holstein cows in Dromore, Co. Down. The batch of 1st calving Holstein cows had extremely difficult calvings, this was associated with a stock bull running with the herd. The stock bull was unsuitable for use with the maiden heifers. Unfortunately this will result with an increased infertile rate and calving to […]

Scanning cows reveals recipients for embryo transfer

Visited a Charolais breeder in Co. Limerick where we scanned a batch of heifers for an embryo transfer programme. 4 out of 10 of the potential recipients were on heat last Thursday and Friday, based on scanning. We have validated the use of scanning to determine the days since last heat to within 1 day […]

Welding will cause blindness in cattle

On a farm visit in Co. Antrim a client was installing new cubicles. A welder was in use to complete the operation. A pen of 20 bulls were watching the welding process, I have previously encountered this procedure resulting in blindness in cattle. Therefore the blind animals were previously exposed to the welding.

Scanning cows reveals adverse effect of transferring 2 embryos

On a farm visit outside Portlaoise, Co. Laois, we visited a suckler farmer who presented a cow which had been used as a recipient in an embryo transfer programme. The Limousin cow used for superovulation had produced 20 unfertilized eggs and 2 poor embryos. The technician decided to transfer both embryos into the 1 recipient. […]

Feed shortages and cash flow issues result in strict culling

Article written by Dr. Dan Ryan in The Farming Independent November 20,2012. Cows are now indoors on a fulltime basis on most farms. Many farmers have started to dry off cows calving in January and February. Indeed on some farms that I visit the entire herd has been dried off for a number of reasons. […]

Feed shortages in north Kerry

On farm visits in North Kerry, clients want to identify empty cows so that they do not have to administer flukicides associated with withdrawal periods prior to sale. I was informed that 1 of the creameries outside Listowel has purchased 25,000 bales of silage. This is to assist farmers who are faced with feed shortages […]

Scanning cows reveals a client’s surprise on a cow diagnosed pregnant

I scanned a herd of Pedigree Limousin and Shorthorn cows in County Clare. 1 of the cows scanned pregnant resulted in the client claiming that the cow could not be pregnant. I explained to him that she was the only cow left in the group and that she was 150 days pregnant carrying a heifer […]

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.

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