Scanning reveals abnormal uterine horns associated with photosynthesization

I scanned a maiden heifer which had abnormal structure to her uterine horns. She was the strongest of her comrades not confirmed pregnant. A client informed me that this heifer suffers from sunburn (photosynthesization). As a result this heifer’s womb became affected by this event, and so was classified a G2 status which means there […]

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Feed shortages imminent on many farms

On farm visits in West Kerry revealed that many farmers were not able to make hay or silage. Cattle have had to be housed indoors. Poor quality baled silage is making €30.00 with up to €80.00 for top quality bales of silage.

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Scanning cows reveals impact of feed shortages in Co. Kerry

Our farm visits in Co. Kerry focused on identifying empty cows and sexing pregnancies. All farmers are planning to sell surplus in calf heifers and cows scanned pregnant, which would calf after the middle of April next year. Sexing of pregnancies in maiden heifers, enables farmers to retain those heifers carrying heifer calves and sell […]

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Scanning cows for pregnancy in Co. Limerick

We had to scan 4 dairy herds for reproductive performance in Co. Limerick. The 11 week pregnancy rate for cows confirmed greater than or equal to 30 days pregnant was, 59% of 98 cows, 89% of 71 cows, 95% of 101 cows, and 97% of 74 cows from 4 dairy herds respectively. The low figure […]

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Woodchip and silage costs increase dramatically

On calls in West Clare, farmers had to rehouse cattle due to the inclement weather. The cost of baled silage has hit €30. While the cost of woodchip material, which is commonly used as bedding material for housing animals has hit €1,200 for 15 tones.

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Grass supply has been limited by the availability of aftergrass subsequent to the second cut silage

Farmers in Co. Limerick told me that grass supply has been limited by the availability of aftergrass subsequent to the second cut silage. Many second cuts should have been harvested 2 to 3 weeks ago. The quality of second cut silages can be expected to deteriorate.

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Treating in calf maiden heifers for Coccidiosis

On farm visits today, in Co. Limerick where client’s revealed that they had to treat their in calf maiden heifers for Coccidiosis. I have encountered clinical cases of this disease whereby rectal palpation revealed very tender rectal wall. One client informed us that it costs in excess of €1000 to treat 33 of his in […]

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Fattening cull cows not justified at current cattle and feed prices

Visited a client outside Delvin, Co. Westmeath where I scanned cows for fattening. The client wanted to identify those cows pregnant and who would not suit the fattening period of 100 days. He informed me that he is now planning to buy cull cows for fattening this autumn on the basis of cattle and feed […]

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First major win for Holstein breeder Pat Coffey, Clonakilty, Co Cork at Tullamore show

First major win for Holstein breeder Pat Coffey, Clonakilty, Co Cork at Tullamore show yesterday. There were a large number of cows in the class which had won at previous shows around the country earlier in the summer.

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Scanning cows in the rain

The main contrast between the North and South of Ireland in terms of handling cattle is the increased availability of indoor crushes in the North of Ireland. We found that heavy rainfall interfered with the maintenance of a Bluetooth connection between the scanner and a remote handheld computer. Our Engineer has built a protective housing […]

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