Lionel Mackey, Ballinclea House, Donard, Co Wicklow

Backround of the herd: In calf heifers were initially purchased in France in 1999. The herd now comprises of approximately 30 breeding Aubrac females. (more…)

Angela & Gerard Brickley, Coolrain, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Backround of the herd: The herd goes back to 8 heifers imported from Austria in 1975 by Tom Brickley, Gerard’s father, to found the Anatrim Herd.  Further imports have taken place over the years to ensure adequate milk and new traits such as Polled have being introduced. The Celtic herd has now been built up to 52 calving, which starts on 1^st December.  The aim is to tighten calving into a 3 month period.  Embryo transfer is extensively used, with 40% of calves born by ET this past season. (more…)

Joe and Richard Fortune, Knottown, Co Wexford.

Background of the herd: The herd was established in 1998, with the first females sourced in Ireland. Cattle were subsequently purchased and imported from France in 2002. The herd now comprises of approximately 100 breeding Salers females.

Maternal Breeding: The herd has an overall replacement index rating of €273, which makes it one of the highest ranking herds in the country, across all breeds.

Top Maternal Cows: One of the top cows in the herd is Knottown Ena (Sired by Gitan). She has a maternal index of €357 (reliability: 46%). She was born on the 17^th of November 2004. She has had 7 calves, and is a very hard working cow with an average calving interval of 363 days. A son of this cow, is currently being considered for the Gene Ireland bull breeder program. Another cow of note is the imported French cow, Usance (pictured), who was the winner of the RDS maternal index award in 2013. Again, she boasts a phenomenal replacement index of €375, and is currently with her eighth calf with an average calving interval of 357 days.

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Philip Leech, Beech Hill, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Backround of the herd: Two pedigree Charolais cows were purchased in 1995. The herd…