Dairy Beef Calf Programme
The purpose of this scheme is to support beef farmers who are rearing calves from the dairy herd and to facilitate further the integration of the dairy and beef sectors. (more…)
10 things you need to know about milk recording
Why milk record? We take a look at some of the benefits that milk recording offers.
As we enter the era of precision agriculture, performance data and how we use it has never been of more importance. (more…)
How to access the Co-op Performance Report?
Reports are generated once a month by ICBF in conjunction with Co-ops around the country. Files are received from the relevant Co-ops in the 3rd week of every month after the milk price has been set.
When you may need to switch to Desktop Version
Have you ever wondered why some features are available on your laptop/PC but not on your smartphone or tablet device e.g. Sire Advice? (more…)
Updated Gestation Length figures
Gestation length refers to the number of days that the fetus is developing between insemination and calving. ICBF have recently updated the gestation length figures based on insemination and calving data recorded over the past number of years. These updated figures will result in more accurate expected calving dates for animals going forward. (more…)
Peter Hynes – “It has been our best breeding season yet”
It’s the time of year when planning is crucial on farm. Decisions we make now will have the greatest impact on farm performance for 2021. We had a super scanning result with only 7% of cows empty and 100% of heifers in calf, with 68% in calf to first service. 145 animals will calve in February 2021. It has been our best breeding season yet. Synchronising the heifers on fixed time AI really works for us and it also shows the in-calf rate for first lactation cows. I feel it just allows them time to recover after calving to prepare for the breeding season. (more…)
Applying for an AI Code
In line with EU Animal Breeding Regulations bulls to be used for purebred breeding must be sire and dam parentage verified before an AI code is issued. (more…)
Frequently Asked Questions – Genotyping
On a recent social media post, we asked our followers to send on any questions they had around genotyping. Below is a brief synopsis of the main questions asked and their corresponding answers.
Breeding for low heritability traits can achieve real results
A common misconception is that breeding should not be pursued as a method for improving health or fertility traits due to their low heritability. Low heritability does not mean the trait cannot be improved. Low heritability simply signifies that much more records are required to achieve the same rate of genetic gain as high heritability trait (e.g., carcass weight or milk yield). (more…)