Top Dairy Bulls of 2019
With the 2020 breeding season on the horizon, now is a good time to look back at the previous breeding season. Below, we display the top 10 AI bulls used in 2019 based on the data recorded on the ICBF database. (more…)
Paula Hynes – The power is in our hands to ensure the next generation knows no boundaries
As a mother of three girls, when I took the leap from working in retail to becoming a full-time farmer in late 2014, it certainly was daunting. I had just given birth to our youngest daughter Georgie and whilst I always loved animals, I had no farming experience. (more…)
May Evaluation Deadline- Deadline for all genotypes samples is 11th March.
The May Evaluation will be published on 26th May. The final date to have any DNA samples (hair/tissue/AI straws returned to ICBF in order to have genomic evaluation published in May, is 11th March. (more…)
DNA based calf registration – Not only possible but also feasible
‘Mark Waters, ICBF goes through the next step for animal traceability’. In 1996, Ireland became world leaders in the traceability of cattle from birth to factory when the Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) was introduced. This system required all farmers to apply identification tags to each calf at birth and register this unique number in the Animal Identification and Movements (AIM) database. (more…)
Peter Hynes – Cows grazing daily on 3-hour breaks
The weather certainly is challenging this Spring, week after week of rain and storms. Let’s hope we see a bit of normality soon and in the meantime let’s all stay positive as we get close to March. Cows have been grazing daily but on 3-hour breaks, ground is far from ideal, but we are adamant we want grass in the cows’ diet. (more…)
Improvements to Genomic Evaluations
“Bryan Kingston (ICBF) discusses the improvements to dairy genomic evaluations this Spring”
Genomic selection has contributed significantly to the increased rate of genetic gain in EBI, through the more accurate identification of genetically elite males and females. The current rate of genetic gain in EBI is €10/year. (more…)
Looking for love this Valentine’s Day? Check out the ICBF Stockbull finder to find an eligible bachelor for the main ladies in your life.
The ‘Stockbull Finder’ is a sales tool on www.icbf.com designed to help farmers around the country in sourcing Stockbulls from herds with excellent levels of data recording. (more…)
Dairy Gene Ireland Programme 2020
We are delighted to present you with the breed packs for this year’s Spring Dairy Gene Ireland programme. Now in its 16th year, the program has delivered over €200 million to Irish dairy farmers through increased genetic gain. (more…)
Peter Hynes – Calving well underway at Rathard
Calving is well & truly here at Rathard Holsteins. The herd has just hit its due date and the next week to ten days should be really hectic. We synchronised our heifers for breeding in 2019 using a CIDR program and with 75% of those now calved, it has been very successful. (more…)