Changes in traditional horse breeding

Kilkenny: The traditional breeding of the Irish Draught mare with a thoroughbred stallion is being replaced by the increased usage of European breeds.

Teagasc national horse specialist Norman Storey said it is one of the substantial changes that have taken place in the Irish sport horse industry during the past decade.

“Also a decade ago, artificial insemination was almost unheard of. Now up to 25% of mares are inseminated with either frozen or chilled semen,” he said.

Mr Storey was announcing details of the Teagasc National Horse Breeding Conference, which will examine these and other developments at Kildalton College, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, on Wednesday, April 30.

Scientists and breeders from Britain and Holland including experts from the TBA equine fertility unit in Newmarket, England, as well as the owner of the world famous, Team Nijhof in Holland, will outline the latest breeding technology.

There will also be a practical demonstration on the evaluation of breeding mares and on the most effective methods of ’showing’ horses by some of Ireland’s leading breeders and stud owners.

Some 130 shows will be staged between May and September. Thomastown, Co Kilkenny (May 3-4), Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare (May 4) and Leap, Co Cork (May 5).

The first major livestock event will be the RDS Spring Show, on May 10.