Bulls pose threat to dairy herd

LASTING damage to the national dairy herd due to widespread use of unproven stock bulls is predicted

“An analysis of cow pedigree on farms participating in the intensive Teagasc advisory programme shows that only one-third of cows are the progeny of recognised AI bulls and up to one-quarter are from stock bulls”, he said.

“Teagasc research shows that we can select A.I. bulls that will transmit good fertility to their female progeny. This can make a difference of up to 8,000 in profitability for the typical farm”.