Later calving hurting milk yield by 25%

LATER calving in dairy herds could be costing more than 25% losses of potential milk yield.

As the emphasis swings to payment based on milk solids, analysis of milk composition by Teagasc researchers has revealed that cows on Curtins Farm at Moorepark average 150 kg more milk solids than the national average.

According to George Ramsbottom, Teagasc, the calving pattern is the single largest contributor to the average farm missing out on this potential. He said three quarters of the milk solids are lost before the end of June, due to late calving.