Use of AI in dairy breeding rises to 50%

THE use of AI to breed dairy replacements has increased from 35% to 50%, according to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.

ICBF has confirmed that a campaign to increase the uptake of AI has been “very successful” over the past three years. However, government funding will not be available to assist the campaign in 2009.

Using AI can increase dairy profits by up to €80 per lactation, compared to using stock bulls.