AI bulls prove more profitable

THE main reason for low dairy-AI usage in Ireland is the widely held opinion that fertility is better from a stock bull, especially with a once-per-day AI service.

Convenience and the expectation of more heifer calves from a stock dairy bull are other factors. Also, some farmers do not realise that, on average, the progeny of AI bulls have the potential to be well over €100 per lactation more profitable.

Munster Cattle Breeding experts say once-a-day AI service at around the same time every day is as good as twice-a-day AI service, or as a stock bull. However, due to the pressures on the AI system in the spring, the same-time-every-day service can be problematic in some areas.

ICBF data proves conclusively that the proportion of heifers and bulls are similar with AI and stock bulls. Convenience is a legitimate concern in some cases, especially with part-time farming.

Data from group analyses show that high-EBI cows had a calving interval of 274 days, and 84% of them reached their fourth lactation, whereas low-EBI cows had a calving interval of 307 days, and only 62% reached their fourth lactation.