Breed the milkers for the end of quotas in 2015

At this time of year, milk producers and livestock breeders will be considering what AI semen to use on their dairy and beef cows and how to maintain or improve herd fertility and farm incomes.

Unfortunately on many farms due to milk quota, nutrition, disease, fertility and management problems calving has been slipping back and the breeding season extends over many months. According to one Cork farmer the difference in profitability between a February and an April calving cow is a whopping €400.

However before you blame the cow or the breed for poor fertility you need to optimise herd health, animal nutrition and welfare. Naturally farm management needs to be first class to achieve best results. There are no short cuts or any easy way to achieving optimum fertility.