Low fertility ‘driving costs’

Low fertility levels are a huge hidden cost in Irish liquid milk herds, according to Teagasc liquid milk specialist Joe Patton.

He said the 443 days average calving interval on liquid milk farms is leading to many additional costs arising from lower milk yield, higher feed costs and a lower number of dairy replacements on the ground.

In contrast, the calving interval in the Teagasc liquid milk research herd at Johnstown Castle is 385 days.