Higher body scores for elite animals

Elite animals are showing higher milk solids and maintaining higher body condition scores, in the first results from Teagasc Next Generation Herd trials at the Dairygold Research Farm in Kilworth, Co Cork.

The herd was assembled in 2012 from maiden heifers, in-calf heifers and heifer calves from commercial dairy herds around the country, and from within Teagasc dairy herds.

There are two distinct genetic groups. In the elite (extremely high EBI) herd, sires include SOK, IRP, WHS, BHZ, and WGM. The average EBI of 2011-born heifers was €234.