Cow reproductive efficiency falling

There is clear evidence that the reproductive efficiency of Irish beef cow herds is in decline, Teagasc experts told Beef 2014 at Grange, Co Meath.

For example, fewer than 0.8 calves are being born per cow per year, and fewer than 25% of cows produce a calf within a year. The calving interval is also increasing, and now averages about 400 days.

Fewer than 10% of heifers calve for the first time at 24 months of age, with an average age at first calving of 32.5 months.