Farmer support for reducing number of male dairy calves

Earlier this year, NUI Galway and Teagasc conducted a survey of Irish dairy farmers, funded by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, to explore farmers’ breeding decisions, calf marketing strategies, and attitudes in relation to the dairy industry and animal welfare.

Most Irish dairy farmers are concerned about the reputation of the dairy industry, and three quarters are willing to support the establishment of a sexed semen laboratory in Ireland, to reduce the number of male dairy calves, according to findings of a study conducted by the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway and Teagasc.