Taller cows spark bigger milking parlour calls

Irish cows are getting taller and may need beefed-up milking parlours, according to agricultural scientists.

Research body Teagasc also found that cross-breeding techniques are making the animals more docile and faster to milk.

Studies show that the transition from British Friesian to Holstein breeds means cows are getting taller and wider and developing bigger udders.

Teagasc’s Dr Mairead Bermingham said milking parlours may have to be expanded to accommodate the taller animals.

“This has repercussions for optimal cubical and milking parlour design,” she said.

“Genetic correlations with milk production suggest that, under such breeding objectives, animals will become taller and wider.

“In addition, animals also have developed deeper, more strongly supported and attached udders which has negative implications for udder health. Furthermore, animals have tended to become more docile and faster milking, which has both management and welfare benefits.”

The research was presented at the annual Agricultural Research Forum in Tullamore.

The forum is a joint Teagasc and University College Dublin initiative and features agricultural research relating to livestock, soils, crops, environment, farming systems, labour and economics.