The breeding season on Irish dairy farms has become increasingly concentrated in the late April to June period. The purpose of Teagasc Breeding Week, which takes place this week, from Monday, 25 March to Friday, 29 March, is to provide timely reminders to farmers on important genetic and technical issues underpinning a successful dairy breeding season.
Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, Dr Joe Patton said; “This week, though a selection of mediums, we will communicate the latest research and best technical advice available, to assist dairy producers in planning for an effective breeding campaign 2024. It has been most challenging spring on dairy farms, however with the start of the breeding season fast approaching it remains vital that farmers are supported to make the right management decisions for their herd”.
Details of the events taking place this week are available at https://www.teagasc.ie/breedingweek
Monday, 25th March
The Dairy Edge Podcast, presented by Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, will hear about the role of ICBF in Irish Breeding Progress and Future Direction from Sean Coughlan, CEO of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
Teagasc Daily article and video on developing a breeding plan for your farm.
Tuesday, 26th March
West Cork Breeding Seminar | 8pm
Celtic Ross Hotel, Englishisland, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork.
Teagasc/ Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme Seminar.
Hillgrove Hotel, Old Armagh Rd, Latlorcan, Co. Monaghan.
Teagasc Daily article and video on the Maintenance Breeding Sub-index.
Wednesday, 27th March
A webinar on ‘Developing an Efficient Breeding Strategy for your Farm’ will take place at 7:30pm. Hosted by Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist the panellists include:
- Dr. Stephen Butler, Teagasc.
- Dr. Siobhan Ring, ICBF.
- John O'Dwyer, Dairy farmer, Cashel, Co. Tipperary.
Topics to be covered include:
- Maximising the return from Synchronisation.
- Maximising beef without impacting the dairy herd.
- The breeding plan for my farm.
A Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm Programme Farm Walk will take place on the Farm of John Ryan, Boulick, Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary at 11 am.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Review of the host farmers breeding strategy.
- Dairy cow selection for both dairy and beef AI.
- What is DBI and what are the benefits for your herd.
Teagasc/ Bandon Co-op Farm Walk on farm of John and Veronica Cullinane, Shanaway, Ballineen, Co. Cork, starting at 11 am.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Monitor farm details and farm performance.
- Cow nutrition during breeding.
- Breeding high quality replacement heifers.
- Choosing beef AI Bulls.
Video on ensuring best performance from Synchronisation Programmes.
Thursday, 28th March
Expert Breeding Forum 2024, will take place at Corrin Event Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork from 11am to 1pm on Thursday, 28 March. This Teagasc, Dairygold and Munster Bovine joint information event will help farmers to best prepare for breeding season 2024.
Session 1:
Practical Breeding Advice for the Season Ahead.
Dennis Howard, Technical Manager, Munster Bovine.
Overview of Munster Bovine Bull Panels.
Fíona Dunne, Dairy and Beef Programme Manager, Munster Bovine.
Session 2: How to produce beef calves with maximum commercial beef value.
Alan Dillon, Dairy Beef 500 Programme Manager, Teagasc.
Rosalish Goulding, Beef Programme Manager, NCBC.
Session 3:
Pre breeding nutrition. Optimum herd management advice for breeding success.
Dr. Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc will present followed by a Panel Discussion.
Moderated by Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist, Teagasc.
Teagasc/ Lakeland Dairies Joint Programme Seminar.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford.
Video on the timing of sexed semen.
Friday, 29th March
Teagasc Daily article and video on DairyBeef – pushing the boundaries on Calving Difficulty.
Visit https://www.teagasc.ie/breedingweek