Successful calf rearing – Getting the basics right
The ultimate goal of calf rearing is to set up a heifer to achieve target weights over her lifetime in order to maximise profitability. These...
Final Preparations for Calving 2021
As we approach calving 2021 the focus should be on final preparations that will result in a spring free from any upsets, nutritional issues or...
WATCH: Dry cow mineral leads to improved health and immunity
The Irish dairy cow is working harder now than ever before, with longer lactations and shorter dry periods. In contrast to much of the global dairy...
Preparing for the 2020 lactation
With most Irish dairy herds calving in the months of February and March, now is a very important time to apply some key practices that will...
Making quality silage in Co. Tipperary
One of the biggest challenges facing Irish farmers is being able to feed stock in a way that will give the biggest return on investment. As a...
Silage Preservation: Time to get serious about quality
Grass silage is expensive to produce and when a land charge is factored in, first cut silage is now costing in the region of €300 per acre to grow...
Watch out for pneumonia in calves
Although temperatures are beginning to rise, calves are still at risk of contracting pneumonia. Take a look at some of the common causes as well as...
Calf Rearing – Exploiting the full genetic potential
As we await the arrival of an ever superior generation of calves over the coming months, it is now worthwhile to take a closer look at young calf...
TOP TIPS: Planning ahead for 2019
Planning ahead is the key ingredient for success. Below we outline a number of key tasks that farmers must address to ensure that they are ready for...
Feeding forage brassicas this winter
As the days get shorter and grass growth comes to a stop, our attention now turns to forage supply for the coming winter months. With unpredictable...
Managing freshly calved cows this season
The three weeks before and after calving are the most critical period in the production cycle of the dairy cow. The modern dairy cow is genetically...
Livestock require mineral and vitamin supplementation
While we are all aware that animals need to be fed adequately while indoors, it has been found that winter feeding programs rarely go beyond...