Newford update: 95% of cows submitted for breeding

The main focus in Newford Farm remains on breeding, which to date has been following in a similar positive manner to recent years.

Breeding commenced on 22 April, with 97 out of the 102 cows put forward for breeding served.

The five remaining cows which have not been served were this week assessed by a vet.

Michael Fagan of Teagasc reports that two cows are late-calvers and should come into heat normally in the coming weeks.

One cow received estrumate while another is being synchronised via insertion of a cidr and treatment with estrumate.

The final cow is deemed unsuitable for breeding and will be culled at weaning.

Monitored

Cows continue to be monitored closely to pick up any repeat breeders. Cows are being served once daily at noon.

Tail paint is being topped up after each insemination with different colours used to denote how many times cows have been served.

Vasectomised bulls will also be split between groups as heat activity reduces to keep bulls interested.

Grass utilisation remains excellent and has helped to overcome last week’s slight dip in growth rates. The Newford block has started its third rotation, with the most recent growth records collected on 14 May and detailed in Table 1.

A bag of sulph-CAN is being applied after each grazing with the aim of maximising growth rates and developing surplus grass supplies where possible.

First-cut silage on 10 acres will be harvested in the coming week on Tuohy’s block. This will be baled and used to feed weanlings on this block over the winter.

There is also still time for those interested in the Newford Farm managers position to apply with the closing date fast approaching on next Monday 20 May. Read more here.