Breeding for components is the primary herd development objective for Co. Down milk producer Philip Tinsley.
He recently hosted an open day, attended by 125 visitors, during which he discussed the tremendously positive impact this approach has made within the business.
Improvements in milk quality have been achieved, while also maximising milk output from grazed grass and silage.
“As a family, we have been breeding to improve butterfat and protein for many years.
“It has been a long process, but a very worthwhile one. We didn’t get the herd breeding decisions right every time – we learnt from our mistakes and moved on
“Given the current direction of travel that milk processers in Northern Ireland are taking, producing butterfat and protein is the key to sustainability at farm level,” Tinsley said.
Breeding for components
The Tinsley herd currently comprises 260 milking cows, 120 young stock and 25 breeding bulls.
Output per cow is currently averaging 8,948L of milk at 4.34% butterfat (365-day rolling average) and 3.45% protein (365-day rolling average).
All animals calve between September and March. The herd’s calving is currently interval is sitting at 379 days.
The fresh cows within the Tinsley herd are currently producing 38L of milk per day at 4.51% butterfat and 3.48% protein.
Replacement heifers are calved at between 23 and 24-months-of-age. They are mixed with the fresh group within the group pretty much as soon after calving as possible.
“We rear the heifers to ensure they are big enough to mix with older cows from the get-go. In addition, we have provided more than ample feed space within the sheds.
“Cubicle availability is such that heifers coming into the milking group do not get bullied,” Tinsley added.
The cows in the Tinsley herd are currently split into three groups: 140 fresh calvers, 45 stale cows and 120 dry cows and springing heifers.
Significantly, the herd is managed as one group from January onwards.
While maximising milk quality is a priority for Tinsley, he is also conscious of the need for processers to deliver realistic prices for dairy farmers.
“This was not the case 12 months ago. Thankfully, that situation has changed dramatically over the past year, and in relative terms all my farm input costs remain at historically high levels.
“Thankfully, farm gate prices have risen over recent months, but this situation must be sustained into the future,” he added.
