Dairy breeding programmes in Northern Ireland are now focused on a number of key areas: milk components, longevity and enhanced fertility.
Improving fat and protein levels in milk now tops the list of herd development priorities, according to Ai Services’ cattle breeding specialist, James Compston.
“The dairy processers want milk components and have tweaked their farmgate pricing models accordingly.
“Pushing to improve butterfat and protein percentages is now the obvious way forward at farm level,” he said.
Compston spoke at the recent open day, hosted by Co. Down dairy farmer, Philip Tinsley. Over the past decade, Northern Ireland’s dairy farms have seen a 10% increase in milk yield.
However, the increase in milk butterfat and protein content has been a little bit more modest: a 5% and 4% increase, respectively.
Dairy breeding
While more milk is being produced, the scope to improve its quality is evident, and “genetics account for 50% of a cows’ milk quality performance”.
“This means that by focusing on the right breeding choices, farmers can make a real difference in not just how much milk they produce but in terms of its overall quality as well.”
“Milk butterfat and protein percentages are amongst the most heritable traits, making them easier and quicker to improve through breeding, relative to the likes of improved lifespan and fertility.
“By selecting bulls with higher abilities to improve milk components, farmers can see significant results with their herds’ performance within one or two generations,” Compston said.
Meanwhile, the winter/spring breeding season is about to get underway on the Tinsley farms. The range of breeding sires selected feature components’ specialists, including: Peak Alta Thunderbird and Peak Alta Pizzazz and Garido.
Ai Services has confirmed the continuing demand for sexed dairy sires.
“There continues to be a strong demand for replacement dairy heifers here in Northern Ireland, and this is unlikely to change on the near future. This fact alone will continue to drive demand for sexed semen.
“The technology is now thoroughly proven for use on breeding females of all ages. The last 10 years have seen major improvements secured across every aspect of milking performance on local dairy farms.
“This has been achieved on the back of a commitment to use high quality sires on a consistent basis,” he explained.
