Improving milk components has been confirmed as a key component of profitability on Northern Ireland’s dairy farms.
“However milk output is also important”, said Ai Services’ breeding information specialist, Ivan Minford.
“The total amount of solids produced by cows during their lactation is closely associated with the volumes of milk destined for the bulk tank.”
“The good news is, that it is possible to select breeding sires that are positive for both milk output and improved components. Pushing for increased milk output is now a priority on many dairy farms,” Minford said.
The breeding specialist outlined that in many cases, this is linked to poor weather conditions or the “lack of sufficient ground does not allow cows out day and night during the grazing season”.
“Longer confinement periods bring with them the challenge of additional input costs and the need to produce more milk,” he added.
Ai Services
Minford spoke at the recent launch of Ai Services’ new dairy sire catalogue. The company has confirmed the continuing demand for sexed dairy sires.
Minford said that 90% of the dairy straws Ai Services sells are now sexed, and there is no prospect of this figure dropping:
“There continues to be a strong demand for replacement dairy heifers here in Northern Ireland. 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.
“Traits, such as increased milk production are extremely heritable. Significant improvements in performance can be achieved within a relatively small number of generations,” he explained.
Minford added that other aspects of cow performance require a longer-term approach – improving fertility is a case in point.
He continued: “However, the impact of specific herd breeding decisions taken by farmers is cumulative in nature.
“This is why we are seeing significant improvements in cow fertility within those dairy farming businesses committing to a medium to long term breeding policy, where this specific performance-related trait is concerned.”
The autumn calving season is now underway in Northern Ireland.
This is taking place against the backdrop of a strengthening dairy markets and improved winter milk bonuses on-offer from all the milk processers.
One area of concern at farm level centres on a potential shortfall in winter forage stocks and the poor quality of many silages made over recent months.
