Open day highlights milk from forage

Ervin McKinstry, Ireland Manager at Genus ABS commented: “The theme of our open day is the use of genetics to improve fertility, maximise profit from forage and produce top quality calves for both dairy replacements and beef production, all of which are epitomised on Cavan’s farm.”

The farm is located at 50 Blackcauseway Road, in the picturesque location of Strangford, Co Down, right in the heart of the Lecale district. The dairy farm, which is managed by James McKibbin, is home to a high yielding herd of mainly Holstein x British Friesian cows, their followers and beef cattle.

The farm extends to approximately 400 acres including 100 acres rented.

Calves not intended for herd replacements are brought through to beef. For the beef enterprise Cavan uses Genus ABS proven calving ease sires - Netherton Americano (Aberdeen Angus), Solpoll Ferrari (Hereford) and Brookfield Dev (British Blue) sires.

Cavan’s association with Genus ABS started when Brian McCarron, Key Account Manager with the company, sold him British Friesian bulls including Dovea Bass and Tittenser Hylke back in 2005-2006 for DIY AI use on his herd.

However, when Genus ABS launched its Reproductive Management Service (RMS) in 2007, Cavan was very keen to commence using the service and has had his fertility work, including all heat detection, AI and record keeping contracted to Genus ABS since 2009.

Cavan comments: “Due to herd expansion and labour availability at that time it was fantastic to have an experienced technician carry out this important work, with such a focused approach. At that time milk price, like it is now, was also very low and at such times it is even more crucial to maximise pregnancy rates. For me the most important thing is a calf in a cow. My calving index now sits at 372 days and the fact that the technician arrives on farm at milking time means that there is no need to hold cows for AI, no need for stock bulls and their associated dangers and cost. In addition I find the record keeping and analysis aspect of the service invaluable.”

Cavan aims, through careful selection to maintain a herd of functional, medium sized, hard wearing cows. Milk sold per cow per year currently sits at 8,162 litres, with 4.36% fat and 3.31% protein from 1.8 ton of meal, with 4,562 litres produced from forage. With a seasonal calving pattern, from November to early April, the management traits and particularly fertility is hugely important, as are cell counts and lifespan.

As past vice chairman of Lakeland Dairies Co-Op, Cavan also has a big emphasis on producing great quality milk and this is reflected in his use of high butterfat and protein transmitting sires. Bulls used in recent years include the British Friesian sires Morcourt Hilton, Skyhigh Patrol, Blackisle Maverick and Deangate Quentin. Some of the Holstein sires incorporated into the breeding program are Morningview Legend, Bidlea Padbury, Laurelhill Classic and Sherdon Iressistable.

The farm walk will commence with lunch at 12pm.

Speaker’s on the day will include Andrew Rutter and Huw Lloyd from Genus ABS and Conail Keown from DAERA. Andrew Rutter is European Sire Analyst for Genus ABS and will highlight the importance of selecting the right genetics to match individual dairy systems.

Huw Lloyd, Director of Genus Technical Services will discuss dairy herd fertility and the critical impact it has on profitability. Increasing milk production from grass and grassland management will be presented by Conail Keown.