Irelandgeneticstasmania

Sire Catalogue 2015 Your Investment, Your Profit Ireland Genetics Sires 2015

Your Partner For Profit

Fertility is our Business

1

Allow us to Introduce ourselves....

Hello everybody and welcome to the first Ireland Genetics Australia brochure. We will be providing Australian farmers with top quality high EBI bulls.

The EBI breeding index aims to breed moderate sized commercial cows and has a very even balance of fertility and production. In short it has all the ingredients to breed profitable long lasting cows.

In this brochure you will have an insight

into the Irish breeding program, along with an explanation from the research centre, Teagasc Moorepark, about the EBI index and the Irish Genomic programme.

Ireland’s dairy industry is based on grazed grass and aims for easily manages, highly fertile cows. We are confident our genetics have a lot to offer the Australian grazing farms.

Profit focused Research & Science The Irish dairy industry is benefiting enormously from the development of the EBI The benefits of a system that maximises the utilisation of grazed grass over high concentrate based and/or confinement production systems include lower production costs and greater energy usage efficiency as well as a reduced requirement for capital investment. The ideal grazing dairy cow must achieve high output per unit area from grazed grass, have a propensity for high grass dry matter intake, be fertile and healthy and be robust to fluctuations in feed quality and quantity.

As herd size increases, the ideal grazing dairy cow must also be easy care (i.e., easy calving, easily go back in calf, low incidence of lameness, mastitis and other diseases). The Irish Economic Breeding Index (EBI) was developed by a group of world leading international scientists in 2001 with the goal of rapidly breeding the ideal grazing cow. Since 2001, the EBI has been religiously used by the vast majority of Irish dairy farmers to increase their herd profit; a plethora of retrospective analyses clearly show that each €1 increase in herd EBI results in a €2 increase in profit/cow/ lactation.

Unlike most international breeding indexes, the EBI is reviewed annually, in consultation

with the industry, to ensure it is up-to-date and pertinent to future dairy production systems. Moreover, the relevance of the EBI to futuristic production systems is continually and rigorously evaluated in both controlled research studies at Teagasc (Next Generation Herd) and across a range of different herd environments (e.g., different herd sizes). The EBI is particularly focused on achieving high milk solids production from an easy-care cow; this is hugely important in larger herds. Unlike many other breeding indexes for grazing dairy cows, the EBI includes “easy care traits” like fertility, calving ease, mastitis, lameness, temperament and milking speed. The day of individual cow management is over!

A world-class breeding program has ensured that sustainable and rapid genetic gain is consistently being achieved in EBI. This guarantees a new generation of genetically elite bulls annually. At present the rate of genetic improvement (increase in EBI) within the Irish dairy herd is approximately €25/cow/year. This has increased from €5 in early 2000’s.

The increased rate of gain recently may be attributed to three major factors: 1) the introduction of the EBI in 2001 (with emphasis on both production and fertility), 2) the establishment of the G€N€ IR€LAND progeny test program in 2005 (with a focus

Fertility Easily Managed Cows Suitable for grazing or high forage systems Suitable for seasonal and block calving High milk solids Large breeding programme Research and economic based breeding goals

“The EBI index and quality genetics are integral to profitable seasonal dairy farming.

High fertility allows for higher output through longer lactations and more mature cows.

High milk solids genetics allow for maximisation of milk value”

Bernard Eivers, CEO Ireland Genetics

Dr Pat Dillon Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork

EBI Formula 2015

Why the EBI Index?

• • • • • • •

on high EBI young bulls selected in Ireland), and 3) the introduction of genomics in 2009. Retrospective analysis of the past 5 years of genomic selection shows that it is up to 30% more accurate than traditional genetic evaluations.

Enhancements made to the EBI has benefited dairy farmers, the national breeding programme and by association the entire Irish dairy industry. There is clear unequivocal evidence that the EBI is delivering profit for Irish farmers. The EBI should also be suited to grazing production systems in other countries.

Sub-Index

Trait Milk (kg)

Production

Fat (kg) Protein (kg)

Fertility

Calving interval (d) Survival (%) Calving difficulty dir (%)

Calving

Calving difficulty mat (%) Gestation (d) Calf mortality (%)

Maintenance Cow (kg) Carcase weight (kg)

Beef

Carcase conformation (units) Carcase fat (units) Cull cow (kg) Lameness (%)

Health

Mastitis (%) SCC (Loge)

Management

2

Fertility is our Business

Milking duration (seconds) Temperament (units)

Emphasis Emphasis

11% 3% 19% 24% 11% 3% 1% 4% 1% 7% 5% 2% 1% 0.8% 0.6% 1% 2% 2% 2%

33% 35%

9% 7% 9%

3% 4%

World Class Breeding Programme & Semen Production Why Ireland Genetics?

• Europe’s only breeding programme for grazing • Ireland’s national dairy & beef breeding program • Responsible for 80% of inseminations in Ireland • Testing 4,000 Dairy bulls genotyped each year • 80 Dairy Bulls progeny tested each year • Progeny testing quality, easy calving beef bulls • Commitment to semen quality & fertility

• • • • • • • • •

Ireland Genetics operates the combined breeding programmes of Ireland’s largest cattle breeding companies Progressive Genetics Ireland Ltd and Munster Cattle breeding Group. The breeding programme at Ireland Genetics, working with ICBF and Teagasc, is the engine that has powered the revolution in cattle breeding in Ireland.

Fertility Easily Managed Cows Suitable for grazing or high forage systems Suitable for seasonal and block calving High milk solids Large breeding programme Research and economic based breeding goals Outcross bloodlines Friesian Genetics

of Top 5000 EBI Heifers born in 2013 have NCBC sires in nearest 2 generations

Elite Bulls sourced from Irish Farms annually

Moorepark

“We select bulls from Ireland Genetics with combined fat and protein of at least +30kg. We want a cow that can pack in between 550kg to 600kg of milk solids.’’

Peter Farrell Kilmessan

“Selecting Holstein Friesian sires with the highest Economic Breeding Index (EBI) for fertility has cut my herds calving index by 27 days”.

Niall Tallon Ardcath

Fertility is our Business

3

What can Ireland offer grazing farms in Tasmania & Australia?

• Low cost production from pasture • Milk solids key to maximising market returns • Ireland has spent 15 years solving the fertility issue • Fertility essential to low cost seasonal milk production • Maximising production of milk solids/hectare is key to sustainability • The Irish cattle database is allowing for accurate bull selection

• Ireland now World leaders in pasture Genetics • Cows must perform on grazed pasture • We grow similar amounts of grass/year – 8-13 T/ha • Vast majority of our product is processed • Both countries seen as producers of clean green food • Very similar climate – rainfall, temp, seasons

All of the above clearly indicate that both countries require a similar type of cow to maximise profit. Ireland in the past has made grave errors in this regard but eventually solved the puzzle and now has the infrastructure to constantly deliver genetics best suited to exploit our natural advantage.

Tasmanian dairy farmers can learn from our mistakes and immediately breed their way to a more profitable future.

The Database

The reason for any breeding program is to accurately select the best genetics to use. This can not be done without accurate data upon which to base your predictions.

Therefore the collection of accurate data is the foundation of any successful breeding program. There are many contributors to our database from farmers, AI companies, milk recording, Vets, Slaughter houses, Cattle markets, scanners, hoof trimmers, etc (see fig 2), and with all stake holders understanding the importance of their role the quality and quantity of their contribution has made the Irish cattle database the envy of many. The collection and recording of data is primarily done electronically on farm and either uploaded via the mobile phone network or on line. Currently 90% of Irish dairy farmers actively participate, and it is administered by the Irish Cattle Breeding federation or ICBF.

The index

4

Fig 3. Evolution of the EBI 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10%

Milk

Fertility

Calving

Maintenance

Health

Management

Fertility is our Business

Beef

EB I2 01 3

EB I2 01 2

EB I2 01 1

EB I2 01 0

EB I2 00 8

EB I2 00 7

EB I2 00 6

EB I2 00 5

EB I2 00 4

0%

R B I EB I2 00 0

Relative emphasis

Once the infrastructure is in place to continually collect relevant data, the industry must decide what they believe is the most profitable type of cow for that environment. Up until 1999 bulls for use on Irish cows were ranked solely on production. Once the database was in place a new index was developed which added significant weighting to fertility. The index is called the ‘Economic breeding index’ or EBI. In fig 3 the evolution of the index can be seen over the last 13 years and we can still see today that fertility has a 35% weighting, with production still commanding a 33% weighting. Calving, Beef, Health (SCC, lameness, mastitis), Maintenance & Management (temperament & milking speed) make up the remainder, however farmers still focus primarily on the 2 main on farm profit drivers of production & fertility.

90% of Irish farmers now use the EBI to for bull selection.

How does the Irish Index deliver on farm?

Nationally calving interval fell by 4 days last year while the 6 week in calf rate jumped by 5%, and this was against a backdrop of a severe spring. The high Index animals are clearly delivering fertility.

Top 20%

Middle 20%

Bottom 20%

€125

€83

€16

In fig 4 we see a group of 3000 cows from several different farms broken down between bottom, medium and top EBI for Production (milk) & fertility.

• The high group produces almost 250 kg more milk solids • The high group has 19 days lower calving interval • 91% of the high group gets to 4th lactation vs just 52%

Fig. 4

Days in Milk

828

Fig. 5 summarises the results of a detailed trial carried out at the world recognised Moorpark dairy research facility.

Cows were analysed using only their fertility index.

• Yield was similar for both groups • The high group went in calf quicker by an average of 28 days • The cycle for the low group was 4 days longer • One fifth of the low group had silent heats and 14% didn’t even ovulate • The high group had 33% greater progesterone levels • Showed heat for 41% longer

Milk Solids

1,193

EBI Prod/Fert

€42/€71 €24/€51 €17/€0

Milk Production Lactation 1 to 3 756 1,047

698 960

379 71%

403 52%

Fertility Lactation 1 to 3

By anyone’s analysis the low group are every dairy farmer’s nightmare but the high group are the cows we surely want to breed. Also, as the high group will go in calf earlier and survive longer they will ultimately produce much more than the low group.

EBI delivers optimum performing cows for our production system.

Calving Interval

374

Survival to 4th calf

91%

Fig. 5

High Fert

Low Fert

Milk

19.5Kg/d

18.7Kg/d

Calving-Conception

85.6

113.8

Serves/Cow

1.78

2.83

Body Condition Score

2.84

2.74

Cycle (Days)

21

25

Silent Heats

2%

22%

0%

14%

No Ovulation Corpus Luteum

16% Bigger

Progesterone

34% Higher

Heat Expression

41% Longer

Genomics Genomic selection is revolutionising animal breeding. It is based on the supplementation of pedigree information with information on the DNA of individuals.

It is the DNA of an individual which underpins the genetic evaluations.

Heretofore genetic evaluations were based on the statistical analysis of large databases without any understanding of the underlying DNA of individuals.

Genomic selection allows us to fast-track this process by looking directly at the DNA of young sires. These genomically tested sires, however, are still not proven but their genetic evaluation is more accurate than the traditional young test sires implying less fluctuation in proofs over time.

Ireland launched genomic selection in their Holstein-Friesian population in 2009. Thus, Ireland is one of the countries with the longest history of genomic selection at a national level and therefore the longest history to retrospectively quantify the true accuracy of genomic selection based on what the farmers actually observed and not based on some theoretical calculation.

The genetic merit of bulls today based on several hundred daughters was compared to their published genomic proof available

to farmers up to 6 years ago. The genomic approach, on average, underestimated milk yield, fat yield and protein yield by a mere 8kg, 0.2 kg and 0.1 kg, respectively.

Genomics also, on average, slightly underestimated the genetic merit of the bulls for fertility and survival. In other words the mean of the bulls today is almost identical to what is was several years ago – in fact the performance of the bulls today is slightly better than what was predicted from genomics. This is different to observed in several other countries where the genomic prediction of genetic merit of bulls is over-estimated and once these bulls become daughter proven, their genetic merit drops. This is clearly not the case in Ireland. Moreover, the ranking of bulls on genetic merit was up to 54% more

Genomic Daughter Difference Milk Fat Protein Calv Int Survival

108 10.2 7.7 -3.7 1.7

116 10.4 7.8 -4.5 2.0

8 0.2 0.1 0.8 0.3

accurate that the traditional (non-genomic) method of genetic evaluation. The accuracy of genomic evaluations are further substantiated from a Moorepark research study now in year 3 where individual heifers were selected to be extreme on EBI based solely on genomic information. Last year 92% of the elite EBI cows were in calf after a 12-week breeding season compared to 78% in the group of cows representing the national average. This therefore clearly shows that both EBI and genomics work!

In summary, genomic selection in dairy cattle in Ireland is identifying the genetically elite animals suitable for grazing production systems. The daughterbased proofs of bulls several years after their original genomic evaluation is stacking up very well compared to their original genomic proof.

Dr. Donagh Berry Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Comparison of 190 bulls who had a genomic evaluation and now have a progeny based evaluation.

Fertility is our Business

5

Andy

66% HO 44% FR (IG) DIAMOND ANDY aAa: 516342 Lamont x Keet x Hugo Herdbook Status: SRM Bred by: Fabian Jacob, Ballyragget, Co Kilkenny Beta Casein: A2/A2 IRL Code: YAD HB No. HOLIRLM211213621194 Colour: B&W

Sister to dam of Andy

Dover

91% HO 9% FR aAa: 342156 Andrew x Sjoerd x Usnes Herdbook Status: PED Bred by: Eilis Helen, Donoughmore, Co Cork Beta Casein: na IRL Code: FAD HB No. HOLIRLM151065711108 Colour: B&W

Dam of Dover: Annaleigh NHS Dove VG88

€313

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€119 €161 €26 -€9 -€5 €14 €7

63

Milk Kgs

250

Daus

0

Fat Kgs

20.0

Herds

0

Calving Diff

30% -20

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15 40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

51 46 49 17

+0.18 94

% Rel

561

Recs

Rel

EBI

€293

56

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€81 €171 €40 €4 -€0 -€1 €-1

63

50

86

0%

10%

-50

-40

0

Survival %

+4.1

Herds

0

Fat Kgs

13.0

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

-6.8

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.17

Lameness

0.00

Good Average

0.09

Average Average

Dau Calving

8.2

38

% Rel

Gest Length

-2.4

98

% Rel

Calf Mort

0.8

66

% Rel

Fat % Protein % Calving Diff

% Rel 63

+0.07 +0.10 1.8

-10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

100%

40

50

25 Daus

0.01

40%

47

246

SCC

-20

48

Milk Kgs

Mastitis %

30%

53

0

13.5

-30

81

Daus

Protein Kgs

20%

48

Calving Int (Days) -9.0

Production

% Rel 63

€

100%

40

EBI & Sub-Indexes

-30

45

+0.19 2.1

20%

Calv

Calv

Protein %

-40

Health Mgmt Fertility

Fat %

18.1

10%

-50

82

% Rel

159

Recs

Health Mgmt Fertility

EBI

55

0%

Calv

Rel

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15

€

Protein Kgs

(IG) ANNALEISH DOVER

Calving Int (Days) -10.5

Daus

0

Survival %

+3.4

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

9.4

Average Average Average

Milk Temp’t

0.03

Lameness

0.02

SCC

-0.05

Average

Mastitis %

0.02

Below Ave

Dau Calving

5.8

44

Gest Length

-2.7

95

% Rel % Rel

Calf Mort

-1.8

59

% Rel

• Massive milk solids improver • A leader for production sub-index • Also superb fertility: €161 • Different pedigree

• Outcross pedigree with correct type • Milk & percentages • Easy Calving • Strong, fertile cows

Dam milked 4 lactations, average 4.77% fat and 3.96% protein lifetime. Yields to 8,000 kgs and 367 day calving interval.

Grandam milked 6 lactations at 3.86% protein

Dam on 7th lactation, averaged 4.29% fat, 3.76% Protein. Yeilds to 8800 kgs. Classified VG88.

Grandam milked 10 lactations, ave. 4.07% fat, 3.39% protein, VG87.

6

Fertility is our Business

Doncaster

78% HO 22% FR (IG) CREFOGUE DONCASTER aAa: 513643 Deluca x Keet x Hugo Herdbook Status: SRM Bred by: Nigel Rothwell, Ennicorthy, Co Wexford Beta Casein: na IRL Code: CFF HB No. HOLIRLM371525751323 Colour: B&W

Dam of Doncaster

Glen

84% HO 16% FR aAa: 432516 Kenny x Mark x Hugo Herdbook Status: PED Bred by: Vincent O’Dnonovan, Co Waterford Beta Casein: na IRL Code: OCP HB No. HOLIRLM351279470657 Colour: B&W

HMY Daughter

€307

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€84 €189 €34 -€5 -€7 €9 €3

63

Milk Kgs

169

Daus

0

Fat Kgs

16.8

Herds

0

Calving Diff

30% -20

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15 40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

51 47 42 30

+0.13 95

% Rel

706

Recs

Rel

EBI

€244

57

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€81 €112 €49 -€5 -€3 €3 €7

62

50

89

0%

10%

-50

-40

1

Survival %

+4.0

Herds

0

Fat Kgs

24.4

Herds

1

Milk Time (Sec)

-4.6

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.06

Lameness

0.02

Average Average

0.11

Below Ave Below Ave

Dau Calving

6.6

45

% Rel

Gest Length

-3.2

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

1.5

86

% Rel

Fat % Protein % Calving Diff

% Rel 62

+0.32 +0.09 1.4

-10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

100%

40

50

99

% Rel

5956

Recs

Calving Int (Days) -4.6

Daus

0

Survival %

+4.5

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

-4.0

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.18

Lameness

0.00

Good Average

SCC

0.06

Average

Mastitis %

0.00

Average

Dau Calving

6.3

45

Gest Length

-4.0

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

-1.2

98

% Rel

• High EBI for your heifers • Easy calving & low SCC • High solids & fertility • Correct udders

• Reliable easy calving • Outcross pedigree • High solids, super fat % • Short gestation

Dam currently on 6th lactation, lifetime average 4.54% fat and 3.83% protein with yields to 8,600 kgs. 361 day calving interval.

Grandam milked 5 lactations, 3.64% protein

Dam on 5th lactation, averaging 4.63% fat, 3.59% Protein.

Grandam milked 6 lactations, ave. 4.31% fat, 3.63% protein lifetime.

Fertility is our Business

90%

32 Daus

0.02

40%

48

179

SCC

-20

48

Milk Kgs

Mastitis %

30%

68

0

10.7

-30

91

Daus

Protein Kgs

20%

47

Calving Int (Days) -11.4

Production

% Rel 63

€

100%

40

EBI & Sub-Indexes

-30

41

+0.19 1.6

20%

Calv

Calv

Protein %

-40

Health Mgmt Fertility

Fat %

12.4

10%

-50

Health Mgmt Fertility

EBI

54

0%

Calv

Rel

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15

€

Protein Kgs

(IG) CARRIGAUN GLEN

% Rel

7

Sherlock

66% HO 44% FR (IG) BALLYBRIDE SHERLOCK aAa: 534162 B Dano x Eckland x Hugo Herdbook Status: PED Bred by: William O Leary, Conna, Co. Cork Beta Casein: na IRL Code: KSK HB No. HOLIRLM151623452216 Colour: B&W

Dam of Sherlock

Garndy

72% HO 28% FR aAa: 423561 Harvey x Oman x Ruud Herdbook Status: PED Bred by: Tony Beecher, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork Beta Casein: na IRL Code: YGD HB No. HOLIRLM151569250902 Colour: BW, Red Carrier

Sister to Dam of Garndy

€268

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€95 €155 €28 -€22 €1 €7 €4

66

Milk Kgs

347

Daus

1

Fat Kgs

14.7

Herds

1

8

Calving Diff

30% -20

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15 40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

75 52 49 31

+0.10 99

% Rel

19122 Recs

Rel

EBI

€281

59

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€69 €170 €39 -€7 €2 €7 €2

65

50

91

0%

10%

-50

-40

0

Survival %

+3.9

Herds

0

Fat Kgs

13.1

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

-5.4

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.07

Lameness

0.00

Average Average Average

0.00

Average

Dau Calving

5.8

47

% Rel

Gest Length

-2.2

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

-0.4

99

% Rel

Fat % Protein % Calving Diff

% Rel 65

+0.06 +0.07 2.3

-10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

100%

40

50

37 Daus

-0.03

40%

51

250

SCC

-20

52

Milk Kgs

Mastitis %

30%

54

0

11.8

-30

91

Daus

Protein Kgs

20%

50

Calving Int (Days) -8.7

Production

% Rel 66

€

100%

40

EBI & Sub-Indexes

-30

49

+0.02 3.1

20%

Calv

Calv

Protein %

-40

Health Mgmt Fertility

Fat %

16.7

10%

-50

98

% Rel

2138

Recs

Health Mgmt Fertility

EBI

60

0%

Calv

Rel

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15

€

Protein Kgs

(IG) CASTLEBLAGH GARNDY

Calving Int (Days) -8.0

Daus

0

Survival %

+5.9

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

5.8

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.09

Lameness

-0.01

Average Average

SCC

-0.03

Average

Mastitis %

0.00

Dau Calving

7.3

49

% Rel

Gest Length

-3.7

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

0.0

94

% Rel

Average

• Good milk with percentages improvement • High Kgs milk solids • One of Ireland’s most popular bulls of recent years

• Milk improver with good percentages • Solid type with good classifications in pedigree • Strong, fertile cows • Short gestation

Dam averaged 4.03% fat and 3.65% protein.

Grandam averaged 4.65% fat and 3.69% protein in 8 lactations.

Farm is 100% Spring calving, Feeding 300kgs concentrates

Dam on 4th lactation, averaging 3.65% fat, 3.22% Protein. 365 day calving interval.

Grandam on 6th lactation, ave. 3.96% fat, 3.50% protein, VG86.

Fertility is our Business

Primo

53% HO 47% FR (IG) BALLINABORTA PRIMO aAa: 234165 Sunnybank x Hugo x Rancher Herdbook Status: PED Bred by: Patrick Tattan, Carrignavar, Co Cork Beta Casein: A2/A2 IRL Code: PBM HB No. HOLIRLM151021782313 Colour: B&W

Dam of Primo

Mandella

Evert x Wizard x Keet Bred by: Pat Muldoon, Rhode, Co Offaly IRL Code: ZDL

HB No. HOLIRLM301017151265

€258

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€106 €123 €32 -€12 -€1 €6 €4

65

Milk Kgs

186

Daus

0

Fat Kgs

16.4

Herds

0

Calving Diff

-30

30% -20

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15 40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

78 53 55

99

% Rel

27104 Recs

EBI

€299

48

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€83 €175 €30 -€4 €5 €4 €7

57

0%

10%

-50

-40

0

Survival %

+2.9

Herds

0

Fat Kgs

15.6

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

-0.2

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.11

Lameness

0.00

Average Average

0.02

Average Average

Dau Calving

6.1

49

% Rel

Gest Length

-2.6

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

0.2

99

% Rel

Fat % Protein % Calving Diff

% Rel 57

+0.21 +0.15 1.9

-10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

50

80

% Rel

133

Recs

Calving Int (Days) -9.3

Daus

0

Survival %

+5.0

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

4.7

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.24

Lameness

-0.02

Good Average

SCC

-0.08

Average

Mastitis %

0.00

Dau Calving

5.2

37

Gest Length

-2.5

95

% Rel

Calf Mort

1.8

47

% Rel

Average

• The farmer satisfaction bull • Over €120 Fertility sub-index • Milk improver with +0.18% Protein!

• Over 32Kgs Fat + Protein

• Excellent easy to use bull • Balance of fertility & milk solids • Good Health Index: Low SCC • Easy calving

Dam currently on 4th lactation, averaged 4.08% Fat and 3.60% Protein lifetime.

Grandam milked 10 lactations, averaging 4.15% fat and 3.69% protein.

Dam on 5th lactation, averaging 4.46% fat, 3.49% Protein.

Grandam milked 5th lactation, ave. 3.92% fat, 3.20% protein.

Fertility is our Business

100%

40

30 Daus

0.00

40%

37

110

SCC

-20

44

Milk Kgs

Mastitis %

30%

42

0

11.6

-30

78

Daus

Protein Kgs

20%

37

Calving Int (Days) -7.1

Production

Health Mgmt Fertility

35

+0.18

Rel

50

92

% Rel 65

€

100%

40

51

+0.17 2.1

20%

EBI & Sub-Indexes

-40

Calv

Calv

Protein %

15.9

10%

-50

Health Mgmt Fertility

EBI

61

0%

Calv

Rel

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Genomic, ICBF April ‘15

Fat %

81% HO 19% FR aAa: 435261 Herdbook Status: PED Beta Casein: A2/A2 Colour: Black, Red Carrier

Dam of Mandella €

Protein Kgs

(IG) DUNLARA MANDELLA

% Rel

9

47% HO 28% FR 25% JE (IG) MURPHYS NUPTIAL aAa: 513642 Dancer x Likabull x Hugo Herdbook Status: XB Bred by: James Murphy, Whitechurch, Co Cork Beta Casein: na IRL Code: NPY HB No. HOLIRLM151868581698 Colour: B&W

Gort

25% HO 25% FR 50% JE aAa: na Murmur x Dano x Usnes Herdbook Status: XB Bred by: James Lanigan, Co Tipperary Beta Casein: na IRL Code: OGM HB No. HOLIRLM341547381998 Colour: B&W

GORTNAHOE MURMUR

Dam of Gort

Dam of Nuptial: No. 1 EBI cow in Ireland

Parental, ICBF April ‘15

EBI

€290

41

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€115 €140 €38 -€23 -€9 €33 €-4

42

Milk Kgs

146

Daus

0

Fat Kgs

19.5

Herds

0

Protein Kgs

16.3

% Rel 42

Calving Diff

-30

30% -20

40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

47 32 39 37

96

% Rel

944

Recs

EBI

€267

29

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€111 €129 €21 -€31 -€3 €40 €1

37

50

89

+0.22

Rel

100%

40

27

0%

10%

-50

-40

40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

100%

40

50

23 22

194

Daus

0

Survival %

+3.7

Herds

0

Fat Kgs

18.3

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

16.4

Below Ave

Milk Temp’t

0.00

Protein Kgs

16.5

% Rel 37

Lameness

0.04

Average Below Ave

SCC

0.11

Below Ave

Mastitis %

0.02

Below Ave

Dau Calving

6.4

40

% Rel

Gest Length

-3.0

99

% Rel

Calf Mort

0.2

90

% Rel

+0.22 +0.19 NA

-20

18

Milk Kgs

Calving Diff

30%

32

0

Protein %

-30

31

Daus

Fat %

20%

25

Calving Int (Days) -7.7

Production

+0.27 1.1

20%

EBI & Sub-Indexes

-40

Calv

Calv

Protein %

10%

-50

Health Mgmt Fertility

Fat %

0%

€

% Rel Recs

Health Mgmt Fertility

Rel

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Parental, ICBF April ‘15

€

Calv

Nuptial

Calving Int (Days) -6.2

Daus

0

Survival %

Herds

0

+4.3

Milk Time (Sec)

-7.1

Average

Milk Temp’t

-0.01

Lameness

0.01

Average Average

SCC

0.04

Average

Mastitis %

0.01

Average

Dau Calving

5.9

27

Gest Length

-0.9

31

% Rel % Rel

Calf Mort

0.2

31

% Rel

• EBI champion for Crossbreds • Outstanding production • Jersey solids with good milk • Dam is No. 1 EBI cow in Ireland

• High production Murmur Son • Superb percentages of fat & protein • High Kgs milk solids • Super XBred option

Dam currently on 6th lactation and has averaged 4.69% fat and 4.05% protein lifetime with 375 day calving interval.

Farm is 100% Spring calving, Feeding 300kgs concentrates

Dam is currently on 5th lactation and has averaged 3.90% fat and 3.72% protein lifetime with 365 day calving interval. Yields to 6,800kgs on grass based system

10

Fertility is our Business

Miller

100% Jersey

WOODTOWN JASON MILLER

aAa: na Herdbook Status: Ped Beta Casein: na

Jason x Handix x Byg Bred by: Ben Tyrrell, Kildalkey, Co Meath IRL Code: JE2019

HB No. IE281396652911

Crossbreeding: Managing genetic gain and hybrid vigour

Hybrid Vigour Hybrid Vigour Breed A Average of Parent Breeds

Breed B

Value of Hybrid Vigour for different crossing strategies

Jason: Sire of Miller Rel

EBI

€282

29

Production Fertility Calving Beef Health Maintenance Management

€53 €192 €13 -€57 €2 €76 €4

37

Milk Kgs

-447

Daus

0

Fat Kgs

14.3

Herds

0

Fat %

Calv

Protein % Calving Diff

-0.3

10% -40

-30

30% -20

40% -10

50% 0

60% 10

70% 20

80% 30

90%

100%

40

50

41 28 21

Trait

% Heterosis

Yield

2-6 % 0%

Components

19

Live weight

15

% Rel 37

+0.73 +0.34 na

20%

24

% Rel Recs

Health Mgmt Fertility

Protein Kgs

0%

-50

Calv

Production

EBI & Sub-Indexes

Conversion, ICBF April 2015

€

Calving Int (Days) -12.0

Daus

0

Survival %

+3.5

Herds

0

Milk Time (Sec)

-2.6

Average

Milk Temp’t

0.11

Lameness

-0.02

Average Average

SCC

-0.01

Average

Mastitis %

0.00

Dau Calving

8.9

20

% Rel

Gest Length

-0.5

53

% Rel

Calf Mort

1.8

27

% Rel

Average

• High fertility index Jersey • Massive percentages improvement • Sire Jason is one of highest EBI Jersey bulls with Irish proof Dam is currently on 10th lactation. Lifetime production 50,500 kgs 7.32% fat and 4.39% protein. 5,856 kgs milk solids lifetime.

2-4 %

Fertility

10-20 %

One Cross

2 Breed

HO x JE Sires

HO x JE x HO x HO

HO x JE x HO x JE

HO x XBred X Xbred

1

€100

€100

€50

2

€50

€50

€50

Long Term

€0

€66

€50

Generation

Guideline difference in Profit per lactation, €1 difference in EBI = €2 difference in profit

Fertility is our Business

11

Young dairy farmer expands herd with strict approach.

A strict policy of retaining only the most productive cows to breed herd replacements is allowing a young Irish dairy farmer to maximise herd expansion in the run-up to the ending of the milk quota regime.

Niall Tallon has focused on expansion since joining his parents, James and Audrey, in the family dairy farming enterprise in County Meath in 2006.

A tough culling policy combined with selecting Holstein Friesian sires with the highest economic breeding index (EBI) for fertility has cut his calving index by 27 days.

The herd is yielding 7,500 litres at 3.4% protein and 3.9% butterfat.

The EBI, the Irish cattlebreeding index formulated at Moorepark – Teagasc’s Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre – identifies traits most strongly linked to overall profitability. These are fertility, milk production, calving performance, beef carcass, maintenance and health.

The Tallon’s pedigree Ashfen herd has an EBI of €105 and this is having a positive influence on herd profitability. “The herd EBI was -€22 EBI with a 435 day calving interval, but we are now €105 EBI with a calving interval of 408 days,’’ says Mr Tallon. “We have been culling hard for five years and we have seen our milk sold a cow increase along with our profits. The EBI is working for us.’’

“We cull cows that don’t work in our system, those that are genetically poor. The cows that are staying in the herd are the ones whose mothers were doing the business. We were breeding off bad animals for years, but my message to anyone who is now growing their herd is to not keep on animals that give them trouble, it will only take them nowhere fast.”

12

The Tallons calve 55% of the cows in the spring and the remainder in the autumn.

“The cows that are staying in the herd are the ones whose mothers were doing the business.” Niall Tallon, County Meath dairy farmer Mr Tallon’s goal is to reduce the empty rate from 16% to 10% by selecting sires with a minimum EBI sub-index of €100 for fertility. But he has already made significant gains in this direction – in 2008 the empty rate was 30%.

“EBI has put a structure to our system,” says Mr Tallon. “We used to select for looks, milk and type but that wasn’t really paying its way. We sell our surplus heifers and we get paid as much for them now than when we were using high type sires.”

Heifers are served according to weight not age. “We target 350kg and if the heifer is 12 or 13 months we will serve at that age but it is usually about 15 months with all heifers calving for an average 24.5 months,” says Mr Tallon.

is the best surface and means the cows can graze late and early in the season, even when the weather conditions are far from ideal,” adds Mr Tallon.

Submission rate for the spring herd is 80% and 90% in the autumn block. Mr Tallon attributes the lower performance by the spring cows to the distance they walk to be milked – the furthest field is 3km from the parlour.

He would like to tighten the springcalving block to facilitate easier grazing management. “A calf born later in the spring block doesn’t work as well on grass,” he says.

All replacements must be born between the middle of January and the end of March.

Ten kilometres of cow tracks enable grazing to be maximized in both the spring and the autumn herds.

One kilometre of concrete tracks has been added in the past few years. “Concrete is expensive, but it

Article by Debbie James, Originally published in Farmers Weekly

Fertility is our Business

When he first started farming in 2006, milking 70 cows on an outlying farm, he was the only young entrant to the Glanbia supplier pool.

Now, as Ireland gears up for the removal of European milk quotas next April, the prospects for new entrants are more appealing.

Mr Tallon says quotas have not held the farm back because the family was able to expand the herd from 350 in 2008 to 500 today, but the ending of the production limiter will accelerate further growth. The farm is capable of supporting a milking herd of 650 cows and Mr Tallon is likely to be achieving this figure by 2017-18. He sells about 60 surplus heifers a year.

The Tallons use similar National Cattle Breeding Centre EBI sires on the autumn calving herd as for the spring cows. “One animal fits all systems, says Mr Tallon.

Bernard Eivers of Ireland Genetics says the EBI is not only for spring milk systems. “The same benefits can be achieved in autumn-block calving systems,” he says. “The right cow enables the system.

The EBI is revaluated annually by Teagasc and allows the farmer to produce cows to fit the system rather than needing to change their system to fit around the cow.”

Breeding for Fertility reaping rewards in expanding herd.

Shifting focus to breeding dairy herd replacements from the most fertile bulls and cows has reduced the calving interval at a County Meath farm by 30 days.

This year the Farrell family calved 70% of their spring-calving Holstein Friesian herd in six weeks compared to 40% in 2011.

The Farrells, who calve 80% of their cows in the spring and the remainder in the autumn, say they have achieved compact calving by using high Economic Breeding Index (EBI) sires.

The EBI, the Irish cattle breeding index formulated at Moorepark, Teagasc’s Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, identifies traits most strongly linked to overall profitability.

At Ringlestown Farm, Kilmessan, National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC) bulls with a minimum index of €100 for fertility are selected.

Peter Farrell, who farms with his father, David, said the benefits are now evident. “When you pick a bull it takes three years before you see that heifer in the parlour so the gain isn’t immediate. We are now seeing the advantages coming through.

“The calving pattern used to be spread out but now half the herd is getting in calf at first service.

This is hugely beneficial from a management point of view. We are getting more from our farm’s early season grazing advantage because if the conditions are good we turnout from February 14th, two weeks after we start calving.’’

Peter also selects sires with a high index for milk solids because his supplier contract with Glanbia rewards him for high protein and butterfat milk. The herd is currently achieving butterfat of 3.91% and protein of 3.34% from an average of 7,000 litres/cow of milk sold.

Last year the herd achieved a milk

solids average of 504kg/cow. Peter has set next year’s target at 530kg.

“We select bulls from the National Cattle Breeding Centre with an 30kg of combined fat + protein in their index, so he is selecting for improved production as well as improved fertility. We want a cow that can pack in between 550kg to 600kg of milk solids.’’

In the last financial year, the herd achieved a net profit margin per cow of €1,121 – €16.61/litre.

Twenty per cent of the 135-cow herd calves in the autumn, for three weeks from mid-November, to meet Glanbia’s liquid milk contract of 1150 litres/day. “We are just producing enough milk to fill that quota,’’ Peter explained. It doesn’t make financial sense to produce more as he gets the maximum price for liquid contract milk and a lower price for surplus supplied.

Both herds are served entirely to Holstein Friesian sires and black

and white stock bulls run with the herd for six weeks after the sixweek serving period. “Every calf born is a Holstein and every heifer is reared,’’ Peter explained.

The 108ha (270 acres) of land farmed is stocked at 2 livestock units/acre (ha?) Last year the farm grew 12.7 tons/ha of grass dry matter – so far this year the figure is 14.2 tons. A tonne of concentrates per cow is fed.

The farm is gearing up for the removal of European milk quotas in April by investing €250,000 in a 24 unit parlour, handling unit and slurry storage. This year, a further €17,000 has been spent on installing 1km of roadways and drainage on neighboring land which the Farrells recently purchased. Reseeding 18 hectares and installing extra water troughs and piping accounted for a further €14,000. The drier conditions on the newly acquired land should Fertility is our Business

enable turnout in the first week of February.

With the plan to expand the herd to 170 cows next year, producing 1.2 million litres, this investment will amount to €4,000/cow. The Farrells currently hold 800,000 litres of quota and although their investment will enable them to produce a further 400,000 litres post-quotas, land availability will be the limiting factor to further production.

Peter describes land availability as the new quota. “The removal of quotas can’t come quickly enough, we have felt that we were being held back, but the availability of land is going to be a huge barrier for many farmers.

“Ireland has small, fragmented farms. Access to land will be the new quota for many.’’

Herd replacement rate is currently running at 20% but the Farrells have adopted a tough culling policy in the last few years now that they have a large number of higher EBI replacements coming through.

In 2009 the herd EBI was €52 – next year it is set to be €140. “EBI has been central to our breeding policy. I don’t look at type or pedigree when I’m selecting bulls, I only consider what the progeny can add to my bottom line,’’ said Peter.

“We have a 10% empty rate and the cows that aren’t getting in calf are consistently those with a €20 to €30 disadvantage on the fertility sub index. If you look across the average of the herd it is the cows with the low genetic merit that have the low fat and protein levels.’’

Bernard Eivers of Ireland Genetics said the EBI comprises of six subindexes related to profitable milk production – milk production, fertility, calving performance, beef carcass, maintenance and health.

“The EBI isn’t just for spring milk systems, the same benefits can be achieved in autumn block calving systems. The right cow enables the system. The EBI is revaluated annually by Teagasc and allows farmers to produce cows to fit into the system rather than changing their system to fit around the cow,’’ he said Article by Debbie James, Originally published in Farmers Guardian 13

From Production to Conception: Quality every step of the way Semen Quality Control System

Information Collected at all stages.

Bull specific decision process to maximise semen fertility Continuous monitoring Rigorous quality control before semen released Highly trained & experienced staff ISO 9001:2008 accredited process

Semen Quality Checks Semen Collection

Concentration reading Most frozen conventional straws produced have a concentration of 15-20 million sperms. Fresh straws concentrations c. 3 million.

Live/Dead % Percentage abnormal sperm cells Morphology Motility

Freezing

Full quality check post freezing

30 Day quarantine Full quality check

Semen Released Full quality check

Conception Rate Monitor 30 Day Non-Return Rate 60 Day Non-Return Rate 90 Day Non-Return Rate Adjusted Fertility Model Bull & Technician Monitor

Producing 1 Million Straws per year 15% Fail to meet standards & Rejected

Bull testing programme

All catalogue bulls have semen fertility information from GeneIreland programme

14

Fertility is our Business

Bulls which fail to meet standards culled

The Irish Cow: Bred by our Top EBI Bulls High Output:

• 3.6% Protein, 500kgs Solids • Maximum milk value • Early Calving, Long Lactations

Easily Managed: • Low SCC • Easy Calving • Low Lameness

High Fertility:

• 365 day calving interval • Compact spring calving

Daughter Proven Easy Calving €87 Production Oman Free pedigree

Fertility is our Business

15

www.irelandgenetics.co.uk Phone – 04 3826 7385 E-mail – kieranshields@icloud.com Website - www.irelandgenetics.co.uk

Violet Nevin E-mail – violetnevin54@yahoo.ie Violet has 20 years experience as an AI technician and breeding advisor in Ireland. She has also worked as an AI Technician in Tasmania for 5 years.

Kieran Shields E-mail – kieranshields@icloud.com

Kieran has 20 years experience as an AI technician, ultrasound scanner and breeding advisor in Ireland. He has also worked as an AI Technician in Tasmania.