Comparison of the performance of two cow genotypes within a low input grazing system and a high input total confinement system (D-45-08)
Duration 15 months (January 2009 – March 2010)
Team and Leader Conrad Ferris, Elaine Vance, Niamh O’Connell and Ryan Law (AFBI, Hillsborough), Duncan Anderson (Agri Food Economics Division)
Background and Summary The Northern Ireland dairy industry continues to face increasing pressures and challenges, including increasing costs of inputs, labour shortages, unstable milk prices and low levels of fertility. However, unlike in the Republic of Ireland, no advisory blueprint for milk production exists. For example, while an increasing number of Northern Ireland herds are moving towards total or partial confinement systems in an attempt to increase milk production per cow, others are seeking to produce milk at minimum cost through the adoption of low input grass based systems.
Economic Evaluation of Holstein Bull Beef Production - DB-24-04
Duration October 2004 - January 2005
Team and Leader R.M. Kirkland, T.W.J. Keady and D. Anderson
Organisations Involved Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland
Background and Summary
The continuing trend for increased use of Holstein genetics in dairy herds has resulted in a large number of Holstein-Friesian bull calves becoming available, at low cost, as a potential resource for the beef industry. Finishing of these cattle on intensive feeding regimes has become more attractive in recent years reflecting, inter alia, the reduction in cereal prices and availability of subsidy payments.
Read more: Economic Evaluation of Holstein Bull Beef Production - DB-24-04
An Examination of the Potential Contribution of Cross Breeding to Improve the Profitability of Dairying in Northern Ireland - D-11-00
Duration 7 years commencing Spring 2000.
Team and Leader Sinclair Mayne, Rae Park, Duncan Anderson and Geoff Simm.
Organisations Involved Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Agricultural Economics Division, Newforge Lane and Scottish Agricultural College.
Background and Summary
Current dairy cow breeding programmes have resulted in significant improvements in milk production potential of the modern dairy cow. However, this has also been accompanied by increased incidences of infertility, lameness, mastitis and other production diseases.
To Assess the Potential of the Norwegian (NRF) Breed as a Means of Improving the Fertility and Health Status of the Northern Ireland Dairy Herd - D-10-00
Duration 6 years commencing Spring 2000
Team and Leader Sinclair Mayne, Fred Gordon, Conrad Ferris and Maurice McCoy.
Organisations involved Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Veterinary Science Division.
Background and Summary
Dairy her infertility, mastitis and lameness have been highlighted as the three most significant problems on dairy farms in Northern Ireland in both recent surveys undertaken by AgriSearch. It has long been established that fertility and mastitis are strongly negatively correlated with genetic improvement of milk production traits.
Are International Dairy Sire Genetic Evaluations Relevant to Milk Production Systems in NI - D-06-98
Duration
Team and Leader F J Gordon
Organisations Involved Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland (F Gordon), University College Dublin (D Kelleher and M Rath), Teagasc Moorepark (K O'Farrell).
Background and Summary
Within the industry there are major concerns regarding the length of time animals remain within the dairy herd (survivability), with a clear view that is deteriorating. This increasing problem may reflect a number of aspects, such as a declining fertility, increasing instances of health problems, or simply the fact that cows are being subjected to greater metabolic stress arising from the increased levels of performance, which are now achieved. It is important to clarify these issues, and in particular to examine those factors which are contributing to poor reproductive performance (calving index), and survivability.