Results of Major Study on Reproductive Performance in Dairying Outlined
Issued 20thNovember 2001
The results of the first two years of a major study on the genetic and management factors influencing dairy cow fertility for Irish conditions were released by Teagasc today (Tuesday, 20 November).
The focus of the study which was initiated at Moorepark in 1999 was to relate (1) genetic merit for milk production, (2) system of feeding management and (3) health and reproductive management to the reproductive performance of dairy cows on Irish commercial dairy farms.
The study which is part funded by AIB Bank (main sponsor), Irish Holstein Friesian Association, National AI Co-ops and the Farmers Journal Trust involved a total of 73 herds with fertility performance from 6,400 cows in 1999 and a similar number in year 2000. It is part of comprehensive research by Teagasc on breeding the dairy cow for the 21st century.
The results, which were presented to the Head of Agri Strategy, AIB Bank Mr Michael Dowling (representing main sponsors) show that pregnancy rate to first service has decreased from 60% to 48% since the mid-eighties while empty rate (cows not incalf) have increased from less that 10% to greater that 15%. This represents an increase in costs of £70 per cow. The genetic analysis indicated that the reduced reproductive performance is associated with increased selection for milk production and increased Holstein genes in the Irish dairy cow population. The results also highlighted the importance of management issues, such as condition score, live-weight, herd size and calving difficulty on reproductive performance.
The research team led by Dr Pat Dillon and Dr Frank Buckley indicated that the heritabilities for production traits, such as milk yield and milk constituent yields are high while those for reproduction traits are low. However, the analysis indicates that there was large variation for fertility traits indicating that progress is still possible with these traits. The results also indicate that condition score has large potential as both a genetic and management marker to increase reproductive performance.
The new EBI index launched by ICBF last spring has identified important selection criterion for future Irish cattle breeding. This study has and will continue to be important for the further development of the EBI index.
Michael Dowling said that AIB is very proud to be associated with this research. The bank recognised that in an era where milk prices are, at best, static in real terms farm efficiency is the critical factor determining improvements in dairy farmers' incomes. Stock selection is a major efficiency factor and this research should provide significant information to help dairy farmers make better decisions in relation to dairy cattle breeding.
This study will continue to be a major part of the dairy cattle breeding programme at Moorepark. According to Dr Pat Dillon, the focus in the immediate future will be on the relationship between condition score and reproductive parameters.
