Irish Cows are Getting Taller
12 March 2007
The Agricultural Research Forum, currently taking place in Tullamore, County Offaly, has heard how dairy cows are now more docile, faster milking and taller. The strong trend towards more angular cows over the last decade is a consequence of the upgrading of the traditional British Friesian to Holstein.
Genetic selection in Irish dairy cattle over past decades has predominantly been on milk production. Genetic correlations with milk production suggest that, under such breeding objectives, animals will become taller and wider, and develop deeper, more strongly supported udders.
Research carried out at Teagasc Moorepark, in conjunction with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, suggests that animals are indeed getting taller.
“This has repercussions for optimal cubical and milking parlour design,” explains Liam Bermingham, Teagasc Moorepark. “In addition, animals also have developed deeper, more strongly supported and attached udders which has negative implications for udder health. Furthermore, animals have tended to become more docile and faster milking, which has both management and welfare benefits.”
A decade of REPS
The Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) was introduced to encourage farmers to carry out their activities in a more extensive and environmentally friendly manner. It is now over a decade since the first farmers in Ireland joined REPS and results show that the impact of REPS on activities that can influence the environment has been positive.
Researchers from Teagasc’s Rural Economy Research Centre and Forestry Development Unit looked at investment in land improvement, the purchase of fertiliser and the use of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium as inputs between 1995 and 2005.
“The methodology used differs from previous REPS related research, in that we attempt to estimate, at farm level, the extent of change in certain farm practices (those that have effects on the environment) that are a consequence of REPS. This requires making a comparison of farming behaviour with what would have prevailed in the absence of REPS,” explained Stephen Hynes, Teagasc, Athenry.
“Too great a focus on economic incentives can encourage a disregard for the social consequences of private activities. However, as our results demonstrate, if the economic incentive is combined with legal sanctions and educational measures then the private behaviour of farm operators does not necessarily result in adverse environmental consequences,” he said.
