Michael McGuigan May/June 2024
Grassland
- Grass remain tight on the farm- Michael measures every 6 days
- Maintaining 13 days of grass ahead
- Red clover silage is sown at the end of May
Breeding
- First season using Sensehub technology
- Breeding started April 15th and will continue for 9 weeks
- 12 sexed straws are used
Grassland
Michael completed 11 measures over the two months. Grass growth remained steady at an average of 63kgs/DM/ha/day over May and June. Similar to a lot of farms , grass growth never really ran into surplus. It peaked on May 21st at 95kgs/DM/ha/day. With demand averaging 49kgs/DM/ha/day , there was 12-14 days of grass ahead during the period. While this figure might seem tight with average growth , Michael was comfortable with it. As a result, the pre-grazing yields remained on target at 1500kgs/DM/ha.
Photo: Results from Pasturebase Ireland
Photo: 29th May, 2024
Photo: Michael measures every 5 days during the summer
Photo: May 29th second cut silage
Photo: Michael will sow red clover silage
Photo: Red clover silage mix
Breeding
Michael has decided to switch from calving in October and November to a spring calving herd for 2025. Therefore, insemination started on April 15th and he will AI for a strict 9 weeks.
Michael has invested in Sensehub in order to detect heats as 100 per cent AI will be used. There will be no requirement for a vasectomised or stock bull which he had in the past. Sensehub is Tams approved and while it is a significant investement , Michael will be able to use a team of bulls with AI. In addition, sensehub identifies the correct time in the cycle for using sexed semen. Michael’s plan is to use sexed semen on 12 cows using high replacement type bulls such as Curaheen Gunshot (Simmental)and Lennox(LM). This will supply high index heifers from within the herd. The remaining cows will get proven terminal bulls which will deliver high quality stock for sale. So in time, the investment will fast track the genetic make-up of the herd.
Photo: Sensehub collars
Photo: Sensehub receiver which is connected to Michael's phone
Photo: Breeding will finish on June 9th
Performance
Michael has been busy weighing both weanlings and yearlings. On the 10th June the weanlings males averaged 308kgs which is a gain of 1.2kgs/day since birth. The average date of birth for this group was 16/11/2023.
The heifers were weighed also and averaged 279kgs which was a gain of 1.12kgs since birth. There average date of birth is 10/12/2023.
Both groups are not weaned and are forward grazing ahead of the cows. Michael will introduce meal in late July before weaning.
The older males born in November 2022 averaged 517kgs when weighed on May 28th while the heifers averaged 496kgs on the same date. Michael plans to sell these live off the farm in Autumn.
Photo: The bull weanlings weighted 308kgs on average
Photo: Bullocks born 4th November, 2022 weighted 517kgs on May 28th