Purchasing Stock

What type of cow should I buy?

The most profitable cow will calve in spring, go back in calf (365 day calving Interval) easily, milk for 280 days plus and produce high milk solids from grass.

What is EBI?

The Economic Breeding Index (EBI) is a measure of the genetic potential of an animal. The Index is based on €0 and is comprised of seven sub-indices (milk, fertility, health, maintenance, beef, calving and management). When purchasing dairy stock ask for farmer’s EBI report. Buy animals which have a balance between fertility and milk in their Index. Buy animals with at least €200 EBI of which more than €100 is fertility.

Is EBI working on dairy farms?

Yes. Moorepark research and on farm data prove it.

Should I buy calves, bulling heifers or calved cows?

It will depend on availability and how quickly you want to commence milk production – the advantage of buying in calf heifers is that they are close to generating cash flow – the disadvantage is that they cost more to buy.

What are the pros and cons of crossbred cows?

Crossbred dairy cows (Jersey, Norwegian) will have better fertility performance that the pure breeds due to hybrid vigour. They will also tend to be smaller (Jersey crosses) and usually will have much higher milk fat and protein %, therefore higher milk price. On the down side calves and cull cows are less valuable (again the Jersey crosses). Talking all these factors into account, Moorepark work was showing that crossbred cows are more profitable.