A weaning and scanning update from Newford
Focusing on weanling performance and scanning results, Michael Fagan provides an update from the Newford Farm, where the sunshine over the last two weeks has contributed to better grass growth and cattle thrive.
Weanling performance from Newford
All the 2024-born progeny have now been weaned, with weaning taking place during the fine weather in September (average weaning date of September 13).
Three Charolais male weanlings pictured at Newford. From left to right: The first weanling, sired by CH4321, was born on February 15, 2024, weighed 328kg and had achieved an average daily gain of 1.35kg/day; the middle weanling, sired by CH4321, was born on February 12, 2024, weighed 330kg and had gained 1.36kg/day; the third weanling on the right was sired by CH8262, born on February 19, 2024 and weighed 350kg after gaining 1.47kg/day.
The male weanlings (44) were weaned at 289kg, equating to an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.20kg from birth to weaning. These animals were castrated on July 31. The heifers weighed 282kg at weaning and recorded an ADG of 1.20kg from birth to weaning. All are still at grass and are receiving 1.5kg/head/day of concentrates.
Once again, the harsh spring and wet summer had a knock-on effect on the weanlings’ thrive, as they are roughly 20kg behind previous years. As a result, ensuring they have access to good quality silage will be a priority over the winter months.
Table 1: Weanling performance at Newford Farm
| Performance of male weanlings | |
|---|---|
| Number weighed | 44 |
| Average birth weight | 44kg |
| Weight on September 13 | 289kg |
| Average age | 6.7 months |
| Average Daily Gain from birth to September 13 | 1.2kg/day |
| Performance of heifer weanlings | |
| Number weighed | 40 |
| Average birth weight | 43kg |
| Weight on September 13 | 282kg |
| Average age | 6.5 months |
| Average Daily Gain from birth to September 13 | 1.2kg/day |
| Performance of replacement heifer calves | |
| Weighing date | September 23 |
| Average calf weight | 181kg |
| Average Daily Gain from birth | 0.67kg/day |
| Target weight on October 1 | 190kg |
Scanning
Apart from weaning, the suckler herd has also been scanned. Out of the 78 earmarked for breeding at the start of the season, 67 cows scanned in-calf (86% in-calf). Of these, 47 cows held to the first service, 15 to the second service and five to the third service. 23 maiden heifers were also bred, with 19 of these scanned in calf (83%).
Overall, the scanning results are a bit back on previous years , but one must bear in mind the very cold and wet months during the early spring and summer, which did not help matters regarding the breeding season.
This article was adapted for use on Teagasc Daily from the Newford newsletter. For more information on the Newford Farm, click here.