Latest news with #EconomicBreedingIndex
Agriland
2 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Explainer: How do proofs fluctuate in the ICBF Active Bull List?
The most recent evaluation of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) Active Bull List has sparked a bit of controversy among farmers as one of the most popular bulls in the country had his Economic Breeding Index (EBI) drop like a meteor. So, naturally enough, the most recent evaluations caused debate among farmers, with many looking for a bit more clarity on how these evaluation are made. Agriland highlighted these concerns among farmers with the ICBF, and asked for more clarity around how these evaluations are carried out and how bulls are assessed. The bull causing the debate is Tankardsrock Teak (FR7929), who previously held the top position on the ICBF Active Bull List prior to the most recent genetic evaluation. However, in the latest update, his ranking has dropped significantly as he fell 200 places to 201st. This decline is largely attributed to a reduction of €73 in his Fertility Sub-Index, which also impacted his Carbon Sub-Index, decreasing it by €8. The bull – which is owned by the National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC) – was the most used bull in the 2024 season, which demonstrates why farmers are concerned about his sudden drop in EBI from €370 in March to €287 now. How do proofs fluctuate? It was highlighted by the ICBF to Agriland that Tankardsrock Teak moved from a Genomic Proof (GS) to a Daughter Proof (DP-Irl), as daughter performance data was included in his EBI for the first time. Consequently, Teak's proof reliability increased by 13%. While daughter records are now directly contributing to his Milk Sub-Index, his fertility proof is still primarily driven by genomics and predictor traits. Predictor traits are genetically correlated with economically important traits. For example, Milk Kilograms (Milk Kg) is used as a predictor trait for Calving Interval and Survival. The ICBF highlighted that these traits serve as proxies to improve the reliability of evaluations—especially for young animals who have not yet expressed the target traits. They are important tools for making early, informed selection decisions that enhance herd productivity and profitability. So, for Tankardsrock Teak's latest evaluation, two new predictor traits were incorporated into his Fertility Sub-Index calculation for the first time, which was Age at First Calving (AFC) and Milk Kg. Teak now has 257 daughter records for AFC and 127 daughter records for Milk Kg and on average, his daughters calve 0.65 days later than their herd mates and produce 152kg more milk. While the increased milk production is genetically favourable, the strong negative genetic correlation between high milk yield and fertility contributed to the drop in his fertility index. Combined with the slightly poorer AFC performance, these factors have significantly impacted his EBI. Fertility genomics vs. reality What we can take from this data is that genomic predictions for milk performance are proving accurate, which is evident in Teak's daughters' milk yields. However, Teak's daughters will not yet have any calving interval and survival phenotypes, the traits that will make up the fertility sub-index. The ICBF confirmed that first lactation milk recording data has been obtained and given the negative association built into the evaluation between milk and fertility have caused his fertility prediction to drop. That said, there is still one remaining predictor trait yet to be included ahead of Teak receiving first parity calving interval and survival data later in the year: Calving to First Service (CFS). Interestingly, this trait has a stronger genetic correlation to fertility than both AFC and milk kg and may help recover some of the decline in his fertility sub-index once it gets integrated, so, maybe not all is lost in terms of the fertility of this bull. It is also worth noting that fertility records on later parities are also used where available so a sire will not be fully proven for fertility until his daughters that survive reach the start of their sixth lactation. To accommodate the implementation of new economic values into the EBI and the introduction of a genetic base change, the next genetic evaluation will take place in late September. Certainly, Teak is one to keep an eye on for the next evaluation as his CFS data will be incorporated and will give a better insight into his fertility performance. ICBF advice The only real practical way of overcoming these fluctuation in proofs and avoid having such a fluctuation affect the EBI and genetic merit of your herd, is to have a large bull team and not to overuse one bull in the team. The ICBF highlighted that genomics has been proven to work and is accelerating genetic progress across the dairy industry. While fluctuations in bull proofs can be concerning such as the recent changes seen with Teak, they are not unusual as similar adjustments have occurred in the past as more daughter data becomes available. To minimise the impact of these fluctuations, farmers are strongly advised to use teams of bulls when breeding replacements. No more than 15% of heifer replacements should come from any single bull. This strategy spreads risk and ensures a more balanced herd. Despite the recent drop in his Fertility Sub-Index, Teak continues to demonstrate excellent genetic merit for milk production and may be suitable bull to use on your herd. It's still too early to determine where his fertility figures will ultimately settle, particularly with additional data yet to be included in his evaluation.
Agriland
3 days ago
- Agriland
Championing environmental sustainability: Meet the Walsh family
John and Brendan Walsh from Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, were the overall winners of the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards. The awards recognise farmers who are operating sustainable, profitable farming systems while incorporating the latest scientific developments and technologies on their farms. On Tuesday, June 10, the Walshs will host an evening farm walk of learning, nature, and fun on the farm for all the family. The event, which is titled 'Dairying at Dusk', will kick off at 6.30pm and takes place at their farm in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E21 T938). What to expect? Attendees will have the opportunity to meet John and Brendan Walsh – the father-son duo who are leading the way in running a truly sustainable dairy farm. Hear inspiring talks from the Walshs on how they are making a living and looking after nature on their farm while continuing to produce high quality food profitably. There will be fun, games, and activities for kids with a sustainability corner and a farm safety workshop with Agrikids. Attendees will be provided with complimentary refreshments, courtesy of Dairygold. This is a 'not-to-be-missed' event for all the family to enjoy in the great outdoors on a summers evening. Three key sustainability pillars The Walsh Family won the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environment Sustainability Awards based on three key sustainability pillars, which were: 1. Efficiency and profitability Sustainability relies on balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. The Walshs have achieved this balance by running a highly efficient and profitable dairy operation. They milk 165 cows on a 63ha platform, with a total grassland area of 107ha. Their strong breeding policy, emphasising the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) and sexed semen, supports herd productivity and sustainability. Once replacement heifers are secured, they use high Dairy Beef Index sires to boost animal value. In 2024, the Walshs produced 524kg of milk solids per cow with 978kgs of concentrate per cow, achieving a gross margin of 60.2c/L and a carbon footprint of 0.83kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq)/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) – well below average. Total emissions on the farm stood at 1,039t CO 2 eq. 2. Reduced chemical nitrogen usage The Walshs have reduced chemical nitrogen (N) usage by 40% since 2020, without compromising grass production. In 2024, they used 130kg N/ha (down from 220kg in 2020) while producing 13.7t of grass dry matter (DM)/ha. Nitrogen use efficiency on the farm was 29%. Their success stems from optimised soil fertility (64% of soils are at optimal levels for pH, phosphorus, and potassium); widespread clover incorporation (52% of the grazing platform has a high or medium clover content); targeted slurry use based on testing; and extensive use of protected urea (100% in 2024). With 15% surplus slurry storage and precise application methods, the Walshs reduce the risk of nitrogen runoff and protect water quality through extensive buffer zones and GPS-guided spreading. 3. Commitment to biodiversity Biodiversity is a long-standing priority on the Walsh farm, dating back generations. Hedges are managed to promote growth and diversity, with whitethorns allowed to flourish every 50m. Groves of trees, including a 3ha forest transitioning from spruce to native species, are scattered across the farm. The Walshs plant trees annually, and the presence of barn owls, herons, and even a curlew reflects the thriving biodiversity on their farm. Key takeaways The Walsh family exemplifies a well-planned, balanced approach to sustainable dairy farming. Their message to other farmers is: start small, seek good advice, and do not fear failure. Their success story is not just about awards but about building a resilient and environmentally responsible future for Irish farming.
Agriland
19-05-2025
- General
- Agriland
Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club launches herds competition
The Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club has officially launched its annual herds competition, which celebrates the club's 50th anniversary this year. The launch took place recently at the coastal farm of Peter and Eileen Kennelly in Akeragh, Ardfert, along with the competition's main sponsors, Dairymaster. The competition is divided into spring and autumn calving categories, with each section split into senior, intermediate, junior, novice and new entrants, offering first, second and third place prizes. Organisers have said that this year there will be a greater emphasis on conformation. The awards for this year's herds competition include: Best overall cow based on protein kilogrammes; Highest herd protein percentage; Lifetime production cow; Best conformation and production herd; Lowest Somatic Cell Count (SCC); Best overall heifer, junior cow and senior cow Highest overall Economic Breeding Index (EBI) herd Cow families. This year's judges are Andrew and Jane Whittaker of the Knowlesmere Herd in the UK for the senior and intermediate sections. Tommy Screene, Windfield Herd, Co. Galway is the judge for junior, novice and new entrants. (L-R) Mary Mulvihill Dairymaster, Mark and Cora Corridon KHFBC, Roisin O' Regan Dairymaster, Peter Kennelly KHFBC, Tim McEllistrim KHFBC Image: Domnick Walsh Eye Focus LTD Tim McEllistrim, Kerry Holstein Friesian Breeders Club president said that the club is excited for another fantastic year ahead. 'It's great to see the club continue to grow with new members. We encourage more people to get involved — there's so much to learn about your herd through feedback from our expert judges. 'We're also very grateful for Dairymaster's ongoing support as we keep raising the bar,' he said. Speaking at the launch, Dairymaster representative Noel Scanlon said: 'It's a pleasure to be involved once again with the herds competition, especially in a milestone year for the club'. 'The dedication and enthusiasm shown by its members is what makes this event so special. 'It not only celebrates excellence in dairy farming but also brings the community together. We're proud to support that spirit and wish all competitors the very best,' he added. The competition is open to pedigree herds. Entries should be sent to Geraldine Harty, herds competition coordinator, Ballylongane, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry (087) 816 8281. The awards ceremony takes place on Friday, June 27 at the Ballyroe Lodge Hotel. The club's open day will be held on Sunday, June 1 on the farm of Ronan Sugrue, Dingle.
Irish Examiner
23-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Dairy giant Carbery sees operating profits jump 20% to €24.8m
Turnover at food giant Carbery has jumped 8% to €668m, with significant growth driven by the group's international taste and flavours divisions helping push operating profits up 20% to €24.8m. The cheese, dairy, flavours, nutrition, and ingredients group has its main production facility in Ballineen in West Cork and food and flavours businesses across the UK, US, Italy, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Carbery published its 2024 results on Wednesday morning, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation (EBITDA) up 12%, from €46.4m to €52m. Net profits were up 25% to €14.1m net debt decreased to €39.5m from €60.4m in 2023. "Performance this year was strong across all three of our business divisions, with significant growth driven by the very strong performance of our taste division in several markets," chief executive Jason Hawkins said. Mr Hawkins noted that the company allocated €8.6m to its stability fund to support its farmer shareholders "into the future, and through potentially difficult periods like weather, or challenged dairy markets". Carbery is 86% owned by four West Cork Co-Ops - Barryroe, Drinagh, Bandon, and Lisavaird - with the remaining shares owned by individual farmers. Carbery has almost 1,200 farmer suppliers and employs 350 people at its production site in Ballineen. While dairy dominates Carbery's Irish concerns, it has diversified its global business, employing 650 outside Ireland at 11 internatinal sites. "On the nutrition side of our business, we had good performance across our target segments of sports, infant, and clinical nutrition, with new business wins around the world and our ongoing focus on delivering innovation in this area. Our taste division continued to perform strongly in all regions, with our teams capitalising on increased consumer demand and delivering record performance in some markets," added Mr Hawkins. Carbery processed 574m litres of milk on its Ballineen site into cheese, nutrition ingredients, and bioethanol in 2024. Poor weather and heavy rainfall early in 2024 saw milk supply slump before a milder autumn helped ensure overall milk levels were only 2% behind 2023 levels. Global dairy market prices which were subdued in the first half of 2024 rose later in the year. Carbery paid its farmer suppliers an extra payment of 5cpl for milk supplied in March 2024 to offset additional costs the poor weather brought. Around 93% of milk supplied to Carbery qualifies for the company's FutureProof sustainability bonus to support suppliers to improve on-farm sustainability. Carbery paid out €4.7m through this programme in 2024 and in 2025 is increasing the bonus by 1.25c per litre, with new soil fertility and animal welfare obligations on farmers. Carbery has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. Carbery said that over two years across its FutureProof herds, use of protected urea and improved breeding through the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) have saved 5,501 metric tons of CO2 - the equivalent to taking 174 cars off the road annually.
