The Farm
Key Information About the Farm.The Newford Herd Farm is located at Junction 17 just off the M6 motorway at Teagasc, Athenry.
The Herd
Consists of 100 Angus and Hereford cross Fresian cows, originating from the dairy herd and first calving at 24 months.
The Herd Targets
- 365 calving interval
- 8-10 week calving spread
- 80% cows calved within 8 weeks
- Weaning a calf >50% their own body weight
- Calf mortality to 28 days < 2%
Breeding is based on all available ICBF data. Bulls are selected based on key traits:
- 5* across breed
- <6% calving difficulty
- >25 kg carcase growth
A combination of AI and natural service is used, with AI the main focus. Synchronisation has been used in 2015 on the back of previous Teagasc research work.
Farm Facts
- 55.8Ha
- 100 cows
- Stocking Rate: 2.7 L.U/Ha
- System: Steer and heifer finishing 20-24 months
- Cow Type: AA and HE/Holstein Friesian cross
- Terminal Sires: Limousin, Charolais, Simmental
- Calving period is February – April
- Replacements sourced from the dairy herd
- One labour unit management
- The project is managed by Teagasc, Dawn Meats and the Irish Farmers Journal, with McDonald’s also supporting the initiative.
