More profits with Norwegian Red crossbreds in Ireland

The ideal cow for Ireland is one that will efficiently deliver high yields of milk solids from grazed grass, while continuing to go back in calf year on year. Studies at Moorepark evaluating the merits of crossbreeding with Norwegian Red (NRF) sires have demonstrated considerable animal performance benefits with crossbred cows. The performance of Norwegian Red in Irish dairy herds will increase profits due to better fertility, easier calvings, less health problems as well as increased survival. Also, crossbreeding with Norwegian Red will give Irish dairy farmers a male calf they can sell at a good price.

Norwegian Red sire top ICBF active list

NRF sire Velsvik is the no. 1 bull on the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation's active list ! This list contains information on 19 traits related to profitable dairy farming and is a tool for Irish dairy farmers to make profitable herd replacements. www.icbf.com

Velsvik is the best Norwegian Red (NRF) sire of all times for fitness traits. Outstanding for daughter fertility, paternal calving ease and resistance to mastitis and other diseases.

Dairy crossbreeding trial on Irish farms

In 2004 the Moorepark team initiated a study to compare Norwegian Red (NRF) purebreds, Norwegian Red (NRF) x Holstein crossbreds besides pure Holstein herdmates in Irish dairy herds. Moorepark imported 400 Norwegian Red (NRF) calves from Norway and sold them to commercial Irish dairy farmers. The trials were carried out on 46 commercial dairy farms mainly in Cork and Tipperary. Moorepark researchers gathered information from the performance of these animals over several years and lactations. This is strong research data - coming from a large number of farms and management systems.

130 Euro more profit per lactation in Ireland

The results of this trial show increased profits using Norwegian Red crossbred cows. This is due to increased health, fertility and calving ease coupled with keeping production at the same level. The net profit per crossbred NRF x Holstein cow is 130 Euro per cow per lactation in Ireland. This was presented by Frank Buckley at a Moorepark breeding forum, January 18th 2012 (Teagasc).

www.teagasc.ie

Crossbreeding with Norwegian Red (NRF)

NRF is a high yielding dairy breed which has strongly emphasized health and fertility traits for over thirty years. Positive genetic trend for health and fertility, as well as production, has been possible due to the very comprehensive data collection system in Norway together with large daughter groups (minimum 200) in each bull's first proof. Functionality has been a focus for Norwegian Red breeders for 75 years and the breed fits well into all crossbreeding programs.