Beef cow reproductive health

摘要

Ireland is the fourth-largest net-beef exporter in the northern hemisphere. It has a pasture-based beef industry worth in excess of ?1.5bn annually and accounting for almost 30% of gross agricultural output (GAO) and 20% of Irish agri-food exports (www.bordbia.ie). The suckler cow herd comprises half the national cow herd at 1.1 million cows and is the primary source of heavy-lean carcasses, of good conformation for premium markets. Approximately 50% of total beef production and a greater percentageof output value, is derived from suckler beef production and therefore, this sector is a key income generator for the national economy. Sustainability and profitability of suckler beef production is vital for agricultural production in many rural communities, with any improvement in productive and reproductive efficiency in beef cattle being welcomed. The Food Wise 2025 states clearly that, 'the expansion of the dairy herd will have a knock-on effect on the beef sector in that additional beef from thatexpansion has the potential to increase beef output by between 5% and 10%. It is important that the best-available breeding technologies are used to ensure that the value of this output is maximised for the sector and for the economy'.