Irish Dairy Farms Research Articles

Social life cycle assessment of average Irish dairy farm

The majority of sustainability studies of dairy farms focused on environmental performance and profitability; however, social aspect has been hardly assessed. This study aims to investigate the social impacts of dairy farm via a case study using a social life cycle assessment framework. The assessment was carried out applying the social LCA Guideline by UNEP-SETAC. Nineteen suitable social indicators were selected from four stakeholder categories of the guideline. Characterization and normalization were further developed based on data availability. National farm survey data was used as foreground data for farm activities, supplemented with background data from public database and life cycle working environment (LCWE) data by Gabi database. All indicators were divided into three groups: functional unit-related quantitative indicators, non-functional unit-related quantitative indicators and semi-quantitative indicators. Irish dairy farming has positive social impacts on value chain actors and society, predominantly positive impacts for local community and generally positive values for workers. The main negative impacts are health and safety issue, equal opportunity for workers, and safe and healthy living conditions for the local community. Possible actions to improve the social performance include introducing more efficient and robotic milk production systems; applying better handling methods and using real time decision support to operational management for emissions reduction. This study is the first attempt of social LCA in Ireland. It demonstrated a possible method to carry out SLCA for Irish dairy sector. The results identified the positive and negative social hotspot of dairy farm with recommendation for future improvement.

Detection of presumptive Bacillus cereus in the Irish dairy farm environment

AbstractThe objective of the study was to isolate potentialBacillus cereussensu lato (B.cereus s.l.)from a range of farm environments. Samples of tap water, milking equipment rinse water, milk sediment filter, grass, soil and bulk tank milk were collected from 63 farms. In addition, milk liners were swabbed at the start and the end of milking, and swabs were taken from cows’ teats prior to milking. The samples were plated on mannitol egg yolk polymyxin agar (MYP) and presumptiveB. cereus s.l. colonies were isolated and stored in nutrient broth with 20% glycerol and frozen at -80 °C. These isolates were then plated on chromogenic medium (BACARA) and colonies identified as presumptiveB. cereus s.l. on this medium were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. Of the 507 isolates presumed to beB. cereus s.l. on the basis of growth on MYP, only 177 showed growth typical ofB. cereus s.l. on BACARA agar. The use of 16S rRNA sequencing to identify isolates that grew on BACARA confirmed that the majority of isolates belonged toB. cereus s.l. A total of 81 of the 98 isolates sequenced were tentatively identified as presumptiveB. cereus s.l. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was carried out on milk and soil isolates from seven farms that were identified as having presumptiveB. cereus s.l. No pulsotype was shared by isolates from soil and milk on the same farm. PresumptiveB. cereus s.l. was widely distributed within the dairy farm environment.

Water footprinting of dairy farming in Ireland

In the context of global water scarcity, water footprints have become an important sustainability indicator for food production systems. To improve the water footprint of the dairy sector, insight into freshwater consumption of individual farms is required. The objective of this study was to determine the primary contributors to freshwater consumption (i.e. water use that does not return to the same watershed) at farm-gate level, expressed as a water footprint, for the production of one kg of fat-and-protein corrected milk (FPCM), on 24 Irish dairy farms. This is the first study that uses detailed farm level data to assess the water footprint of a large set of Irish dairy farms. The water footprint comprises of the consumption of soil moisture due to evapotranspiration (green water), and the consumption of ground and surface water (blue water), and includes freshwater used for cultivation of crops for concentrate production, on-farm cultivation of grass or fodder and water required for animal husbandry and farm maintenance. The related impact of freshwater consumption on global water stress from producing milk in Ireland was also computed. Over the 24 farms evaluated, the production of milk consumed on average 690 L water/kg FPCM, ranging from 534 L/kg FPCM to 1107 L/kg FPCM. Water required for pasture production contributed 85% to the water footprint, 10% for imported forage production (grass in the form of hay and silage), concentrates production 4% and on-farm water use ∼1%. The average stress weighted water footprint was 0.4 L/kg FPCM across the farms, implying that each litre of milk produced potentially contributed to fresh water scarcity equivalent to the consumption of 0.4 L of freshwater by an average world citizen. The variation of volumetric water footprints amongst farms was mainly related to the level of feed grown on-farm and levels of forages and concentrates imported onto the farm. Using farm specific data from a subset of Irish dairy farms allowed this variability in WF to be captured, and contributes to the identification of improvement options. The biggest contribution to the water footprint of milk was from grass grown with green water, which is a plentiful resource in Ireland. This study also indicates an opportunity for present and future milk production systems to source feed ingredients from non-water stressed areas to further reduce the burden on freshwater resources, especially in countries that utilise confinement systems that have a higher proportion of concentrate feed in the dairy cow's diet.

Microbiological contamination of colostrum on Irish dairy farms

BOVINE neonates are born virtually agammaglobulinaemic (Klaus and others 1969) and successful passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulin depends on efficient absorption of an adequate volume of colostrum of sufficient quality....

Prevalence of BoHV-1 seropositive and BVD virus positive bulls on Irish dairy farms and associations between bull purchase and herd status.

BackgroundBVD and IBR are contagious viral diseases highly prevalent in Irish cattle. Despite their significant reproductive and economic impact very little is known about the BVD and IBR status of stock bulls (a bull used for breeding purposes). There are still a high proportion of dairy farms in Ireland that rely on the use of a bull for breeding cattle and ensuring the fertility of the bulls is of paramount importance for the efficiency of the farms. The prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. The objectives of this study therefore were: (i) to provide descriptive, observational data on the use of stock bulls on Irish dairy farms; (ii) to investigate the BVD and BoHV1 status of a sub-set of stock bulls; (iii) to investigate factors associated with BVD and BoHV1 status of stock bulls and (iv) to investigate factors associated with dairy herd status for BVD and BoHV1, including any associations with the use of stock bull.A total of 529 blood samples from bulls involved in the dairy breeding process were analysed for BVD virus using RT-PCR, and BoHV-1 antibodies by ELISA test. A total of 305 different dairy herds took part in the study and the overall BVD and BoHV-1 herd status was determined by ELISA using four bulk tank milk samples over the 2009 lactation. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between the stock bulls and BVD and BoHV-1 herd and individual status.ResultsOf the 305 total participating farms, 235 farms (77 %) had at least one bull and 167 farms had purchased bulls. Two bulls (0.4 %) out of 529 tested were found positive for BVD virus and 87 (16.7 %) tested seropositive for BoHV-1. Some significant associations were identified between the purchase of bulls and both viral diseases. Purchased bulls were three times more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1 than homebred bulls. In the same way, herds with purchased bulls were three times more likely to be classified as seropositive for BVD and four times more likely to have evidence of recent BoHV-1 circulation than farms where all the bulls were homebred.ConclusionsThe prevalence of BoHV-1 and BVD in stock bulls in Irish dairy herds has never been investigated. This study highlights the widespread use of stock bulls in Irish dairy herds, as well as the high rate of exchange of bulls between farms. Significant associations were found between the origin of the bull and their serological BoHV-1 status. In keeping with these results, bulls with higher number movements between farms were more likely to be seropositive for BoHV-1.

Farm gate level nitrogen balance and use efficiency changes post implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive

Farm gate nitrogen (N) balance and use efficiency was estimated across 150 specialist Irish dairy farms over a 7 year period between 2006 and 2012 using nationally representative data. The study period coincided with the introduction of EU Nitrates Directive regulations aimed at minimising losses of N to the aquatic environment and results indicated that N balance declined by 25.1 kg ha−1 from 180.4 to 155.3 kg ha−1 over the study period. This decline can almost entirely be attributed to reduced chemical N fertiliser inputs of 23.1 kg ha−1 over the period, equivalent to 1247 kg N, or a cost saving of €1347 per annum across the average dairy farm. Nitrogen use efficiency also increased by 2.1 % points over the period from 20.8 to 22.9 %. This was achieved while increasing milk solids output from 405.3 to 449.6 kg ha−1 in the context of a declining stocking rate (1.86–1.84 livestock units ha−1). These results suggest some positive impact of the regulations on N management on Irish dairy farms at the nutrient source end of the nutrient transfer continuum. This increased N management efficiency has a potential double dividend effect of increased returns to agricultural production while reducing the risk of N transfer to the aquatic environment. In addition to the introduction of the regulations, results of a random effects panel data model indicated that N balance and use efficiency are significantly influenced by factors such as fertiliser prices, stocking rates, land use potential, contact with extension services and climatic variables.

Phosphorus management on Irish dairy farms post controls introduced under the EU Nitrates Directive

The Republic of Ireland was one of a minority of EU member states to include direct controls on chemical phosphorus (P) fertilisers in its EU Nitrates Directive National Action Plan, first introduced in 2006. This study estimates farm gate phosphorus balances and use efficiencies across 150 specialist dairy farms over the seven year period since these controls were introduced (2006–2012) using nationally representative data. Results indicate that P balances declined by 50% over the study period from 11.9 in 2006 to 6.0kgha−1 in 2012. This decline was driven by a reduction in chemical fertiliser imports of 6.5kgha−1. This is equivalent to a reduction of 281kg of P and represents a cost saving of €812 per annum across the average farm. Phosphorus use efficiency also improved over the period from 60% in 2006 to 78% in 2012, peaking in 2011 at 88.3%. This was achieved while increasing milk solids output per hectare and per cow. Results of a random effects panel data model indicated that P balance and use efficiency are significantly influenced by factors such as fertiliser prices, stocking rates, land use potential, use of milk recording technology, contact with extension services and rainfall patterns.

Relating the carbon footprint of milk from Irish dairy farms to economic performance

Mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of milk or the carbon footprint (CF) of milk is a key issue for the European dairy sector given rising concerns over the potential adverse effects of climate change. Several strategies are available to mitigate GHG emissions, but producing milk with a low CF does not necessarily imply that a dairy farm is economically viable. Therefore, to understand the relationship between the CF of milk and dairy farm economic performance, the farm accountancy network database of a European Union nation (Ireland) was applied to a GHG emission model. The method used to quantify GHG emissions was life cycle assessment (LCA), which was independently certified to comply with the British standard for LCA. The model calculated annual on- and off-farm GHG emissions from imported inputs (e.g., electricity) up to the point milk was sold from the farm in CO2-equivalent (CO2-eq). Annual GHG emissions computed using LCA were allocated to milk based on the economic value of dairy farm products and expressed per kilogram of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). The results showed for a nationally representative sample of 221 grass-based Irish dairy farms in 2012 that gross profit averaged €0.18/L of milk and €1,758/ha and gross income was €40,899/labor unit. Net profit averaged €0.08/L of milk and €750/ha and net income averaged €18,125/labor unit. However, significant variability was noted in farm performance across each financial output measure. For instance, net margin per hectare of the top one-third of farms was 6.5 times higher than the bottom third. Financial performance measures were inversely correlated with the CF of milk, which averaged 1.20kg of CO2-eq/kg of FPCM but ranged from 0.60 to 2.13kg of CO2-eq/kg of FPCM. Partial least squares regression analysis of correlations between financial and environmental performance indicated that extending the length of the grazing season and increasing milk production per hectare or per cow reduced the CF of milk and increased farm profit. However, where higher milk production per hectare was associated with greater concentrate feeding, this adversely affected the CF of milk and economic performance by increasing both costs and off-farm emissions. Therefore, to mitigate the CF of milk and improve economic performance, grass-based dairy farms should not aim to only increase milk output, but instead target increasing milk production per hectare from grazed grass.

Characterisation of dairy soiled water in a survey of 60 Irish dairy farms

AbstractDairy farming in Ireland generates an effluent known as dairy soiled water (DSW), which consists of a relatively dilute mixture of cow faeces, urine, spilt milk and detergents that is typically applied to grassland. However, relatively little is known about the volumes generated, nutrient content and management factors that influence volume and concentration. Sixty dairy farms that had a separate storage tank for storing DSW were selected for this study. The spatial distribution of the farms reflected the spatial distribution of dairy cows across the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland, with each farm representing between 10,000 and 20,000 dairy cows. Samples were analysed for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonium N (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), phosphorus (molybdate-reactive and total) (MRP and TP) and dry matter (DM) content. Management characteristics and parlour properties were quantified. Factors influencing volume and concentration of DSW were determined using mixed model multiple regression analysis. On average, 9784 l (standard error 209 l) of DSW, including rainfall, was produced cow−1year−1and this contained significant quantities of total N, P and K (587, 80 and 568 mg l−1, respectively). A typical Irish dairy farm stocked at 1.9 cows ha−1could therefore supply approximately 13, 2 and 12 kg ha−1of total N, P and K, respectively, across the farm, annually to meet some of the nutrient requirements for herbage production and potentially replace some of the synthetic fertilizer use. Seventy one percent of samples were within the regulated concentration limits of soiled water for BOD (<2500 mg l−1), rising to 87% during the closed period for slurry spreading (mid October to mid-late January), while 81% were within the concentration limits for DM (<1% DM), rising to 94% during the closed period. The efficiency of a milking parlour (cows per unit, time taken) plays a key role in determining the volume of DSW generated. This, in turn, also influences the concentration of nutrients and other chemicals. Large variability was found in nutrient concentrations and this presents a challenge for effective nutrient management to maximise the fertilizer replacement value of DSW.

The effects of farm management practices on liver fluke prevalence and the current internal parasite control measures employed on Irish dairy farms

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is responsible for major production losses in cattle farms. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of farm management practices on liver fluke prevalence on Irish dairy farms and to document the current control measures against parasitic diseases. In total, 369 dairy farms throughout Ireland were sampled from October to December 2013, each providing a single bulk tank milk (BTM) sample for liver fluke antibody-detection ELISA testing and completing a questionnaire on their farm management. The analysis of samples showed that cows on 78% (n=288) of dairy farms had been exposed to liver fluke. There was a difference (P<0.05) between farms where cows were positive or negative for liver fluke antibodies in (a) the total number of adult dairy cows in herds, (b) the number of adult dairy cows contributing to BTM samples, and (c) the size of the total area of grassland, with positive farms having larger numbers in each case. There was no difference (P>0.05) between positive and negative farms in (a) the grazing of dry cows together with replacement cows, (b) whether or not grazed grassland was mowed for conservation, (c) the type of drinking water provision system, (d) spreading of cattle manure on grassland or (e) for grazing season length (GSL; mean=262.5 days). Also, there were differences (P<0.001) between drainage statuses for GSL with farms on good drainage having longer GSL than moderately drained farms. The GSL for dairy cows on farms with good drainage was 11 days longer than for those with moderate drainage (P<0.001). The percentage of farmers that used an active ingredient during the non-lactating period against liver fluke, gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworm, and rumen fluke was 96%, 85%, 77% and 90%, respectively. Albendazole was the most frequently used active ingredient for treatment against gastrointestinal nematodes (57%), liver fluke (40%) and lungworm (47%), respectively. There was a difference (P<0.05) in the use of triclabendazole and albendazole between positive and negative farms, with triclabendazole use being more common in positive farms. This study highlighted differences in dairy management practices between Irish farms with dairy herds exposed or not exposed to liver fluke and stressed the need of fine-scale mapping of the disease patterns even at farm level to increase the accuracy of risk models. Also, comprehensive advice and professional support services to farmers on appropriate farm management practices are very important for an effective anthelmintic control strategy.

A survey of management practices on Irish dairy farms with emphasis on risk factors for Johne's disease transmission.

BackgroundJohne’s disease (JD) is a chronic granulomatous enteritis affecting ruminants. A number of farm management practices are associated with increased risk of JD transmission. The aim of the current study was to document JD-related management practices currently employed on Irish dairy farms.Survey questions focused on calving area (CA), calf and manure management. Independent variables (region, calving-season, enterprise type, herd size and biosecurity status) were used to examine influences on JD associated dependent variables (survey questions). Additionally general biosecurity practices were also examined.ResultsResults showed management practices implemented by Irish dairy farmers pose a high risk of JD transmission. Of the farmers surveyed, 97% used the CA for more than one calving, 73.5% and 87.8% pooled colostrum and milk respectively, 33.7% never cleaned the CA between calving’s, and 56.6% used the CA for isolating sick cows. Survey results also highlighted that larger herds were more likely to engage in high risk practices for JD transmission, such as pooling colostrum (OR 4.8) and overcrowding the CA (OR 7.8). Larger herds were also less likely than smaller herds to clean the CA (OR 0.28), a practice also considered of risk in the transmission of JD.ConclusionMany management practices associated with risk of JD transmission were commonly applied on Irish dairy farms. Larger herds were more likely to engage in high risk practices for JD transmission. Control programmes should incorporate educational tools outlining the pathogenesis and transmission of JD to highlight the risks associated with implementing certain management practices with regard to JD transmission.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13620-014-0027-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Economic impacts of nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency on nineteen intensive grass-based dairy farms in the South of Ireland

A 3 year (2009–2011) study found a mean N balance of 166 kg N/ha, P balance of 4.93 kg P/ha, N use efficiency of 0.24, P use efficiency of 0.71, and net profit of €598/ha on 19 Irish dairy farms. The increase in mean net profit with mean milk receipts and the decrease with mean expenditure on chemical fertilisers imply that increasing milk receipts while optimising the use of chemical fertiliser input can be an effective strategy to increase net profit. Mean net profit was not directly related to mean N and P balances or N and P use efficiencies. However, there was an indirect link between net profit and N and P use efficiencies, as indicated through significant relationships between N and P use in the form of chemical fertilisers and feeds and the associated expenditures on chemical fertilisers and feeds. The increase of mean expenditure on feeds (concentrate, forages) with mean SR (stocking rate) and feed N input highlights the importance of matching SR with the feed imports on grass-based dairy farms, when there is limited availability of grassland area. This can be an effective strategy to control expenditure on feeds, with potential positive impact on net profit. Results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that milk price was the main driver for changes in net profit in high and low milk price situations investigated across nine price scenarios. The decrease in mean (51.4 l/kg N) N-eco-efficiency (milk produced per kilogram N balance) with mean fertiliser N input (190 kg N/ha) implies that efficient on-farm N management is needed to achieve increases in milk production and reduce N balance per unit product (litre milk). Potential fertiliser N replacement values of €317/ha for the spring and €64/ha for summer slurry application may represent strong incentives for farmers to make increased use of organic fertilisers, as part of overall on-farm N management. This can have positive impacts on farm nutrient use efficiency and farm net profit. Eight farms exceeding the limit of 2 livestock units (LU)/ha, imposed through the Nitrates Directive, had 1.63 times higher net profit compared with the remainder, which justified the cost of compliance associated with being in derogation. The results of this study generally indicate that Irish dairy farms, as low-input production systems, have the potential to improve both economic (as indicated by net profit per hectare) and environmental (as indicated by N and P balances per hectare, N and P use efficiencies and N-eco-efficiency) sustainability.

Assessing the impact of changes in the electricity price structure on dairy farm energy costs

This study aims to provide information on the changes in electricity consumption and costs on dairy farms, through the simulation of various electricity tariffs that may exist in the future and how these tariffs interact with changes in farm management (i.e. shifting the milking operation to an earlier or later time of the day). A previously developed model capable of simulating electricity consumption and costs on dairy farms (MECD) was used to simulate five different electricity tariffs (Flat, Day&Night, Time of Use Tariff 1 (TOU1), TOU2 and Real Time Pricing (RTP)) on three representative Irish dairy farms: a small farm (SF), a medium farm (MF) and a large farm (LF). The Flat tariff consisted of one electricity price for all time periods, the Day&Night tariff consisted of two electricity prices, a high rate from 09:00 to 00:00h and a low rate thereafter. The TOU tariff structure was similar to that of the Day&Night tariff except that a peak price band was introduced between 17:00 and 19:00h. The RTP tariff varied dynamically according to the electricity demand on the national grid. The model used in these simulations was a mechanistic mathematical representation of the electricity consumption that simulated farm equipment under the following headings; milk cooling system, water heating system, milking machine system, lighting systems, water pump systems and the winter housing facilities. The effect of milking start time was simulated to determine the effect on electricity consumption and costs at farm level. The earliest AM milking start time and the latest PM milking start time resulted in the lowest energy consumption. The difference between the lowest and highest electricity consumption within a farm was 7% for SF, 5% for MF and 5% for LF. This difference was accounted for by the variation in the milk cooling system coefficient of performance. The greatest scope to reduce total annual electricity costs by adjusting milking start times was on TOU2 (39%, 34% and 33% of total annual electricity costs on the SF, MF and LF) and the least scope for reductions using this method was on the Flat tariff (7%, 5% and 7% of total annual electricity costs). The potential for reduction of annual electricity consumption and related costs per litre of milk produced by adjusting milking times was higher for the LF than the SF or MF across all electricity tariffs. It is anticipated that these results and the use of the MECD will help support the decision-making process at farm level around increasing energy efficiency and electricity cost forecasts in future electricity pricing tariff structures.

Weather and soil type affect incidence of fasciolosis in dairy cow herds

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is generally a subclinical infection of dairy cows and can result in marked economic losses on Irish dairy farms. This study investigated the exposure to...

An appraisal of carbon footprint of milk from commercial grass-based dairy farms in Ireland according to a certified life cycle assessment methodology

PurposeLife cycle assessment (LCA) studies of carbon footprint (CF) of milk from grass-based farms are usually limited to small numbers of farms (<30) and rarely certified to international standards, e.g. British Standards Institute publicly available specification 2050 (PAS 2050). The goals of this study were to quantify CF of milk from a large sample of grass-based farms using an accredited PAS 2050 method and to assess the relationships between farm characteristics and CF of milk.Materials and methodsData was collected annually using on-farm surveys, milk processor records and national livestock databases for 171 grass-based Irish dairy farms with information successfully obtained electronically from 124 farms and fed into a cradle to farm-gate LCA model. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were estimated with the LCA model in CO2 equivalents (CO2-eq) and allocated economically between dairy farm products, except exported crops. Carbon footprint of milk was estimated by expressing GHG emissions attributed to milk per kilogram of fat and protein-corrected milk (FPCM). The Carbon Trust tested the LCA model for non-conformities with PAS 2050. PAS 2050 certification was achieved when non-conformities were fixed or where the effect of all unresolved non-conformities on CF of milk was < ±5 %.Results and discussionThe combined effect of LCA model non-conformities with PAS 2050 on CF of milk was <1 %. Consequently, PAS 2050 accreditation was granted. The mean certified CF of milk from grass-based farms was 1.11 kg of CO2-eq/kg of FPCM, but varied from 0.87 to 1.72 kg of CO2-eq/kg of FPCM. Although some farm attributes had stronger relationships with CF of milk than the others, no attribute accounted for the majority of variation between farms. However, CF of milk could be reasonably predicted using N efficiency, the length of the grazing season, milk yield/cow and annual replacement rate (R 2 = 0.75). Management changes can be applied simultaneously to improve each of these traits. Thus, grass-based farmers can potentially significantly reduce CF of milk.ConclusionsThe certification of an LCA model to PAS 2050 standards for grass-based dairy farms provides a verifiable approach to quantify CF of milk at a farm or national level. The application of the certified model highlighted a wide range between the CF of milk of commercial farms. However, differences between farms’ CF of milk were explained by variation in various aspects of farm performance. This implies that improving farm efficiency can mitigate CF of milk.

Parasite control practices on pasture-based dairy farms in the Republic of Ireland

Dictyocaulus viviparus, Ostertagia ostertagi (nematode parasites), and Fasciola hepatica (trematode parasite) result in productivity losses on dairy farms and impact on animal health through clinical and sub-clinical disease. Parasite control in livestock systems is largely based on the use of chemoprophylactic agents (anthelmintics), grazing management, or a combination of both. The objective of this study was to document current parasite control measures employed by Irish dairy farmers in a predominantly pasture-based livestock system. A questionnaire survey of 312 geographically representative farmers was completed in 2009 with a follow up survey completed in 2011. Statistical analysis highlighted significant differences in chemoprophylactic usage between 2009 and 2011. In particular, an increase in the use of albendazole for both trematode (19% in 2009 to 36% in 2011) and nematode (30% in 2009 to 58% in 2011) control was observed. This was most likely due to flukicide restrictions introduced in the Republic of Ireland in 2010 for dairy animals. Logistic regression highlighted regional differences in chemoprophylactic use. Farmers in southern parts of Ireland, an area with good quality soil, less rainfall, and a higher density of dairy farms than other regions, were approximately half as likely to dose for F. hepatica and were more likely (OR>2.0) to use albendazole for both nematode and fluke control. Approximately 30% of respondents who used a chemoprophylactic treatment for nematodes, used a product which was ‘unsuitable for purpose’ (e.g. ivermectin for the treatment of F. hepatica), highlighting the need for increased awareness, continuing research, and regionally targeted education tools regarding optimal parasite control.

Energy demand on dairy farms in Ireland

Reducing electricity consumption in Irish milk production is a topical issue for 2 reasons. First, the introduction of a dynamic electricity pricing system, with peak and off-peak prices, will be a reality for 80% of electricity consumers by 2020. The proposed pricing schedule intends to discourage energy consumption during peak periods (i.e., when electricity demand on the national grid is high) and to incentivize energy consumption during off-peak periods. If farmers, for example, carry out their evening milking during the peak period, energy costs may increase, which would affect farm profitability. Second, electricity consumption is identified in contributing to about 25% of energy use along the life cycle of pasture-based milk. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to document electricity use per kilogram of milk sold and to identify strategies that reduce its overall use while maximizing its use in off-peak periods (currently from 0000 to 0900h). We assessed, therefore, average daily and seasonal trends in electricity consumption on 22 Irish dairy farms, through detailed auditing of electricity-consuming processes. To determine the potential of identified strategies to save energy, we also assessed total energy use of Irish milk, which is the sum of the direct (i.e., energy use on farm) and indirect energy use (i.e., energy needed to produce farm inputs). On average, a total of 31.73 MJ was required to produce 1kg of milk solids, of which 20% was direct and 80% was indirect energy use. Electricity accounted for 60% of the direct energy use, and mainly resulted from milk cooling (31%), water heating (23%), and milking (20%). Analysis of trends in electricity consumption revealed that 62% of daily electricity was used at peak periods. Electricity use on Irish dairy farms, therefore, is substantial and centered around milk harvesting. To improve the competitiveness of milk production in a dynamic electricity pricing environment, therefore, management changes and technologies are required that decouple energy use during milking processes from peak periods.

The Irish Dairy Industry: Globalisation, Competition, Recession, &amp; Consumerism

In today’s global environment, the dairy farmer and his herd have lost major importance and influence as a consequence of a variety of factors, among them the Industrial revolution, continued and increasing consumerism, the technological explosion, and the ever-expanding concentration of people in urban areas. This research study examines the Irish dairy industry in its current format. The objective of this study is to look at what dairy farmers need to do to grow and expand their business efficiently and effectively. The major challenge for the industry is to attract a new generation of knowledgeable workers to the land. This needs to be balanced by ensuring that both the deep traditions and the experienced culture of farming generations remain at the heart of agricultural practice. The future of the Irish Dairy industry will be scrutinised over the next few years as reforms take place and economies adjust, amid the expectation that world markets will stabilise. The proposed abolition of milk quotas in 2015 will be one of the most significant landmarks in farming history since Ireland’s entry into the European Union in 1973, and the introduction of milk quotas in 1984. This study also examines whether Ireland will remain on its current trend of a steady decline of individuals holding farms, and if the industry will become a gathering of “multi-nationals”, similar to other commodity markets. Can the Irish dairy farming community formalise a strategy together to ensure that all members make a substantial contribution and have an input in its future success? After an extensive review of the relevant pertinent literature, a qualitative methodology was applied for this current research. Face to face interviews were conducted with relevant and appropriate people, including the current Irish Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D. Nine interviews were completed for the purpose of this study, and contributors were purposely chosen because of their expertise in the area. The study reveals that the outlook for the Irish dairy industry is a positive one, but it will be important for the industry to closely examine comparative situations, in particular to give attention to the New Zealand model. Findings suggest that dairying post 2015 can do the same for rural Ireland as it did for the South Island of New Zealand 20 years ago. Caution must also be exercised that Ireland does not experience the same social implications as the New Zealanders did. This study has found that grass-based milk production is an area where Ireland has a real, sustainable, competitive, and international advantage. The focus and ambition of the future should be for the dairy industry to turn the land of green hills and mountains into the land of the green ‘notes’, preferably euro notes. This study will benefit the dairy industry, farming organisations, entrepreneurs, legislators and political leaders in analysing the industry and determining its future.

An analysis of the factors associated with technical and scale efficiency of Irish dairy farms

The objectives of this study were to estimate the levels of technical and scale efficiency for a sample of pasture based Irish dairy producers, to identify the factors that contributed to reaching the optimum scale and to examine the relationship between technical and scale efficiency with farm size, intensification and specialisation. Efficiency scores were calculated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). Technical efficiency was on average 0.757 under constant returns to scale (CRS), 0.799 under variable returns to scale (VRS) and scale efficiency was estimated at 0.951. Twelve per cent of the sample was operating at optimum scale (CRS). Fifty six percent of the sample was operating below optimum scale and 32% of the sample was operating above optimum scale. Overall optimum scale was associated with production systems operating with larger land area, with reduced proportion of rented land, increased amounts of hired labour, a higher quantity of quota and achieving a longer grazing season. It was also shown that increased farm size, intensification and dairy specialisation were associated with increases in technical and scale efficiency at farm level.

The effect of stocking rate and calving date on grass production, utilization and nutritive value of the sward during the grazing season

AbstractA 2‐year whole‐farm system study compared the accumulation, utilization and nutritive value of grass in spring‐calving grass‐based systems differing in stocking rate (SR) and calving date (CD). Six treatments (systems) were compared over two complete grazing seasons. Stocking rates used in the study were low (2·5 cows ha−1), medium (2·9 cows ha−1) and high (3·3 cows ha−1), respectively, and mean CDs were 12 February (early) and 25 February (late). Each system had its own farmlet of eighteen paddocks and one herd that remained on the same farmlet area for the duration of the study. Stocking rate had a small effect on total herbage accumulation (11 860 kg DM ha−1 year−1), but had no effect on total herbage utilization (11 700 kg DM ha−1 year−1). Milk and milk solids (MS; fat + protein) production per ha increased by 2580 and 196 kg ha−1 as SR increased from 2·5 to 3·3 cows ha−1. Milk production per ha and net herbage accumulation and utilization were unaffected by CD. Winter feed production was reduced as SR increased. Increased SR, associated with increased grazing severity, resulted in swards of increased leaf content and nutritive value. The results indicate that, although associated with increased milk production per ha, grazed grass utilization and improved sward nutritive value, the potential benefits of increased SR on Irish dairy farms can only be realized if the average level of herbage production and utilization is increased.