{"id":18164,"date":"2025-04-10T09:34:17","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T09:34:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/?p=18164"},"modified":"2025-04-16T13:34:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T13:34:45","slug":"will-your-calves-make-the-cut-why-breeding-smarter-is-the-big-talk-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herdwatch.com\/en-ie\/will-your-calves-make-the-cut-why-breeding-smarter-is-the-big-talk-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Your Calves Make the Cut? \u2013 Why Breeding Smarter is the Big Talk in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As breeding season gets underway, Irish farmers are facing the same age-old challenge, getting cows in-calf but with a very modern twist: the calves coming out the other end need to be market-ready, sustainable, and saleable<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With growing concerns around calf exports, dairy-beef integration, and fertility targets, this year\u2019s choices matter more than ever. That message was loud and clear during a recent webinar hosted by Herdwatch<\/strong> featuring John Lynch of Dovea Genetics<\/strong>, who pulled no punches on what farmers need to focus on right now. John shared valuable tips for farmers this breeding season, highlighting how preparation and recording observations and breeding data with Herdwatch can lead to a more successful and efficient season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Good Planning is key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo matter what you do regarding breeding, you need to have a plan,\u201d<\/em> Lynch said. \u201cThere\u2019s no point thinking about it when you\u2019re starting breeding, talking about what bulls to use then, it needs to be in place now.\u201d Lynch emphasised that pre-breeding is everything<\/em>,  from condition scoring and scanning to vaccination protocols and bull selection. For farmers using sexed semen<\/strong>, the margin for error is even smaller, making planning and timing critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSexed semen is working best where there is some heat detection in place,\u201d<\/em> he noted. \u201cWe\u2019re not endorsing any system in particular, but they will give you the correct time of AI when that cow is ovulated.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pre- Breeding and Observation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Herdwatch app takes the hassle out of pre-breeding prep by allowing farmers to easily record pre-breeding scan results and heat observations on the go. Once a heat is logged, Herdwatch automatically sets reminders for the next expected cycle, typically around 21 days, so cows can be closely monitored for signs of returning to heat. The app also flags cows that haven\u2019t shown signs of heat within the expected window, automatically generating a list of non-cycling cows. This helps identify problem animals early, allowing farmers to take action or consult a vet before the breeding season ramps up. The Watchboard feature keeps everything in one place, with real-time alerts and updates to keep breeding on track and maximise fertility performance. Watch here to see how this dairy farmer from Co. Offaly is getting prepared for breeding season by recording heat observations and getting ahead of any potential breeding issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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