Whether in the north or the south, the question of what cow type best suits milk production always comes up. At this stage, general agreement is getting closer for those producing spring milk, but, for those producing milk over the winter months some disagreement still exists.

Teagasc recently summarised its stance on the cow type to suit milk produced over winter months (see photo below) at the Teagasc winter milk conference in Meath. In summary, they suggest a fertile cow is as important in the winter as the spring.

Secondly, the ability to hold condition score is key. Fertility and condition score are very much related to each other. Research trials have shown clearly that the change in condition score post-calving is a key factor in fertility performance. So if you can have a herd that does not change condition score much after calving, then you stand a much better chance of having improved fertility.

Thirdly, Joe Patton of Teagasc explained when you divide a winter milk herd into four quartiles based on EBI the high-EBI cows are always outperforming the lower EBI cows. Why? The milk value is higher because of better milk solids and fertility is better, which means more days in milk and easier management.