It has been a good year for animal performance in Newford Farm. The third batch of weanlings were weaned last week and the favourable weather has allowed them to return outdoors. Analysis of weaning weights by Michael Fagan, Teagasc, shows 40 male progeny weighing 314kg on average at seven months of age. This equates to an average daily gain since birth of 1.39kg.

The 56 weanling heifers averaged 305kg on 14 September, equating to an average daily gain since birth of 1.31kg. The performance compares favourably to 2019, with male progeny weighing 291kg on average at weaning on 17 September and gaining 1.26kg per day. There is a similar differential in the performance of heifers, with 2019-born weanling heifers weighing 287kg on 17 September and achieving an average daily gain since birth of 1.21kg.

Farm manager Iarlaith Collins reports that weaning has taken place without any issues, with relatively good weather allowing weanlings to return outdoors for a period of grazing before housing. Concentrate supplementation will continue at a rate of 1kg per head and may be stepped up to 1.5kg to 2kg depending on weather and grass utilisation.

Bullock performance

The 2019-born bullocks were also weighed last week. The 43 bullocks weighed 579kg on average but it should be noted that the group contains two light bullocks that never recovered following health issues in 2019 and are weighing just 387kg and 396kg. If these two bullocks are excluded, then the average weight of the 41 bullocks is 588kg liveweight.

Michael Fagan said there are 17 bullocks weighing between 604kg and 656kg.

There are 18 more weighing between 552kg and 598kg and six between 500kg and 534kg. Another five bullocks have been drafted for slaughter and will be sent to the factory on Monday. The average weight of these bullocks is 570kg, with Iarlaith commenting that the bullocks include a few small-framed animals that have reached their optimum liveweight. The bullocks are receiving 5kg concentrates daily and Iarlaith is hopeful that there will be a significant number of bullocks drafted for slaughter in the coming weeks.

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Newford Farm update: first batch of calves successfully weaned