{"id":1259645,"date":"2024-03-26T16:42:06","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T16:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.agriland.ie\/?p=1259645"},"modified":"2024-03-27T16:21:48","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T16:21:48","slug":"new-market-for-5000-pedigree-heifers-in-north-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsail.agriland.ie\/farming-news\/new-market-for-5000-pedigree-heifers-in-north-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"New market for 5,000 pedigree heifers in North Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new market has been announced for up to 5,000 pedigree heifers in North Africa, thanks to a collaboration between the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) and the Cows.ie company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The collaboration aims to provide pedigree breeders with a reliable market for their pedigree Holstein Friesian heifers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cows.ie said it had identified a growing interested from customers in Algeria and Morocco, for Pedigree heifers with the potential of 4,000 to 5,000 Irish heifers to be exported annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holstein Friesian <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In January of this year (2024), a shipment of pedigree in-calf heifers<\/a> from Ireland made history as they docked in Oran Port and the Port of Algiers, Algeria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is believed the heifers are the first complete live export of in-calf heifers from Ireland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The consignment, arranged by David Clarke of Cows.ie, garnered praise from Algerian customers for their remarkable quality and robust health upon arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Seamus McMenamin, Bord Bia, Owen Cuskelly, Cow.ie, Padraic Farrell, Cows.ie, David Clarke, Cows.ie, Laurence Feeney, IHFA CEO, Alan Clarke, Cow.ie and David O’Gorman, Cows.ie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the selection process, a preference for more Friesian bloodlines over pure American Holsteins was evident, reflecting the customers’ specific requirements for power and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The heifers on this shipment recorded an average weight of 529kg at the port of departure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was also a distinct preference for heifers to be in calf to a Holstein Friesian pedigree bull.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The response to the heifers has been exceedingly positive, evident in their successful resale and the encouraging feedback received. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IHFA says that in discussions with David Clarke, it is apparent that there is a potential market for 4,000 to 5,000 heifers annually in the future, with the primary limiting factor being the availability of supply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cows.ie<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In response to demand, Cows.ie have launched their HO\/FR pedigree campaign for 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A procurement strategy structured around a per kilogram weight basis will be implemented, aiming to incentivise breeders for producing high-quality heifers within the target weight criteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective is to commence breeding in early May for export by the end of October 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, an option for lighter stock will be provided, offering an alternative pathway where heifers can be bred in August and September for export in late February 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is hoped, this breeding season, that IHFA members will consider using sexed semen to produce heifers for the 2026 market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The IHFA says that, this export option allows Irish dairy farmers to breed without the fear of having no market for their heifers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is decided, when heifers are at yearling stage, that a herd wishes to hold onto them, that is their prerogative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a win win situation, selling prices are determined based on live weight, facilitating direct sales from the farm without commission or transportation fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pedigree heifers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The IHFA is encouraging member to inseminate their pedigree Holstein Friesian cows with sexed semen from a pedigree Holstein Friesian sires and to prioritise the selection of a bull or artificial insemination (AI) straw that leans towards Holstein Friesian bloodlines rather than pure American Holstein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pedigree certificates are essential, as 100% pedigree holds significant appeal to Algerian and Moroccan clientele.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The herd must be milk recorded and uphold infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) free status and a rigorous vaccination program is also of vital importance.<\/p>\n\n\n