An Aubrac - Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society
Transcription
An Aubrac - Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society
IRISH C AUBRA AUBRAC Breed for the Future Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Tel: 051 641106 Email: [email protected] www.aubrac.ie IFAC ACCOUNTANTS - TAX SPECIALISTS 35 years Service To Farmers/ Businesses x On premises book-keeping service (regular visits) x Interim accounts at 9 months, plus tax saving advice x Accounts preparation and taxation including: . . . . . . . . . . 10 Point Income Tax Plan Farming in a Partnership Limited Company Option Revenue Audit Representations Structuring Your Will/Transferring Your Business Protecting Your Wealth Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) Capital Gains Tax (CGT) VAT Planning/Payroll Marital Breakdown - Protecting Assets Contact T r a l e e 0 6 6 - 7 1 2 2 9 0 4 or any Branch Office LEINSTER Carlow Dublin Enniscorthy Kilkenny Portlaoise Trim Tullamore Wicklow 059-9132046 01 - 4551036 053 - 9233792 056-7761048 057 -8622716 046-9431909 057-9341384 0404 -69446 MUNSTER Cahir Cork Mallow Dungarvan Limerick Nenagh Tralee Templemore 052-7441719 021-4381096 022 - 21474 058-41074 061 -337833 067-32355 066-7122904 0504-56885 CONNACHT Athenry Roscommon Mayo/Balla 091-844087 090-6626599 094-9365547 ULSTER Cavan Monaghan Raphoe 049-4331277 047-84292 074-9145431 www.ifac.ie Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 2 2nd Edition CONTENTS Chairman’s Address ............................................................................. 5 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Details ...................................9 Schedule of Fees 2012 ......................................................................13 Brief History of the Breed ................................................................. 15 Main Qualities of the Breed .............................................................. 17 Aubracs in Ireland.............................................................................. 21 Aubracs in France .............................................................................. 21 Official Standards of the Aubrac Cattle Breed .................................23 The French Aubrac Dairy Programme ............................................... 25 Herd Profile in France ....................................................................... 27 Aubracs in Germany ..........................................................................29 Aubracs in the U.S.A. ........................................................................ 31 USA Breeder Herd Profile ...............................................................33 Irish Aubrac Society Membership Distribution ................................ 36 Active Members 2012......................................................................... 37 My Aubrac X Heifer and Me! ...........................................................42 How Aubracs first came to Ireland - The story of Adam! .................. 45 Aubracs from start to finish ...............................................................49 Some Aubrac Kill-Out Results.......................................................... 51 AI Bulls ............................................................................................. 55 Example Tully Test Results ................................................................ 57 Crossbreeder Profile - Hell’s Kettle Organic Farm ............................59 Crossbred Aubracs ............................................................................. 61 Aubrac Champions and Reserves Results ..........................................64 Helpful Hints For New Breeders ...................................................... 67 Thank You Membership Application Form .........................................................69 The Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Limited wishes to thank all those who sponsor classes at the various shows, help to prepare and man the various stands, the judges, French and Irish, and all who devote their time and effort to help the breed go forward. 2nd Edition Page 3 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 4 2nd Edition Our best females are being bred to Mourgues Ultra, a 5 star bull both within and across breed. Ultra was originally purchased from Francis Donohoe, owner of the Johnstown Pedigree Herd. Our pedigree began with the introduction of 10 purebred springers from France. Our herd today is pushing towards 100 breeding females. Established 2005 George D. Hayes, Finnoe House, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary (086) 8204780 [email protected] Finnoe Pedigree Aubracs CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS I am delighted to be involved in the publication of the second edition of the Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Journal. Aubracs were introduced into Ireland in 1992, and the Society was started in 1998. Since then the numbers have grown steadily, but I think it would be fair to say that the breed made a big breakthrough at last October’s pedigree sale. In front of a packed ring, all stock were sold at excellent prices, reflecting a growing demand and a realisation that the Aubrac breed has something special to offer the Irish farmer. In the present economic climate whilst we farmers may be enjoying record beef prices, the input costs on our farms have also risen very steeply. The Aubrac breed’s ability to thrive on low cost forage and produce top grades at kill-out, as well as high fertility rates, longevity and ease of calving make the breed very suitable for low input farming. The Aubrac breed is very adaptable and versatile, which is evident from the wide geographical spread of the membership. From mountainside to flat fattening country; from organic farms to intensive finishing farms, the breed has a lot to offer. Aubrac sires are increasingly being used in commercial suckler herds and in dairy herds where ease of calving is required. As Aubrac cows have good milking ability and are very docile, there is also an increasing demand for the breed as commercial dams. A lot of work has gone into bringing the society to this point. There has been an incredible amount of time and effort given willingly by not only my predecessor Liam Walsh, and Aubrac Council members past and present, but also by the ever increasing number of Society members. Cattle shows around the country are a great way of displaying our stock and I would ask all members to try and make a small effort to show even one animal. I know that this is not easy, but I feel that showing can produce long term benefits for the breed. Since the publication of the last yearbook, Ms. Angela Lacey of Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary has been appointed as breed secretary and administrator to the Society. I would like to welcome her on board, and wish her continued success. A lot of work has gone into the compilation of this booklet and new outdoor promotional material, for which I would like to thank Joanne Bowers, Mireille McCall, Martin Bermingham and Richard Cave of Cavern Design Printing. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and trust you’ll enjoy discovering more about the breed for the future. EErnest rnest M Mackey ackey 2nd Edition Page 5 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Does your Accountant know the difference between “An Aubrac” and the “All Blacks”? ? If they don’t, you need to talk to us. We know about farming and all aspects of business. RAY LANE & ASSOCIATES Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors MOATE, CO. WESTMEATH Accounts – Taxation - Book-keeping VAT Returns – Wages/PAYE Company Audits / Secretarial New Business Start Ups 25 %Special Introductory Offer off your first year’s fees! For further information contact us: Tel: 090 6436666 E-mail: [email protected] Terms & Conditions Apply: 25% discount when you present this advert Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 6 2nd Edition 2nd Edition Page 7 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 8 2nd Edition Pat Bolton, The Strand, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois Tel: 087 805 4460 The Ballinakill herd is run in conjunction with a commercial herd using Aubrac stock bulls to achieve quality cattle with calving ease. A selection of maiden Heifers Ballinakill Aubracs Charolais-Aubrac Calf Pure bred Cow and Calf Four Month old Grandson of Ramon Acajou IRISH AUBRAC CATTLE BREED SOCIETY LTD. IRISH Registrations and correspondence: Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary C AUBRA www.aubrac.ie Tel: 051 641106 Fax: 051 641825 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] LIST OF OFFICERS: Chairman Ernest Mackey Donard, Co. Wicklow (087) 6737341 Vice-Chairman Francis Donohoe Mullingar, Co. Westmeath (087) 2518332 Treasurer Paul Grace Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (087) 7970454 Council Secretary James Byrne via Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (087) 0567053 PRO Barnaderg, Co. Galway (087) 1235333 Denis Linehan Mallow, Co. Cork (087) 2987901 Daniel O’Connell Macroom, Co. Cork (087) 7857942 Seán O’Driscoll Skibbereen, Co. Cork (087) 9375044 John Walsh Ballintra, Co. Donegal (087) 6786466 William P Walsh Ballintra, Co. Donegal (087) 9525800 Mireille McCall Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (086) 3451373 Bernard Casey Drumlish, Co. Longford (086) 2115317 Michael Hanlon Dring, Co. Longford (087) 2709318 Shane Bowers Coole, Co. Westmeath (087) 9836950 Martin Bermingham COUNCIL MEMBERS 2012: WEBSITE, FACEBOOK & TWITTER: Webmaster Joanne Bowers Email: [email protected] (087) 4107041 or (087) 1906029 Keep up to date with Irish Aubracs on Facebook and Twitter 2nd Edition Page 9 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 10 2nd Edition Overall Champion Athlone Show 2012 Overall Champion Beef Expo 2010 Overall Champion Tullamore Show 2011 Breeder of Champions J n A w u o t b s r n a h cs o 2nd Edition Page 11 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Tel: (087) 2518332 / (044) 9664665 Francis Donohoe, Johnstown Aubracs, Collinstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Come See for Yourself ! – Visitors Always Welcome The Aubrac is probably the closest to a perfect suckler I have come across.” “In my 28 years experience of Suckler Farming, I have finally found a suckler cow that is very economical to feed, high fertility, short gestation, easy calved and good milkability. The outstanding pelvic conformation and short gestation length of Aubrac and Aubrac cross cows ensures minimal calving difficulty. As well as breeding champions, Johnstown also breed Culard Charolais X Aubrac crosses for the export market. While the top 50% of the pedigree herd are used to breed replacements, the rest are crossed with Culard Charolais on advice from French breeders whose farms we have visited over the past decade. The Johnstown Herd comprises almost 100 pedigree breeding females. 24 top quality pedigree in-calf heifers were sourced in France in 2004. These heifers were bred up with a French Test Station Bull purchased for his excellent maternal qualities. As a result of this up-breeding, the Johnstown Herd can now boast Overall and Supreme Champions at major cattle shows. Culard Charolais X Aubrac bulls aged 10 months. Mountcain Aubrac Vaccinating against: BVD Lepto Salmonella and IBR Artificial Insemination used on 90% of Cows. No sales talk just good cattle. Visitors welcome. Contact: Denis Linehan Mountcain Knocknagree Mallow Co. Cork Pedigree Cattle that outperform Commercials Tel. 087 2987901 [email protected] Cloonishlaun Aubracs Breeding purebreds and crossbreds MARY ROCHE & OLLIE CUNNEY Killala, Co. Mayo 087 6553865 or 087 6428291 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 12 2nd Edition SCHEDULE OF FEES 2012 Annual membership €65 New Membership / Prefix / First timer’s Share fee (share value € 1) €65 Calf registration: - Female at birth: €50 Calf registration: - Male at birth: €30 Replacement certificate or Certificate in new owner’s name €18 Importation, female and male for use on pedigree herd €100 Registration of embryo €20 Amended embryo €15 Appeal fee €65 Late Registration Fee - Female (up to 12 months) €50 + Registration Fee €50 €100 Late Registration Fee - Female (after 12 months €100 + Registration Fee €50 €150 Late Registration Fee - Male (up to 12 months) €50 + Registration Fee €30 €80 Late Registration Fee - Male (after 12 months) €100 + Registration Fee €30 €130 Late Registration Fee for Males & Females from 1st January 2013 €100 NOTES: All animals registered as pedigree will be charged to the breeder. All heifers registered over 12 months have to be DNA tested for parentage. Late penalty will apply to all animals not registered as pedigree at birth. Please note that all membership will be due on the 1st of January each year. Please note that for new members, membership paid from 1st of September includes the following year’s membership. DNA Kits available from the Society’s office. All stock bulls used for pedigree breeding must be DNA tested for the calves to be registered. PLEASE RETAIN THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE 2nd Edition Page 13 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Barna Pedigree Aubracs Established in 2006 with the purchase of three maiden heifers at Tullamore Mart. Bríd & Frances Collison, Barna, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Offaly Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 14 Mobile: 087 2623725 2nd Edition BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BREED The development of the Aubrac breed started during the 17th century at the Benedictine Abbey of Aubrac, in the South of the central Massif in France. The Abbey was founded in 1120 by a Dutch Lord, Adalard, who had narrowly escaped death twice in this wooded and remote area during his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. He decided to build a monastery to feed and shelter the thousands of pilgrims walking through the area. The pilgrims were offered a meal made of bread soaked in fresh cheese, called Aligot. The local breed of cows was used to produce the milk then turned into this particular cheese. This breed was selected from then on for its hardiness, ease of management, milking ability. The Aubrac Abbey is situated at an altitude close to 4000 feet. It had thousands of acres of land, including 9000 hectares of pastures, some situated up the mountains, some in the low lands. The herds would walk to the mountains pastures on the 25th of May for the summer, and come back the 13th of October to the low lands to be housed for the winter. This transhumance still takes place on those dates today. After the French revolution, the lands of the Abbey were offered for sale and split up into individual farms but the management of the pastures remained the same. The herds would spend the summer on the mountains, the cows were milked in the pastures and the cheese (Fourme) made there in a small stone dwelling the “buron”. The production of a quality cheese and the training and sale of draught bullocks were the main income of these farms. The breed had to produce rich and plentiful milk and be docile. In an effort to produce larger quantities of richer milk, the Brown Swiss breed was introduced but soon abandoned as these animals were not hardy enough for the Aubrac conditions. It is this geographical environment that has given the Aubrac cow the ability to survive and thrive in difficult and challenging conditions. No other breed has been able to deliver the same profit margins in the same conditions. To encourage breeders to aim for quality the first Aubrac show took place in Laguiole on the 25th of September 1830. The breeders were judged on the quality of the cheese they produced and the look of their animals. The shows helped to set the standards of the breed in its colour, appearance and abilities. The HerdBook was established in April 1894. At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the Aubrac breed was widespread in the southern and Eastern areas of the central Massif and even in the Mediterranean regions. At the close of World War II, the Aubrac breed was seriously affected by the competition with tractors (that 2nd Edition replaced the Aubrac oxen) and by the disappearance of the milking activity of the “burons” (a combination of traditional cheese manufacturing and the living quarters of the cowherds, in the mountains). The crisis period also affected other mixed mountain breeds (Ferrandaise, Mezine). The new prevailing tendency in this era was focused exclusively on productivity. The mixed breeds survived with great difficulty in the face of the attractive yields of the breed that were specialized in the production of milk (Prim’Holstein) or for the production of meat (Limousin, Charolais and Blond d’ Aquitaine). After the sixties mixed breeds were a thing of the past. The generalized practise of non-scientific mating, especially with Charolais bulls, was one of the main causes of decrease in the numbers of the Aubrac breed. In addition, life and work in the “burons” was increasingly less compatible with the new ambition of society. Its profitability was increasingly less, especially due to the constant increase of the cost of labour: “While in 1900, the sale of 100kgs of Laguiole cheeses could pay the salary of a caretaker and his family, it was now necessary to sell a ton of cheese to pay the same annual salary”. (Source: Centennial Book of the Aubrac Breed 1894-1994, Page 43) Unwilling to watch the inexorable disappearance of this breed, and committed to no longer seeing it on the list of extinct species, a group of people convinced of the specific advantages and the superiority of the Aubrac cow in many aspects, decided to undertake the rediscovery of the “Black-eyed beauty”. Their dynamism and motivation resulted in the creation of the Union Aubrac, in 1979. Close to extinction in the seventies, the Aubrac breed began to excite interest, thanks to the implementation of efficient measures applied starting in 1979. Since then this interest in the acquisition of Aubrac breeding cattle has not ceased. The breed has won over diverse region of metropolitan France (Corsica, Massif Central, the southeast and northeast of France) as well as the French overseas departments and territories (Guadalupe, Guyana). This development has also been felt outside of French territory. More than 15 countries have already imported the Aubrac breed and continue to regularly acquire animals, embryos or semen for insemination. (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Ireland, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, Russia, Israel, New Zealand, the United States, etc. Page 15 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Con s R e s istent ults ” ent sist n o “C lit y Qua 9 Higher DM intakes. 9 Reduced digestive upsets. 9 Improved feed conversion efficiency. 9 Maximum carcase gain. 9 Improved kill out %. Guaranteed High Quality Native Cereals All enquiries to Charles R Wynne Ltd. Belan, Moone, Athy, Co Kildare Tel: 059 8624106 Bridge Mills, Tullow, Co Carlow Tel: 059 9151124 The Original Toasted Flaked Fresh Ingredients Nutritionally Enhanced for Top Performance. ul br ac a M Established 1995 Pedigree Aubracs Top quality Heifers & Bulls available Tom Walsh, 67 Bridge Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork Shop: 028-21063 Home: 028-21918 Mobile: 086-3222773 Email: [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 16 2nd Edition MAIN QUALITIES OF THE BREED The Aubrac is a well-muscled animal of medium-sized stature. Their attributes are numerous but the following qualities are why the Aubrac is increasing rapidly in popularity. HIGH FEED CONVERSION RATIO: MILK: The Aubrac feeds exceptionally well on low cost roughage such as grass and hay. Their excellent feed conversion ratio means that production costs of the finished animal as well as maintenance of the breeding female are kept low. Aubracs have neat tidy udders. The quality of Aubrac milk is excellent with average butter fat content of 4.2%. The milk is often used to produce cheese in France. In Ireland, the milk quality promotes calf growth even further. CALVING EASE: DOCILITY: The Aubrac is an easily calved breed. Calves tend to average from 33kg to 39kg at birth, producing a lively hardy calf with outstanding growth rates. Many dairy and commercial farmers are now discovering that using Aubrac bulls, even on heifers, produces better quality calves and therefore increased profits at sale or finishing. Aubracs have impressive pelvic conformation. Aubrac cows are renowned not only for calving pure bred calves easily but are also capable of calving high-muscled and even double-muscled continentals with ease. Aubracs tend to be calm and settled cattle and when well-handled they prove to be particularly docile in nature. HIGH FERTILITY: Aubrac fertility is impressive with up to 98% of cows going back in calf. A priority of the breed is to produce one live calf per cow per year for as many years as possible. CONSISTENT GRADING AND KILL-OUT RESULTS: The deep-bodied well-balanced frame of the Aubrac ensures consistently good grades. The density of the meat and high meat to bone ration ensure outstanding kill-out figures. U grades are standard for the breed as well as E grades being achieved. With emphasis of suckler profits now being placed on fertility and lower maintenance costs of the cow, the Aubrac is fast becoming the obvious choice as there is no reduction in quality of produce even though input costs are undoubtedly lower. LONGEVITY: The Aubrac is structurally a very sound animal. They tend to have deeper well-balanced frames with shorter stronger legs thus making them physically strong and sound. Couple this with a higher overall hardiness and outstanding pelvic conformation and thus exists a breeding cow that will last longer and produce more live calves over her lifetime than other breeds. MEAT: Aubrac meat is very dense with a notable high quality flavour. The meat to bone ratio is very high with very little waste from the carcase, making it an attractive animal for butchering. 2nd Edition Page 17 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ROCKHILL We don’t breed Aubracs for Showing – BREEDING SHOW CHAMPIONS CONSISTENTLY Tullamore 2011 Reserve Champion Rockhill Eve (sired by Benji) Beef Expo 2010 Reserve Champion Rockhill Fawn (sired by Benji) Tullamore 2010 Supreme Champion Rockhill Eve (sired by Benji) Aubrac: Venice Beef Expo 2008 Supreme Champion Venice Tullamore Sale 2008 Reserve Champion Cow Tullamore Sale 2007 Champion and Reserve Champion (sired by Frezat) Tullamore Show 2006 Overall Breed Champion Aurora (sired by Frezat) Tullamore Show 2005 Champion Bull Frezat Tullamore Show 2005 1st, 2nd, 3rd Heifer Calves Tullamore Show 2004 Champion Cow and Calf Tullamore Show 2003 Reserve Champion Heifer Goffs Spring Show 2003 Overall Champion Heifer Herd Established 2000 ROCKHILL PEDIGREES, BALLINTRA, CO. DONEGAL STOCK BUL BULLS USED: Sire of Champions in France Fran and Ireland Still breeding at 13 years. Breeding show Bree BENJI cham champions. French Test Station Bull D’ESPANGOU French Test Station Bull AI (EPZ) producing superb quality Breeding quality URBANO daughters - semen AI (RLU) available from Enfield FREZAT Contacts: John - 087 6786466 Liam - 087 9525800 Home - 074 9734239 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 18 2nd Edition PEDIGREES We show Aubracs for Breeding… Aubrac: Rockhill Fawn Aubrac: D’espanjou Aubrac: Rockhill Eve 2nd Edition Page 19 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. LISBEEMORE HERD Established 2000 Top Quality Cattle Danny O’Connell High Health Status Herd Lisbeemore, Kilnamartyra, Macroom, Co. Cork. 087 7857924 026 40180 Visitors Welcome Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 20 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN IRELAND With a few very interested breeders getting together, the Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Limited was formed in January 1998. In 2012, it now counts over 100 members, and over 4000 cattle in the country. The Aubrac Society boasts the accolade of having a very high number of cattle per member. In conjunction with the French Herd Book and ICBF, a selection/breed improvement programme has been put in place and aims at maintaining reproduction, rearing and hardiness qualities and at identifying those animals which will provide the highest genetics to breed from. Females must retain their milking and calving ability and their fertility with minimal interference and maintenance cost. The excellent food conversion and conformation must allow cost efficient finishing of the animals. The selection has been based on efficiency rather than show potential only. In Ireland the emphasis has been put on importing quality animals to start a very good genetic pool and carry on selecting carefully from within the national herd to retain the qualities that made us choose this breed in the first place. We believe Aubracs have a place in Ireland as an easily kept mother breed with continental conformation and good temperament. Bulls are used widely to produce excellent replacement heifers for the Irish suckler herd. Weanling bulls have shape and quality and are much sought after by Italian finishers. AUBRACS IN FRANCE In France cows are tied up in sheds for approximately six months of the year. The calves are separated and allowed to suckle twice a day. The cows are fed on hay and minerals They are fed a limited ration of hay twice a day, just enough to milk well. The young stock might get silage if available. At the end of May the animals are brought up to the mountain pastures where the temperatures can go up to 35°C during the daytime and plunge to below freezing at night. of any French beef breed and it is very noticeable at all shows and sales. They can obviously see a future in their breed. At the end of their second summer, young bulls not needed for breeding are sold to feedlots, mostly in Italy, where they are finished in 100 days and command a premium price. Heifers not needed for in-herd replacement are sold and bred pure or used for crossing with Charolais. The average herd size is 60 females, there are no elite herds, instead the whole standard of the breed is raised by culling or cross breeding the lesser cows with terminal sires. Only the very best bulls are kept for breeding and an average of 150 a year are being tested through the Aubrac testing station. In 2002, 76,000 young stock (pure and cross breeds) were exported to Italy (2/3) and Spain (1/3). The Aubrac breed has seen the highest return of young farmers to farming 2nd Edition Page 21 Summer grazing in France Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. COOLEY AUBRAC HERD Ireland’s Most Northerly Herd Established 2009 Michael & Fidelma Hegarty Cooley, Moville, Co. Donegal Tel: 086 8096308 Cooley Cross Corby Rock Mill LTD Leading manufacturers of animal feed products Manufacturers of High Performance Beef, Dairy, Calf, Sheep & Horse Diets Available in Nuts and Blend Form Also Manufacturers of High Performance Heat Treated Poultry Diets Available in Mash and Pellet Form Corby Rock Mill Ltd | Ballybay Rd | Monaghan | Co. Monaghan | Ireland Tel (00 353) 047 30099 Micheal (00 353) 0867760259 at the heart of farming [email protected] | www.corbyrock.ie Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 22 2nd Edition OFFICIAL STANDARDS OF THE AUBRAC CATTLE BREED (As set by French Herd-Book) COLOUR The coat is fawn with varying shades, it can vary from wheat colour to pale grey. The coat is darker on the shoulders and on the croup. These characteristics are mostly noticeable on non castrated males, where the front end is almost black. EXTREMITIES The mucous membranes, the rim of the anus, the lips of the vulva, the tuft at the end of the tail, the cleats, the tips of the horns, and the rims of the ears are black. In the male the extremity of the scrotum is black. HORNS TAIL Pointing obliquely and slightly to the front, then upwards and finally twisting with the tip pointing backwards, they are black at the tip and as white as possible at the base. The tail is thin, long with an attachment not too prominent, well set and must end with a black tuft. HEAD BODY The muzzle, the rim of the eyelids and the eyelashes are black, surrounded by a white halo. The tongue is slate colour. The eye is lively and kind with a black make-up like outline. The forehead is flat and straight. The brow is square. The top knot is wide and often frizzy. The ears are medium sized, thin and surrounded with black hair. The head is expressive, the muzzle short and wide. The neck and flanks are somewhat short but the chest and loins are wide. The pelvis and hips are well developed and level. The top line is straight, the chest is deep and the ribs are well sprung. The dewlap is less developed but the croup is muscular. The thigh is thick and very long but not too rounded. LEGS HARMONY Short and fine, they are of remarkable strength. The hooves are black. The Aubrac has excellent legs that are traditionally suited for travelling mountainous terrain. The hind legs have wide and strong hocks. Standing on four perfect legs, the Aubrac is a medium sized animal, solid and sturdy showing characteristics of a robust animal. 2nd Edition Page 23 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. SOBAC Press release - Marcel Mézy’s Process - Bactériosol®/Bactériolit® GOOD HEALTH TO THE IRISH SOIL Paul and Mathieu Causse Gaec de Merlet In Bozouls (Aveyron) MATHIEU CAUSSE USS AATT OW MEEEETT U REESSHHOW MO R LLLLA O TTU M A U AND THE 1C2H 0T USGTM2A 2UAGUHGIN PL1O 130 nursing cows AUBRAC “Wewere werewrong wrongto tobe be the the firsts first to “We tobe beright” right” Mathieu and Paul remember: remember:“In “In 1982, 1982, were still still using nitrogen, nitrogen, calcium we were calcium and phosphor. phosphor. We started to and to do do some some trials with Marcel Mézy’s products. products. We We were doing half and half fields fields in in order order to be able to have a clear comparison comparison basis. In the “Aubrac” region, we we spread spread “Aubrac” region, around and we we around the 10-15th of May and soon spread with with soon saw saw that that the areas spread Bactériosol were greener greener and and were were starting than the the starting to to grow grow back back earlier earlier than others. right away away that that others. We We understood understood right the of the the concept concept was was the sustainability sustainability of obvious. termsof of animals’ health, obvious. InInterms animals’ health, the the problems of diarrhoeas problems of diarrhoeas that wethat usedwe to have disappeared as the calves were used to have disappeared as the calves eating healthier food. food. In a Intime of were eating healthier a time complete productivism, peoplepeople were of complete productivism, looking at us asatif us weas were some kind of were looking if we were some “strangers”. We We suffered kind of “strangers”. sufferedmany many pressures. People People were were telling tellingus: us:“It “Itisis pressures. too bad, bad, you youare aregoing goingtotodis-appear”. disappear”. too In fact, fact,wewe were wrong the In were wrong to betothebefirsts firsts to beThey right.were Theycalling wereus calling us to be right. retards backwards are ahead now afrom step when we arewhen now we a step ahead There of them. been of 50 them. haveThere beenhave 50 years years of excessive use which excessive chemicalchemical use which have have formatted generations formatted youngyoung generations in in agricultural schools. We away took their away agricultural schools. We took their ability by themselves. ability to thinkto by think themselves. Marcel Marcel Mézy Mézy bothers, bothers, but but us, us, we we have have never never doubted doubted him. him.IIthink thinkititisiscultural. cultural. Moreover, Moreover, Marcel Marcel Mézy Mézy has has always always done scientific scientific experimentation experimentation inin measure the the impact impact of of his his order to measure products. He He can can prove proveand anddemonsdemonsproducts. trate anything, anything, in in opposition opposition to to the the trate competition. Global Global awareness awareness takes takes competition. because people people have have been been time because formatted. In In Aveyron, Aveyron, the the local local and and formatted. district authorities authorities have have done done aa lot lot of of district damage to to this this process. process.We Weare aremoving moving damage things around aroundandand it is upsetting. things it is upsetting. But ever,ever, we are But now, now,more morethan than wesure are that would not stand wewhere are if sure we that we would notwere stand we had traditionalin are ifbeen we working had beenin working farming. Wefarming. manageWe to manage earn more traditional to earn more money the others money than the than others while while preserving the environment. preserving the environment. It is,It is, economically well intellectually, economically as as well asasintellec-tually, worth it.it.WeWe like to with gather with worth like to gather farmers farmers the using same the same process.Those Those using process. are enriching. enriching. We We turned turned exchanges are into organic organicfarming farminginin2011. 2011. have into WeWe have a a globalvision visionofofagriculture, agriculture,aavision visionof of global people who have understood that the people who have understood that the soil is is alive. alive. soil “Weare are moving moving things things around and “We and ititisis upsetting upsetting people. people.”” “There have been 50 years of excessive “There have been 50 years of excessive chemical chemical use use which which have have formatted formatted young young genera-tions generations in in agricultural agricultural schools. schools. We We took took away away their their ability ability to to think think by by themselves. themselves.”” SOBAC - ZA - 12740 LIOUJAS FRANCE CALL 0033 5 65 46 63 30 [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 24 2nd Edition THE FRENCH AUBRAC DAIRY PROGRAMME The milk production of a suckler cow contributes widely to the profit margin the breeder can earn from his cow. Milk has been considered as a secondary factor by the technicians but the reality of the agricultural market today and the evolution of the price of grains, now pushes the researchers to reconsider this opinion. In fact, the self sufficiency obtained through milk production, is along with increased production through larger numbers, the main criteria for profit. Up to the 60s the Aubrac cow was milked on the Aubrac plateau, to produce the milk necessary for the production of the Laguiole Cheese, and of the Aubrac Aligot. Today, the Syndicat of the Laguiole Cheese, conscious of keeping the true identity and image of its products, along with the Union Aubrac, the Agricultural School of Rodez and the French Breeding Institute, has launched a breeding programme aimed at identifying and developing the lines with the most milk in the Aubrac breed. Since 2004, the cows with the best milk indices were bought from the breeders who agreed to it, placed in the Agricultural School, and flushed to produce sexed embryos. In a first stage, older AI bulls were used, and more recently newer bulls have been chosen on the milk indices of their progeny (Nippon II or Ushuia for example). The female embryos have been transplanted on cows in the dairy herd and the resulting heifers reared along with the dairy cows, and milked for the Dairy Cooperative “Jeune Montagne” in Laguiole. Today close to 200 pure bred Aubrac cows are milked as part of the dairy herds on the Aubrac plateau, milk-recorded and evaluated in this programme. Half of them produce more than 2000 litres of milk per lactation and the average of the 20 best ones is 3200 litres per lactation. This program initiated by dairy farmers, should benefit all breeders, in allowing them to identify and use to their advantage theses selected lines on their suckler cows, thus reinforcing the self sufficiency of their system and subsequently increasing their profit margin. The specialisation of the research towards a more efficient self sufficiency places the Aubrac breed as one of the more modern breeds and certainly one with a most bright future. Jean Valadier President GIE Race Aubrac. 2nd Edition Page 25 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 26 2nd Edition This has resulted in a top quality herd which will meet the demands of Aubrac breeders in the future. A breeding programme was then set up using 100% AI from the top genetics in France. Established in 2005 with the import of two elite females from France and the purchase of a number of elite females at sales in Ireland. Visitors Always Welcome Ballinroey, Dring, Co. Longford Contact: Michael 043-6684924 087-2709318 Ashbrook Pedigree Aubracs HERD PROFILE IN FRANCE Breeder’s Profile: Mr Andre Valadier. (Ex President of the UPRA Aubrac, Founder of Laguiole’s Jeune Montagne cheese co-op, Aubrac breeder and regarded by most as one of the instigators of the revival of local traditions in the Aubrac area). Extracted and translated from “Paroles de Burons” (Buron’s talks). “Andre Valadier comes from a humble farming background. His parents farmed 20 hectares, and his father often had to hire himself as a farm hand to complete the family income. Every year, he trained and prepared a pair of draught bullocks for the sale in Lacalm. Like all breeders this pair of bullocks was one of the main incomes of the year, and the pride of the herd. If the bullocks could not be sold they sadly had to be slaughtered as the family needed money to keep going. He was a bright student and avid reader and after his Leaving Cert., aged 14, he was advised by his teacher to keep studying but preferred to farm. His father bought an extra 9 hectares near La Terrisse, so both of them could work together. Shortly after this, his father died, killed by a tree he was felling and Andre had to carry on farming on his own. At that time breeding in the Aubrac was at a turning point faced with competition from heavier or higher milk yield breeds (Holstein). At the same fair in Lacalm, in 1963, a farmer needed to sell 3 Aubracs to buy 1 heifer of any other breed. Cows that had been the wealth of the mountain were now unsalable. The use of Charolais bulls was becoming more common and the breed sliding from milk to beef. The result of such selection was in Andre’s terms: the Aubrac Cow is nowadays 200kg heavier than her grand mother and produces half the amount of milk. 40 years ago a cow could feed her calf with no supplements, to reach a weaning weight of 300kg on average, now with no supplements, in the same conditions the weight of the calf will only be 250kg. A few pockets of resistance kept the maternal side of the breed going, mostly in the very poor areas where the more demanding Charolais and beefier animals could not thrive. There were also the uncompromising “true” Aubrac breeders. It was not 2nd Edition uncommon at that time for the dying owner of a herd to ask for his cows to be gathered outside the window, and once the priest had gone be left to die there in their company. Andre carried on using Charolais bulls from 1955 until 1970. During that time, the calving percentage of the herds went down from 9.8 calves/cow to 7.5 calves/cow due to the use of first generation Charolais X females. In 1970 came the wake up call with oil prices soaring. The breed had to take a new orientation, less dependent on bought in food (the Aubrac area is not suitable for crop production), more self sufficient and economical. Andre Valadier for his part was keen to preserve the local traditions including milking of Aubrac cows. On the 1st of March 1960, the cheese making Cooperative “Jeune Montagne” was founded. To raise the cash necessary, Andre went around offering shares in the co-op. This was a completely new concept in the area but very welcome as the collection and price of milk in the Aubrac had declined dangerously. The business went from strength to strength and has now moved to just outside Laguiole, employing over 70 people in the cheese making section, and transforming the milk provided by 80 producers into 1400 tonnes of cheese. The milk used is from Aubrac and Simmental cows. Andre Valadier is also very active in political circles, and played an important role over the years in the revival of the local traditions. He also got involved at a high level in the improvement programs of the Aubrac breed, is one of the founders of the bull testing station and was President of the UPRA Aubrac for many years. He is now battling to isolate very milky blood lines, and intends along with the Union Aubrac to work on embryos to bring back high milk yield in selected lines for the benefit of the Aubrac breed.” Page 27 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. TULLIG Aubrac Herd Established 2004 Visitors welcome anytime QUALITY CATTLE WITHOUT THE HASSLE Selection of males and females for sale at all times MIKE DELANEY Tel: 087 2342568 Email: [email protected] TULLIG, KENMARE, CO. KERRY Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 28 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN GERMANY One of the well established herds of Aubrac in Germany is that of Ernst and Felix Baumer situated in the Eastern part of the country, close to the Polish border. The Baumers farm 1000 hectares, all in pastures. Winters are cold but generally dry and summers are warm with regular rain fall which allows for good grass growth. The farm is divided in plots of up to 40 hectares, themselves subdivided in fields of 3 to 5 ha to allow proper pasture rotation for the various groups of cows. The herd is made up of 1000 suckler cows, 300 pure bred registered Aubrac, the remainder 700 are crossed with different breeds like Shorthorn and Galloways. The cows are divided in groups of 25 to 70, depending on their breed, their calving date, and the size of the pastures allocated. During the calving period, the cows are looked at twice a day, the rest of the time only once every 5 days. One man is in charge of looking at the animals, if he notices something wrong, he informs another team who will collect and deal with the sick animal. There are 8 people employed on the farm including management staff. Most of the animals are overwintered outside. Only the cows due to calf between November and February are housed in open sheds for a short period. They are fed from a central feed passage on a mixture of hay and silage. The animals outwintered are fed ad lib on hay and silage left out in the pastures in feeders. The heifers calf at 24 to 28 months and all females who are not in calf or lost their calf are culled. In 2011, 1000 calvings produced 950 weaned calves. The calves are reared on milk and grass alone and do not get any creep feed. Three quarters of the females are destined for breeding, kept as replacement or sold on guaranteed in calf mostly to Eastern countries. A number of pure Aubrac bulls are sold for breeding. Males and females not suitable for breeding are sold to finishers. The average weight of the weanling bulls is 300kgs with no extra feed. Ernst Baumer has been breeding Aubrac for the last 20 years. The Aubrac has no doubt, all the qualities necessary for his cost efficient, low labour extensive type of farming. Caheredmond Farm Pedigree Aubrac Bulls and Heifers We imported Pure Bred Springing Aubrac Heifers some years ago and subsequently imported 2 Pure Bred Aubrac Bulls. To-date our breeding program for these animals is going extremely well. Fertility rate is high with cows going back in calf regularly and they’ve had no calving problems. The animals are quiet and are easy to handle. We also run the bulls with our commercial cows and this has proved successful in that the kill out rates are consistently high. Good quality bulls and heifers now for sale, can arrange viewing by ringing Michael Cawe on 087 2560927 - Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo 2nd Edition Page 29 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Tenor (TNX) x x Super well balanced bull Nice maternal lines & performance Usufruit (UFR) Usufruit x Aubrac dams progeny * The best culard Charolais in Irish A.I. * Unique combination of easy calving & shape * Use him and see for yourself * Dovea Genetics Ltd. Dovea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Phone:0504-21755 Website: www.dovea.ie Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 30 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN THE U.S.A. The Aubrac breed is increasing in popularity not just in Ireland, but worldwide. We got in touch with Scott Fredrickson, a member of Aubrac International and asked him about the history of the breed in America. “Introduced to the United States in four separate importations - the first in the late 1970s, the second in the early 1990s, the third in the mid-1990s, and the fourth in the late 2000’s - the Aubrac breed in North America today enjoys strong genetic diversity as a result of these importations. Today Aubrac breeders have a genetic base of over 50 fullblood females, and over 300 purebred females (up-graded to 87.5% or higher). Polled Aubrac cattle are in high demand by breeders and new markets have emerged as a result polled genetics. Aubrac International, Inc. has a breeder base of over 25 breeders from across the United States and Canada. Since the first importation of Aubrac cattle to the United States breeders have identified forage efficiency as the strength and mainstay that will lead to a bright future in North American beef production. Some of the U.S. breed’s original founders include Dennis and Jane Svoma of Wisconsin; Dr. Wayne Vanderwert of Missouri; Eric Grant of Colorado/Missouri; Scott Fredrickson of Montana; Charlie Hunt of Nebraska and Wayne Bollum of Minnesota, all of whom have remained committed to the breed since the early 1990s or earlier.” Polled Herd Sire at 26 months. Developed on grass and hay. 2nd Edition Page 31 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Cairn Hill Aubracs Established 1998 GULLY: Purchased from test station in France for €5200. From one of the top herds in France. (See Picture). Grand Sire Ushuaia very good milking ability. Showing promise of being the next big name in the Aubrac breed. THORNHILL ALEX: Bull that needs no introduction. Sire of numerous prize winners including. Overall Champion premier sale 2011, 1st prize maiden heifer premier sale 2011, reserve champion premier sale 2010. Daughters retained for breeding. CAIRNHILL SAM: Bull born on our farm from a cow purchased in France. Sire of numerous prize winners including overall champion premier sale 2008. Daughters retained for breeding. Quality Bulls & Heifers Always For Sale Visitors Always Welcome Bernard Casey, Mobile: 086 2115317 Ohill, Drumlish, Co.Longford Tel: 043 33 24904 www.facebook.com/cairnhillaubrac Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 32 2nd Edition USA BREEDER HERD PROFILE Scott and Janet own and operate the Fredrickson Ranch in the beautiful plains of Eastern Montana. A harsh country known for hot dry summers and cold dry winters. The first Fredrickson set foot in the United States back in 1882 when John Fredrickson emigrated to the United States from Norway. First to squat on land that was available for homesteading, and in 1884 establish through the Homestead Act, a future for his family in the Great Plains of the United States. The first 7th generation Fredrickson “Brook”, attended Round up this spring. We were first introduced to Aubrac Cattle in 1996 through the Aubrac Alliance. Video footage was provided on a group of heifers and their sire. The Sire was Espanou with the footage taken at the farm of BOUBAL. The sexual differentiation and the robustness of the cattle was exciting. So in the spring of 1996 the Fredricksons purchased 140 Units of semen on Midatest bulls Goeland, Galant, Hector, Harlem and Impresario. The semen was placed in Angus cross cows with the resulting F-1 females the start of the Fredrickson Aubrac Ranch. Today Fredricksons’ herd has reached 130 females. Mostly upgraded to 87% or higher, with about 10 fullblood females that trace to the BOS herd from the Cantal region of France. A goal each year is to eliminate the cost of feeding hay by year round grazing. Aubrac cattle have the ability to thrive in this environment better than other breeds used in the past. Aubrac females are expected to calve on their own at less than 24 months and continue that cycle as long as possible. We promote our cattle as often as possible. Our champions are picked based on performance in the pasture which is where income is generated. Strong selection pressure is placed on fleshing ability over performance, our cattle tend to be smaller framed and show strong sexual differentiation. In 2012 only polled bulls were used to sire calves. The Fredricksons look to a bright future for the Aubrac cattle with identifiable, value based markets. Visitors are always welcome. 2nd Edition www.AubracBeef.com Page 33 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Dreylands PAUL GRACE, DUNLAVIN, CO. WICKLOW Tel: 087 7970454 Email: [email protected] ● Our first Aubrac arrived in 2002 ● These performed exceptionally well when compared with other breeds on our farm. ● These Aubracs displayed ease of calving, milkability, docility and outstanding weight gain. ● In 2004 we decided to concentrate solely on building an Aubrac herd. ● Our purebred herd today stands at close to 100 breeding females. ● Our best performing females are bred pure to our two imported herd sires. Aubrac cows with Culard Charolais calves ● The remainder of the herd are bred to our Culard Charolais bull (imp 2005) to produce weanlings for the Italian trade. ● In 2012 we introduced a new senior herd sire from the herd of Matthew Causse in France. We think he will be a great addition to our breeding programme. ● We have breeding males and females for sale throughout the year. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Culard Charolais-Aubrac Cross Page 34 2nd Edition Aubracs Purchased in Spring 2007 from the famous herd of Matthew Causse where he was bred and subsequently used as a senior herd sire. This bull has gone from strength to strength, displaying great length and power along with superior muscling and coupled with an extremely docile character makes this bull a pleasure to work with. REINOU is passing these traits to his offspring and we look forward to his first daughters calving in Autumn 2010. Causse Reinou As seen at the Aubrac stand at the National Ploughing Championships in both 2008 and 2009. Visitors are welcome at all times Ramon Acajou A recent addition to our breeding programme, ACAJOU was bred in the herd of the very well respected Jean Claude Ramon and is the son of the extremely high index bull LAUTARD MIGNARD, one of the greatest sires in the breed in recent years. We are very excited about this bull and are looking forward to working with him. 2nd Edition Page 35 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. IRISH AUBRAC SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP DISTRIBUTION 1 11 1 1 2 17 3 1 1 5 6 3 3 5 6 1 5 9 1 4 4 20 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 36 2nd Edition ACTIVE MEMBERS 2012 County Name Address CARLOW Leo Dooley Craan Lodge, Craan, Clonegal, Co. Carlow 087-7852062 Phone CORK Patrick & Vera Cleary Brade, Union Hall, Co. Cork 086-1936668 Joe Collins Lissard, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 086-8295452 Patrick Cronin Poerstown House, Mallow, Co. Cork 087-2716499 John Deane High Street, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-0857066 Mary Deane Baurnahulla, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 087-9261776 Francis O’Donovan Faramanagh, Kilcrohane, Bantry, Co. Cork 086-1568404 Thomas Herlihy Ballinahulla, Ballydesmond, Co. Cork 087-9934599 Daniel Kelleher Charlesfield, Banteer, Co. Cork 087-8315601 Denis Linehan Mountcain, Knocknagree, Mallow, Co. Cork 087-2987901 Patrick Manning Cappabue, South Kealkil, Bantry, Co. Cork 086-8251754 Patrick Murphy Boola, Bweeing, Mallow Co. Cork Michael J Newman Rossbrin, Schull, Co. Cork 086-4060849 0862366604 James O’ Brien Dromskehy, Clonbanin, Mallow Co. Cork 086-8557448 Daniel O’ Connell Lisbeemore, Kilnamatyra, Macroom, Co. Cork 087-7857924 Sean T O’ Donoghue Knockane, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-8400282 Derry O’Driscoll Coolnagurrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 087-9357299 087-9375044 Seán O’Driscoll Thornhill, Skibbereen, Co. Cork Jeremiah O’Sullivan Ardnathrush Mor, Glengarriff, Co. Cork 086-2302609 Timothy O’Sullivan Clouncuggar Nth, Caheragh, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-2209408 Thomas Walsh Coolnagurrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork DERRY Robert Moore Molenan House, 63 Bawlougry Road, Co. Derry DONEGAL Daniel J Brennan Hill Head, Ardara, Donegal Brownhall Estate Brownhall, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 074-9734007 Ernest Clarke Lignanornig, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-6205303 Michael Hegarty Cooley, Moville, Lifford, Co. Donegal 086-8096308 Bernard Kelly Drumbarron, Frosses, Co. Donegal 087-9220007 James Kerrigan Derries, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-7746938 John G Kerrs Drimard, Frosses, Inver, Co. Donegal 087-6938254 GALWAY 2nd Edition 086-3222773 048-71262944 087-1202900 Patrick McGarrigle Carricknahorna, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 087-6498495 John Walsh Rockhill, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-6786466 William P Walsh Lisminton, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-9525800 James Waugh Laheen, Cavangarden, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 087-2507668 Martin Bermingham Imanemore, Barnaderg, Co. Galway 087-1235333 Michael Jennings Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway 087-2198917 Francis Lyons Kilgerril, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 087-6291482 Thomas & Therese O’Brien Barnaboy, Turloughmore, Co. Galway 087-6550198 Page 37 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. IRISH AUBRAC SOCIETY County KERRY KILDARE KILKENNY LAOIS LEITRIM Name Address Michael O’Flatharta Baile an Chaisleain, Inis Thiar Arainn, Co Galway 087-9745848 Phone Brendan O’ Malley Bohesial, Recess, Co. Galway 086-8566352 087-2342568 Michael Delaney Tullig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry James Doherty Scrahanagullane, Rathmore, Co. Kerry 087-2734546 Michael Foley Mausrour, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Co. Kerry 086-6043858 Michael McAuliffe Fahaduff, Castleisland, Co. Kerry 087-2566364 Adrian King Barley Hill, Grangenolvin, Athy, Co. Kildare 086-2577269 Kim McCall Calverstown House, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare 086-3451373 Henry Milligan Robertstown, Naas, Co. Kildare 087-2661636 John Hassett Whitehall, Rathkieran, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny Michael Hennessy Hoodsgrove, via New Ross, Co. Kilkenny 051-895242 086-3994751 James Murphy Clara Castle, Higginstown, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny 056-7759751 P. John Pollard Dama Lr, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny 086-3041802 Michael Tennyson Woodstock, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny 087-9338135 Patrick Bolton The Strand, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois 0878054460 R. Mark Onions Borris House, Portlaoise, Co. Laois 087-7962414 James & Suzette Phelan Westfield, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois 087-2619763 Eamonn Rigney Brocca, Clonaslee, Co. Laois 087-2687946 John Ryan Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois 087-2445492 Michael Heslin Drumgrania, Gortlettragh, Mohill, Co. Leitrim 086-3325496 087-6118049 LIMERICK Martin McAuliffe Hillview Hse., Meenoline, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick LONGFORD Bernard Casey Ohill, Drumlish, Co. Longford 086-2115317 Matthew Casey Cartrongoland, Drumlish, Co. Longford 086-6099910 MAYO Michael Hanlon Ballinroey, Dring, Co. Longford 087-2709318 James Cawe Derryfadd, Taugheen,Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-0554933 Michael Cawe Claremorris Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo 087-2560927 Ann Conroy Lissartava, Hollymount, Co Mayo 086-0717934 Joseph Cunnane Derrybrack, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo 087-2973010 Michael J Dillon Cullintragh, Ballintubber, Claremorris Co Mayo 094-9030976 Martin Gallagher Aughadeffin, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo 086-8523951 Shane Gallagher Aughadeffin, Kilkelly, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo 087-1343595 Declan Glynn Towerhill, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 086-7852589 Michael Hanley Claremount, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-2847856 Christine Hannon Annefield, Hollymount, Co. Mayo 087-2300403 Thomas Heneghan Farnane, Tulrahan, Claremorris Co. Mayo 086-0614536 Joseph Killeen Ballinchalla, The Neale, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-6600332 Michael Lenehan Killaturley, Swinford, Co. Mayo 087-6392850 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 38 2nd Edition ACTIVE MEMBERS 2012 County Name Address Harry Mahon Purranes, Hollymount, Co. Mayo 087-6184884 Phone John Meeneghan Derrassa, Shrah, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 086-8352851 Mary Roche Ballaghadalla, Killala, Co. Mayo 087-6428291 Richard Staunton Tawnagh, Shrah, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-2705909 MEATH Joseph Meade Rathbran Church, Lobinstown, Navan, Co. Meath 087-2465606 MONAGHAN Douglas Deering Aughareagh, Drum, Co. Monaghan 086-2989605 John Nolan Coolskeagh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 086-3189221 Brid Collison Barna, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Offaly 087-2623725 Patrick J Keeney Coolnahiley, Tullamore Co. Offaly 086-8925588 Fintan Dunne Clondonnell, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly 087-9668689 Loughill, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon 094-9640115 087-2042685 OFFALY ROSCOMMON Peter Forde SLIGO Sean McMorrow Urlar, Carney, Co. Sligo TIPPERARY James Delaney Ballymackeogh, Newport, Co. Tipperary 061-378162 Seamus Delaney Ballymackeogh, Newport, Co. Tipperary 061-378162 Noel Farrell Rathgallen, Golden, Cashel, Co. Tipperary 087-9558446 George D Hayes Finnoe Hse, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary 086-8204780 Paul McCann Mullinoly, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary 087-9266755 Patrick Rea Gurtdrum, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary 086-0578971 Francis Ryan Cragg, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary 087-2595996 Noel Stokes Cooleen, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary 087-4182836 Donal Quinlan Cullenwaine, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary 086-3820117 Shrubbywood, Coole, Co. Westmeath 087-9836950 Francis Butler Culvin, Streete, Co. Westmeath 086-1647442 Francis Donohoe Johnstown, Collinstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 087-2518332 WESTMEATH Shane Bowers WEXFORD WICKLOW Brendan & Patricia Mulligan Balroe, Ballynacargy, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 086-0643456 Joseph Savage Mornington, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath 086-8498862 John & Bridget Barron The Leap, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 087-2730243 Philip Becker Landscape Farm, New Ross, Co. Wexford 087-9074799 Robert Furlong Misterin Hse, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 087-9445580 Philomena O’Neill Killilane, Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford 087-2052393 James Byrne Merville, Colbinstown via Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow 087-0567053 Paul Grace Uppertown, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow 087-7970454 Alfred Hanbidge Beechdale, Stratford-on-Slaney, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow 087-7832068 Kelly Stevenson Coolmoney, Donard, Co. Wicklow 087-4147834 Ernest & Lionel Mackey Ballinclea House, Donard, Co. Wicklow 087-6737341 P.J. & Laurence McGrath Whitestown, Stratford-on-Slaney, Co. Wicklow 087-9863311 2nd Edition Page 39 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Ballinclea Visitors Welcome The herd is full symbol organic. Heifers and bulls normally for sale. Current Stock Bull: Dreylands Fred by Causse Ureinou out of B. Crueize Ramita. 5 Stars. Suckler Beef Value Index EUR121 Ballinclea Aubracs 045-404973 Ernest and Lionel Mackey Ballinclea Aubracs, Ballinclea House, Donard, Co. Wicklow Ballinclea Blaze by Calverstown Sarawak out of Jeannine Batifol Sarita by Obelix. This is the type of maternal cow that we are breeding. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 40 2nd Edition AUBRACS Our aim is to breed hardy docile maternal cattle with good milking ability, using blood lines from the Batifol herd in France and the bulls Remus, Obelix, Harpon and Ushuaia. Part of the Ballinclea Aubrac Herd www.ballincleafarm.com Ernest 087-6737341 Lionel 087-9970988 [email protected] Ballinclea Duke - Male Aubrac Champion, Kilkenny Beef Expo 2008 2nd Edition Page 41 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. MY AUBRAC X HEIFER AND ME! In August 2011, Catherina Cunnane won an Aubrac X Limousin heifer in the Farmers Journal Heifer and Hogget Competition. Here is her story. “I was very excited when I opened the Farmers Journal and saw that there would be an Aubrac X Limousin heifer for the competition in 2011, sponsored by the Irish Aubrac Society! I had first been introduced to Aubrac Cattle by Francis Donohoe from Johnstown in Westmeath and knew what a great breed they were. With an Aubrac in the competition I was definitely going to enter and I was going to try and do the best! During the three weeks before Tullamore Show 2011, I answered three farming questions. My Dad and Mum were wondering why I was taking a load of photos and doing a lot of typing. It all seemed very clear to them when I got a surprise phone call from Shirley Busteed, The Pedigree Editor of the Farmers Journal. She said I had made it as a short-listed candidate. I was delighted. The Day of the Tullamore Show arrived (Sunday 14th of Aug) and we got up early and headed from Derrybrack, Kilkelly, County Mayo to the Tullamore showgrounds. We arrived early and we had a look around. First we went to visit the Aubrac Cattle and then the Heifer Competition stand. 11 o’clock came and it was time for the questions from the judges from the Breed Societies. I was interviewed by Ernest Mackey, a member of the Irish Aubrac Society Council, and two other Judges. Justin McCarthy described the judges as the ‘Dragons’ from ‘Dragons Den’. Catherina, John Deane and Tullabelle Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. At 2 p.m. the winners were about to be announced and I had my eye on the Aubrac. Two winners were called out and I was feeling I would be going home without a Heifer. Next thing I heard Justin saying my name ‘Catherina Cunnane’. I was completely shocked. I went up on the stand and was lucky enough to pick the ‘Aubrac’ scroll. It was pure luck. I knew well she would fit in very well with all our Aubracs at home. I met John Deane, the breeder of my new Heifer. I got my photo taken and it was printed in the Farmers Journal the next week. Since the Heifer Competition, I have joined the Irish Aubrac Society. We have now a herd of Pedigree & Cross-bred Aubracs. We decided to call our herd ‘Derrybrack Aubracs’. I like the Tullabelle in 2012 Aubrac Breed very much. I think they are the Breed for the Future. The Aubrac are easy calved, easy fed and easy managed. Even better the Cows calve easily and go back in-calf quickly again. The Aubrac Cows are excellent mothers. They have small but very lively calves. They have very good kill-out results, with the Aubrac and Aubrac Crosses easily grading U’s and E’s. The Aubrac and Aubrac crosses are also in high demand for export. The Aubrac X Culard Charolais are an exceptionally good cross. I can definitely see myself with Aubrac Cattle in the future. Thursday the 5th of July, marked a huge event for Derrybrack Aubracs. A French A.I. specialist Page 42 2nd Edition named Philippe came to our farm. He had a look through all our pedigree Aubrac Cows and Heifers and told us about their breeding. He had a look through their pedigree certs and suggested top French AI Aubrac Bulls to give them. Tullabelle, the heifer I won, is now in-calf to our stockbull ‘Johnstown Frank 6014’ from the highly rated Johnstown Aubrac Herd. Frank is 5 star rated within breed and across breed with a SBV of €130. I’m looking forward to Tullabelle calving within the next few weeks. I thank the Irish Aubrac Society very much for sponsoring Tullabelle. And I look forward to the years ahead working closely with The Society and promoting the ‘Breed of the Future’.” Derrybrack Aubracs DERRYBRACK, AGHAMORE, BALLYHAUNIS, CO.MAYO Email: [email protected] Catherina 087 7706314 or Joseph 087 2973010 www.derrybrackaubracs.yolasite.com Twitter: @Aubracs Facebook: Derrybrack Aubracs Johnstown Denise 5804 and her Al Aubrac Bull Calf out of Turin (TIN) INSET: ‘Tullabelle’ won by Catherina Cunnane (Derrybrack Aubracs) in the Irish Farmers’ Journal Heifer and Hogget Competition 2011. From John Deane’s Aubrac herd. 2nd Edition Page 43 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. BUTLERSGIFT AUBRACS Established 1996 Breeding Top Quality Males and Females “I am very impressed with the kill out of Aubrac cattle, the meat producing a flavour of its own.” You will be impressed. A selection of Males and Females For Sale Easily Maintained Animals Visitors Welcome John Deane, Butlersgift, Drimoleague, Co. Cork Tel: 087 9261776 or 028 31443 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 44 2nd Edition HOW AUBRACS FIRST CAME TO IRELAND THE STORY OF ADAM! It was in 1990 that Seán O’Driscoll, a farmer from Skibbereen in Co. Cork, first read about Aubracs. Their feed efficiency, easy calving and easy finishing qualities interested him. In 1991, Seán travelled to a Royal Agricultural Show in the United Kingdom where he saw Aubrac cattle on display. It was love at first sight and Seán, along with his cousin Derry O’Driscoll, made the decision to import 10 embryos, at the cost of £800 per embryo. Seán travelled to the UK once more and collected the embryos while Derry monitored and prepared the heifers that would subsequently carry the embryos to term. Out of the 10 embryos, 4 developed to term and arrived safely, in 1992, as small, lively healthy purebred Aubrac calves. Out of the 4 calves, there were 3 bulls and 1 heifer! The first bull calf that arrived was aptly named Coolnagurrane Adam and he was officially the first Aubrac in Ireland! Derry got Coolnagurrane Adam, along with the second bull calf born, Coolnagurrane Abel, into the Tully Test station. They both achieved good results with an overall Beef Merit Index figure of 112 and 104 respectively. from Coolnagurrane Adam. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A butcher in Skibbereen, Tom Walsh, bought an Aubrac heifer for killing and was amazed at the amount of high quality meat that came off the animal. He too subsequently became an Aubrac breeder! In a separate part of the country, Kim amd Mireille McCall from Kildare, imported a group of maiden and in-calf heifers in 1996. Finally, a small but dedicated group of breeders, including those already mentioned, got together and formed the national Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Limited in 1998. Coolnagurrane Abel was sold and went to Cape Clear Island where he was prolific and produced high quality offspring. Derry O’Driscoll worked hard to get Coolnagurrane Adam into South Western Cattle Breeding, Bandon AI, where 2500 straws were taken from him. Derry and Seán set up a small local Aubrac Society and sought feedback from those who had bought straws Coolnagurrane Adam and Derry O’Driscoll 2nd Edition Page 45 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Calverstown Aubracs MUDGEE: Mudgee was born in the Cantal mountains in 1996 on the farm of Pierre Boulat. She is in 2012 rearing her 14th calf. Her calving interval is 366 days. Her progeny includes the 2004 overall Aubrac champion at Tullamore Show Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. (heifer), and 5 bulls sold as sires on pedigree and commercial herds. 90% of her progeny that has been slaughtered to date has graded U. She has spent her last 8 winters out with the other 5 horned cows and she is now back in calf again. Page 46 2nd Edition The herd was started in 1996 with the first French imports into Ireland of 6 maiden heifers and 3 in-calf heifers. Today we have around 60 pure bred registered cows. This has entailed a lot of selection from within the herd. Our objective is to produce a quiet, deep, well fleshed cow which in turn will produce a quality calf a year for at least 8 calvings, using a grass based diet. We are now at a stage, where we are fine tuning from within a closed herd, following a limited, selected, number of bloodlines, to achieve our goal of a totally homogenous herd which makes selling and management much easier. The Aubrac cow can be beaten on any given trait but as a complete package is hard to beat. COWS, HEIFERS AND BULLS FOR SALE ALL YEAR ROUND. Visitors always welcome. Kim McCall, Calverstown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare 2nd Edition Page 47 Tel : 045 485280 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Wagon Silage, Tedding and Rowing. Baled Silage and Hedge Cutting Slurry Spreading and Dung Spreading. Main Contractor to Merville, Barley Hill and Dreylands Aubrac. Wishing continued success in the future to the Aubrac Society. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 48 2nd Edition AUBRACS FROM START TO FINISH KILL OUT RESULTS FROM RICHARD GREENE SPRING 2012. Aubrac bullocks slaughtered Slaney Meats Mid May 2012. Tag Nbr D.O.B Grade Dead Weight 30755 12-12-09 U=3= 402 kg 70767 25-01-10 R+3- 379 kg 20770 02-02-10 U-3- 412 kg 70775 10-02-10 U-4- 402 kg 90777 12-02-10 R+3+ 438 kg 10778 12-02-10 U=3= 424 kg 20779 20-02-10 U=3+ 472 kg 10786 21-03-10 U-2+ 448 kg 30788 08-04-10 U-4- 427 kg 40789 16-04-10 R+2= 380 kg 70791 19-04-10 U=3= 367 kg 80792 20-04-10 R=2= 386 kg 90793 21-04-10 U-3= 439 kg These 13 animals were born and reared on the farm of Kim McCall in Co. Kildare. Each year a certain number of bull calves are selected at weaning and kept as potential breeding bulls. The rest of the bull calves are either sold through the mart to Italian or Irish finishers, or direct to one finisher as was the case for these. The cows are pure bred registered Aubrac (except for 30788 whose mother is ½ Aubrac). They are kept on an extensive, cost conscious system. The cows are fed grass, hay or silage. They do not get concentrates, even as young stock. The bull calves get 3 pounds of meal a day for 5 weeks prior to weaning. The average birth weight of these calves was 39 to 40 kilos and they were sold after weaning in October 2010 at an average weight of 320 kg. Three of them are out of 2½ year old heifers ((786-789-792), 755 is out of a 3 year old heifer 2nd Edition by an AI bull (Bayon), the others are by stock bulls. Richard Greene has been finishing pure Aubrac and Aubrac crosses over the years, on his farm near Athy. Richard finishes an average of 200 bullocks a year mostly continental cross breds and buys Aubracs when they are available. The animals are castrated soon after they are purchased and housed in November on straw bedded sheds. During the first winter they are fed on ad-lib grass silage and 1 kilo per head of a grain mix : barley (50%), citrus pulp, distillers and flaked maize. For their second winter, until they are finished, they get 4 kg/head of the same mixture. During the summer, they are fed on grass only. What Richard appreciates about the Aubrac is their good health, ease of finishing, excellent kill out and consistent results. The consistency is achieved through breeding. Page 49 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 50 2nd Edition Also A Commercial Gameshooting • Low Maintenance • Easy Calving • Calving Regularity • Longevity • High Quality Meat The Modern Suckling Breed John Hamilton Brown Hall Estates Ballintra, Co. Donegal, Ireland Tel: + () Mob: + () Brown Hall Pedigree Aubracs SOME AUBRAC KILLOUT RESULTS All figures taken from original factory documents, available on request. Owner: James By rne Factory: Kepak Purebred bulls Age <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months Cold Kg Grade 353.3 U3 386.1 E2 377.8 U3 350.4 U3 394.4 U3 388.6 E3 436.6 E3 Owner: Bernard Casey Factory: Kepak Purebred Bulls nnane Owner: Joseph Cu eats Factory: Dawn M Age <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <24 months <30 months ll Aubrac X Culard bu Cold Kg Grade Age 9 E=2= 14 months 451.1 2nd Edition Page 51 Cold KG 413.6 388.1 399.4 404.2 352.3 403.3 420.4 401.8 430.7 Grade U3 U3 U3 U3 U3 U4L U3 U3 U3 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Parknareragh Aubrac Herd Mick McAuliffe, Fahaduff, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Contact Joe O’Connor on 086-8232466 A selection of Purebred Maiden Heifers and Bulls from French Bloodlines as well as Crossbred Heifers for sale Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 52 2nd Edition ions, Co. Laois Owner: Mark On Weanling bulls Crossbred Aubrac of t ou rm -fa sold off ss cows British Friesian cro le Live Weight DOB Date of Sa 427kg 15/1/11 06/10/11 446kg 26/1/11 06/10/11 420kg 01/2/11 06/10/11 459kg 07/2/11 06/10/11 Owner: James By rne Factory: Kepak Aubrac X Heifers Age 36 months 36 months Cold Kg 411.6 367.5 Grade U4 U4 Killaturley Aubracs MICHAEL LENEHAN, KILLATURLEY, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO Mobile: 087 6392850 Tel: 094 9251986 Healthy animals, easy to fatten for weanling or factory sale and easy to maintain. Introduced into existing cattle herd in 2006 when 3 in-calf Aubrac heifers were imported from France. Highly recommended. All heifers born since have been kept to increase Aubrac herd. Thanks to all the members of the Aubrac Society for their help and advice since 2006. Very easy to put in calf and to calf. 2nd Edition Page 53 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Lios Na Coille Organic Aubrac █ █ █ █ The breed is built on grass efficiency. It is successful because it balances maternal and reproductive traits with muscle and forage-efficient growth. Natural ability to thrive without supplementary feeding, which makes them suitable for organic farming. Calves are extremely lively and vigorous at birth, calve easily and nurse more quickly. High level of resistance to disease and first in longevity. Achieve E & U grading. AUBRAC, the right decision for your farm, the right decision for your family. For details, contact Michael Heslin, Drumgrania, Gortlettragh, Co. Leitrim. Tel: 071 9621313 / 086 3325496 Email: [email protected] Ardara Aubrac Herd Tullamore Show Champion Maiden Heifer 2011 Newly established Aubrac breeder since 2010 with the purchase of two females from John Walsh’s Rockhill Aubracs. Contact Joseph Brennan on 087 1202900 or 074 9735311 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 54 2nd Edition AI BULLS PEDIGREE BREEDING The Irish Aubrac Society keeps a selection of straws available to Pedigree breeders. These straws are kept in NCBC, Enfield and have to be ordered from the Society’s office. An up to date list of bulls and catalogue are available and can be obtained from the Society’s office (051 641106). The current catalogue can be viewed on Sersia’s web site at www.sersia.fr The Irish Aubrac society is organising along with the French Herd-Book and ICBF a breeding program designed at identifying the best Aubrac cows in Ireland. Joining Herd-Plus has been made compulsory to obtain more accurate figures and better reliability. The cows are chosen on their figures and pedigree and are then matched by the French Herd-Book with selected French AI bulls. The resulting progeny should be of superior genetic merit, the bull calves qualify to enter testing in Tully and the heifers become part of the elite female herd. Some of the French AI bulls chosen for this program are: Roussel, Financier, Eros, Bayon II and Dolby. In France every year over one hundred males are chosen for testing on their individual performance: growth rate, conformation and functional characteristics. At the end of the intake the index is calculated by INRA (French breeding institute) based on daily weight gain, weight for age, muscular and skeletal 2nd Edition development. The animals are chosen by a group of breeders appointed by the herd book and AI companies. 3 or 4 are picked by Midatest to go in to AI and the rest are sold to breeders through the station (private sale and auction). The AI bulls are selected on: ◆ their mother; fertility; average calving interval; longevity; number of calvings; age at first calving; milking ability; ease of calving. ◆ the bull himself before entering the station; date of birth - preferably mid December to mid March; genealogy; weight at weaning; skeletal and muscular development; functional ability. Must conform to the breed characteristics. ◆ on the animal at the station; precocity; ability to show an adult format very quickly. Growth rate; weight for age; daily weight gain; monthly weighing and scoring at intake and coming out of the station. ◆ Hardiness - feed efficiency on rough forage ¾ of the ration is hay. Evaluation of the legs after being tied up (5 months on concrete). Calving ability: internal measurement of the pelvic opening. CROSS-BREEDING: Aubrac bulls continue to prove themselves as sires of consistent good quality finishing stock with high grades and the maternal qualities of the breed make crossbred females valuable replacements for commercial herds. All major AI companies carry straws from Aubrac bulls that are appropriate for cross-breeding. Page 55 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. DAVID TAYLOR ANIMAL NUTRITION Carrick Mill, Loughbawn, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Tel: 044-9666458 & 044-9666559 Email: [email protected] Fax: 044-9666934 Website: www.dtan.ie We manufacture and package powder, liquid and pelleted mineral supplements for Farmers and Feed Mills throughout Ireland, providing the nutritional demands of the Dairy, Beef, Pig, Sheep, Goat, Dog, Poultry and Horse industries. Thank you to Francis Donohoe for the picture. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 56 2nd Edition IE161578970327 IE201038460691 IE141305650504 IE141305650495 IE341549410320 IE391055710811 Michael McCall Sean O’Driscoll Sean O’Driscoll Noel Farrell Ernest Mackey IE161578920339 Patrick McGarrigle Patrick McGarrigle Tag number Bull owner Page 57 AU AU AU AU AU AU AU Breed 09/02/2008 29/12/2007 19/01/2008 02/02/2008 16/01/2008 14/02/2008 15/03/2008 DOB 429 444 455 447 432 382 345 (kg) Start wt. 606 626 638 632 640 580 518 (kg) End wt. Average daily gain (kg/day) 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.4 2.3 9.6 9.6 11.8 10.9 10.7 9.9 9.5 Dry matter intake (kg/day) 2.0 efficiency Food (DMI/ADG) conversion 4.8 4.6 5.6 5.2 4.5 4.3 4.8 3.2 2.66 2.69 2.31 2.69 2.36 2.0 fat depth (mm) Ultrasonic 90.7 84.0 85.0 88.0 83.8 86.5 76.4 Thornhill Urielle Thornhill Ulette Ramon Tommy Ramon Tommy J.L. Batifol Shania Calverstown Reinette Ramon Acajou Calverstown Sarawak Serres Unity Calverstown Rick O’shea Brown Hall Angelique Serres Ukraine Calverstown Rick O’shea Perlou Dam name Sire name The table below shows the final test results of 7 Aubrac Bulls that came out of Tully Bull Testing Station, Co. Kildare EXAMPLE TULLY TEST RESULTS muscle Ultrasonic depth (mm) 2nd Edition Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. 7KRUQKLOO$XEUDF %UHHGLQJ 5$021 08/+286( %UHHGLQJ$XEUDFVVLQFHLPSUHVVHGZLWK GRFLOLW\SURGXFLQJRQHFDOISHU\HDUDQGWKHDELOLW\ WRFURVVZLWKWKH&KDURODLVJUDGLQJ8¶V(¶V <HDUVDKHDGRIWKHUHVW K +LJ OWK D + H W XV 6WD UG +H 9,6,7256 :(/&20( 0DOHV)HPDOHV )RU6DOH Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. 6HDQ&DURO2¶'ULVFROO 7KRUQKLOO 6NLEEHUHHQ &R&RUN RGULVFROOWKRUQKLOO#HLUFRPQHW Page 58 2nd Edition CROSSBREEDER PROFILE HELL’S KETTLE ORGANIC FARM Pat and Gavin Lynch from Co. Wicklow carry a herd of crossbred commercial sucklers. They use an Aubrac bull and are adamant about the quality of stock and the efficiency of feed conversion. Here’s what Gavin has to say: “Myself and my dad, Pat, farm about 40 hectares in Donard, Co. Wicklow. Ours is a mixed enterprise organic farm producing beef, turkeys, fruit and hazelnuts. We first came across the Aubrac breed when visiting our neighbour, Ernest Mackey’s farm. We had just gotten out of dairying and into sucklers and were looking for an easy calving breed with a good temperament and Aubracs seemed to fit the bill. We bought our first bull from Paul Grace of Dunlavin in 2005 and haven’t looked back since. Our cows are a kind of ‘liquorice allsorts’ bunch in terms of breed. They’re mostly Hereford or Aubrac cross but we’ve also got some Angus cross and some continentals. The Aubrac works brilliantly with all of them. Out of over 120 calvings, I could count on one hand the number of times a cow needed any attention. The most important factor around here is animal health and the Aubrac cross calves, although small initially, have great get-up and go and very quickly start to thrive. We farm organically and the ability to finish cattle without stuffing them with expensive meal is important to us. Our first batch of heifers will be ready for the abattoir this autumn having received very little in the way of meal. This year we’ll be feeding just a little ration at weaning and then red clover silage throughout the winter and hope for similar results. We intend to sell our beef direct from the farm so the quality of our product will be hugely important. We’ll be finishing our cattle at more of a ‘butchers’ size, in or around 18 months of age. In terms of healthy, low maintenance and easily finished cattle, for my money, it’d be hard to beat the Aubrac cross.” Hell’s Kettle Organic Farm takes its name from the river that runs through the farm. Gavin and Pat sell their range of beef, turkeys and hazelnuts locally and online at www.hellskettle.ie , they also sell fruit direct from the farm and through Castleruddery Organic Farm. 2nd Edition Page 59 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. James and Deirbhíle Byrne Merville, Colbinstown, Co Kildare. Phone: 045403118 Mobile: 0870567053 Email: [email protected] Visitors always welcome. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 60 2nd Edition CROSSBRED AUBRACS The qualities that make Aubrac so special are not just present in Purebreds but their traits carry through in crossbreeding also. Easy calved, easy fed and easy finished stock with good grades and kill-outs are what crossbred Aubrac farmers enjoy about the breed. Pictured below are a selection of calves out of Charolais cross cows sired by a Purebred Aubrac bull. The bull, Coolnagurrane Danny, is also pictured. This stock is from the herd of Finbar O’Driscoll, Drinagh, Co. Cork. He notes that in excess of 75% of his bulls kill out as U grades, mostly U3, some 20% will grade R, while occasionally he achieves an E grade with his Aubrac cross stock. 2nd Edition Page 61 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. o o d w A y b u b b u r r a h cs S Shrubbywood, Coole, Co.Westmeath (087)9836950 [email protected] Dama Aubracs Est 2007 PJ POLLARD, DAMA, BALLYCALLAN, CO KILKENNY Tel: 086 1562154 Email: [email protected] PEDIGREE BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 62 2nd Edition CROSSBRED AUBRACS Shane Bowers, Shrubbywood, Coole, Co. Westmeath, runs a herd of commercial and purebred Aubracs. At present, 50% of his herd is Purebred Aubrac with the rest being Aubrac crosses. Some of his Aubrac cross cows originated from Bandon Mart as three week old suck calves. These have proved to be exceptional breeders, particularly when crossed with a 5 star Aubrac bull. The bull which Shane used on the cows shown below was Johnstown Darragh 636, bred by Francis Donohoe. He rates 5 star within and across breed with a SBV of €156. He can be viewed on the ICBF website. This cow, tag 426, is out of a Montbelliarde/Holstein cross cow and sired by an Aubrac bull. Her calf, pictured above right, tag 304, rates 5 star with a SBV of €100. Shane intends to keep this heifer for breeding. This cow, tag 646, is out of a Holstein cow sired by an Aubrac bull, Thornhill Ultan, who was originally bred by Seán O’Driscoll, Skibbereen. She has a SBV value of €125. Her heifer calf, pictured above right, again out of Johnstown Darragh 636, rates 5 star with a SBV of €141. See below. 2nd Edition Page 63 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. AUBRAC CHAMPIONS AND RESERVES RESULTS TULLAMORE SHOWS 2009 CHAMPION: Ugracieuse Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2010 Reserve Champion: Ugracieuse Owned by Mr. Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2009 Reserve Champion: Ballinclea Campeur Owned by Mr Ernest Mackey, Ballinclea, Donard, Co. Wicklow 2011 CHAMPION: Johnstown Bernadette Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath 2010 CHAMPION: Rockhill Eve Owned by Mr J Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2011 Reserve Champion: Rockhill Eve Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal TULLAMORE PEDIGREE SHOW & SALE 2010 CHAMPION: Adamstown Daisy Owned by Mr. Leo Dooley, Clonegal, Co. Carlow 2011 CHAMPION: Cairnhill Go-On Owned by Mr Bernard Casey, Drumlish, Co. Longford 2010 Reserve Champion: Cairnhill Everett, Owned by Mr Bernard Casey, Drumlish, Co. Longford 2011 Reserve Champion: Johnstown Frank 849. Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath VIRGINIA SHOWS 2008 CHAMPION: Ugracieuse Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2010 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 636 Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath 2009 Champion: Ugracieuse Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2010 Reserve Champion: Jouve Vera Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath 2009 Reserve Champion: Venice Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2011 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 636 Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath 2011 Reserve Champion: Jouve Vera Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath ATHLONE SHOW 2012 CHAMPION: Jouve Vera Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. 2012 Reserve Champion: Johnstown Denise Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath Page 64 2nd Edition AUBRAC CHAMPIONS AND RESERVES RESULTS BEEF EXPO 2008 Female & OVERALL CHAMPION: Venice Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2008 Female Reserve & Overall Reserve Champion: Hazelwood Carissa Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2008 Male Champion: Ballinclea Duke Owned by Mr Ernest Mackey, Donard, Co. Wicklow 2008 Male Reserve Champion: Ballintra Dale Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2010 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 14 Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath 2010 Reserve Champion: Rockhill Fawn Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal GOFFS / RDS SHOW 2003 2003 CHAMPION: Rockhill Trinkle Owned by Edward Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2nd Edition 2003 Reserve: Rockhill Trickster Owned by Mr Edward Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal Page 65 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. &"+$) -" ,1757434636,&754.- #$%"" #''"($") !"##)$"# &+"$$)+ $)+ ($ %$"#%$# "#)!$$$- "#$"# !%"#3117 %" ''$ %#"- %"#%""$#$ % #$ '"748 $% " ' "$!%# $ &$ " - )$$ &' # " " "$ $" $ % #$ ' " 748 2#$ !"* ' % $ " % " "#"& ! $ % "# '#- Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 66 2nd Edition HELPFUL HINTS FOR NEW BREEDERS BEFORE YOU BUY BOUGHT IN ANIMALS Make sure you know enough about the breed before choosing your animals. If the animals have been bought in from France send in the French pedigree certificates of the animals you want to register. The onus is on the breeder to provide a covering cert for in calf animals, but the Society can often help. Animals not already registered with the Society (imports) have to be named. The name has to start with the letter matching the animal’s year of birth: 2009=E; 2010=F; 2011=G; 2012=H; 2013=I; and so on. Simply write the name of your choice on the original cert. Read the following registrations conditions to make sure you have all the relevant documentation to transfer your new animals in your name with the Society and register their progeny without problems. JOINING THE SOCIETY You will find 2 forms attached One is your membership application form. Your Herd-Book name is the prefix you will give to your calves’ names for example: “Calverstown” Arrow. The other is an ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) form to join Animal Events (compulsory) through which your registrations will be processed. Fill in these 2 forms and return to the Society along with a cheque for €65 in payment of your membership. Please note, to encourage breeders to join before the beginning of 2010 (so everything is in place before spring calving starts) all new memberships paid from the 1st of September also include the following year. Your membership application will be presented at the next Council meeting and on acceptance, you will receive a set of Herd Book rules and a Share Certificate (value € 1). ‘All calves, pedigree or not, will be registered through the ICBF. Giving a name to a calf will trigger its registration as a pedigree animal. Please do not name an animal which you do not wish to register as a cost of naming will automatically be incurred to the Society. Both Parents of the calf must be registered with the Society before the calf can be registered. AI dockets must be forwarded to Deerpark Farm Services. If the sire is a stock bull he MUST be DNA/parentage tested, preferably before he serves. DNA kits are available from Deerpark Farm Services. 2nd Edition If the animals have been bought in Ireland, make sure they have already been fully registered with the Society to avoid possible late registration problems and return their brown pedigree cert to the office for transfer to your name. For in calf animals you will have to provide a covering cert signed by the previous owner to certify what bull covered the cow, or an AI docket if she has been inseminated. Also make sure the stock bull used has been DNA tested otherwise your calves will not be eligible for registration. As for imported animals, send in the certs for transfer in to your own name. REGISTRATIONS Bought in animals have to be registered as explained above, and calves through animals events. Invoices will be sent to you when the registrations have come through. Pedigree certificates will be issued by Deerpark Farm Services when all documentation is in order and monies are paid. The Irish Aubrac Herd Book is now kept by Deerpark Farm Services. All paperwork and enquiries concerning registration should be addressed to Angela Lacey, Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary. Tel: 051 641106; Fax: 051 641825 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Page 67 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 68 2nd Edition IRISH AUBRAC CATTLE BREED SOCIETY LTD. Registrations handled by: Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary www.aubrac.ie Tel: 051 641106 Fax: 051 641825 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM I, undersigned, hereby apply for membership of the above named Co-operative. I agree to make full payment of any annual subscription and service fees required by the rules of the Co-operative. I agree to be legally bound by the terms and conditions of each of the Society, Membership and Herd Book rules. Name of applicant: Address of applicant: Telephone number: Mobile number: Signature of applicant: Date: HERD BOOK NAME First choice: Second choice: Herd number of applicant: Herd identification: IE form continued overleaf… 2nd Edition Page 69 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ANIMAL EVENTS ICBF To whom it may concern, I………………………………………………. Request that the Department of Agriculture and Food make available a copy of my herd’s calf registration data, centralised movements monitoring system data (CMMS) and other relevant cattle breeding data to Irish Cattle Breeding Federation for the purpose of the National Cattle Breeding Database. Data from other organisations (for my herd) may also be forwarded to ICBF. I understand that such information will be stored in the ICBF cattle breeding database and will be used for the purpose of cattle breeding activities. My mobile number is: My phone number is: The BTE Herd number(s) that relate to my farming enterprise is/are: Country letter e.g. D Check Digit 6 Digit Herd Number 1 0 1 0 1 1 5 Yours sincerely, ……………………………………(signature) Date:……………………………………. Member’s name: Please indicate those organisations to whom you wish to grant access to data relating to your herd: Breed Society Herd Prefix (if applicable) AUBRAC Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 70 2nd Edition S hane B owers C ontracting SHRUBBYWOOD FARM, COOLE, CO.WESTMEATH Phone: (087) 9836950 or (087) 4107041 Email: [email protected] SPECIALISING IN: ◆ Slatted Tanks ◆ Groundswork ◆ Site preparation ◆ Land reclamation ◆ Drainage ◆ Concrete works SHOWS & SALES The Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ANNUAL PEDIGREE SALE Takes place at the Tullamore Show on 27th October 2012 and in October each year. A free catalogue is available from the office - please call 051 641106 to order your copy. See www.aubrac.ie for details and you can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Aubracs are on show every year at the Tullamore Show, Virginia Show, Athlone Show and the National Ploughing Championships 2nd Edition Page 71 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Cavern Design Printing www.cavern.net