The Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society recently held a Herds Competition for its members, and will be presenting the awards at its Annual Show and Sale, at Tullamore Mart, on Saturday October 28, at 12:45p.m.
The following breeders will be receiving awards, which are sponsored by Sobac, in partnership with Soil.ie.
Smaller Herds
Winner: Cathal Bannon (Wilcot Aubracs), Lea, Portarlington, Co. Laois;
Runner-up: Peter Clancy (Goldspring Aubracs), Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.
Larger Herds
Winner: Francis and Jennifer Donohoe (Johnstown Aubracs), Collinstown, Co. Westmeath;
Runner-up: James Lacey (Deerpark Aubracs), Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary.
Best Stockbull
Winner: John Walsh (Rockhill Aubracs), Ballintra, Co. Donegal;
Runner-up: Sean O’Driscoll (Thornhill Aubracs), Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
Judge’s Awards
Conor and Gerard O’Donnell (Heatherfield Aubracs), Dungloe, Co. Donegal;
Ernest Mackey (Ballinclea Aubracs), Donard, Co. Wicklow.
Experienced French Aubrac technician, Daniel Miquel travelled all over the country to judge the herds.
Commenting afterwards, he said that herds are improving, particularly with breed character and docility.
He encouraged breeders to make further improvements on the feet and legs, and milk ability. He also advised breeders to diversify the bloodlines.
Society chairman, James Donnellan congratulated the winners, and he thanked Daniel for judging the event, and all the herds who participated. He also wished to acknowledge all those who helped organise the event, those who provided transport, food and accommodation. The Competition could not have taken place without their help.
Aubrac cattle
Aubrac cattle are known for their performance off grass and their excellent feed conversion.
The Aubrac breed has rapidly grown in popularity with Irish farmers and particularly among dairy farmers.
The Aubrac is a well muscled medium-sized animal that performs on low cost roughage producing profitable finished cattle.
Aubrac fertility is also 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.
For further information about the Irish Aubrac Cattle Society, click here.
