A new market has been announced for up to 5,000 pedigree heifers in North Africa, thanks to a collaboration between the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA) and the Cows.ie company.
The collaboration aims to provide pedigree breeders with a reliable market for their pedigree Holstein Friesian heifers.
Cows.ie said it had identified a growing interested from customers in Algeria and Morocco, for Pedigree heifers with the potential of 4,000 to 5,000 Irish heifers to be exported annually.
Holstein Friesian
In January of this year (2024), a shipment of pedigree in-calf heifers from Ireland made history as they docked in Oran Port and the Port of Algiers, Algeria.
It is believed the heifers are the first complete live export of in-calf heifers from Ireland.
The consignment, arranged by David Clarke of Cows.ie, garnered praise from Algerian customers for their remarkable quality and robust health upon arrival.
During the selection process, a preference for more Friesian bloodlines over pure American Holsteins was evident, reflecting the customers’ specific requirements for power and strength.
The heifers on this shipment recorded an average weight of 529kg at the port of departure.
There was also a distinct preference for heifers to be in calf to a Holstein Friesian pedigree bull.
The response to the heifers has been exceedingly positive, evident in their successful resale and the encouraging feedback received.
The IHFA says that in discussions with David Clarke, it is apparent that there is a potential market for 4,000 to 5,000 heifers annually in the future, with the primary limiting factor being the availability of supply.
Cows.ie
In response to demand, Cows.ie have launched their HO/FR pedigree campaign for 2024.
A procurement strategy structured around a per kilogram weight basis will be implemented, aiming to incentivise breeders for producing high-quality heifers within the target weight criteria.
The objective is to commence breeding in early May for export by the end of October 2024.
Additionally, an option for lighter stock will be provided, offering an alternative pathway where heifers can be bred in August and September for export in late February 2025.
It is hoped, this breeding season, that IHFA members will consider using sexed semen to produce heifers for the 2026 market.
The IHFA says that, this export option allows Irish dairy farmers to breed without the fear of having no market for their heifers.
If it is decided, when heifers are at yearling stage, that a herd wishes to hold onto them, that is their prerogative.
It’s a win win situation, selling prices are determined based on live weight, facilitating direct sales from the farm without commission or transportation fees.
Pedigree heifers
The IHFA is encouraging member to inseminate their pedigree Holstein Friesian cows with sexed semen from a pedigree Holstein Friesian sires and to prioritise the selection of a bull or artificial insemination (AI) straw that leans towards Holstein Friesian bloodlines rather than pure American Holstein.
Pedigree certificates are essential, as 100% pedigree holds significant appeal to Algerian and Moroccan clientele.
The herd must be milk recorded and uphold infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) free status and a rigorous vaccination program is also of vital importance.