It is anticipated that pedigree Speckle Park pedigree calf registrations may break through the ‘100 barrier’ this year.
Liam Carroll is the secretary of the Irish Speckle Park Society. He farms with his wife Jan close to Athboy in Co. Meath.
Carroll said: “Pedigree female numbers continue to grow, while breeders remain committed to bringing in new genetics.
“Demand for Speckle Park cattle continues to grow. Demand is strongest within the dairy sector, where farmers are looking for a beef bull that will deliver high quality calves that are suited to grass-based production systems.
“In addition, calves are naturally polled and are easily recognised courtesy of the breed’s bespoke, speckled marking pattern.
“There’s huge demand for pedigree females. Dairy farmers like Speckle Park bulls as they deliver quality, ease of calving, excellent calf vigour and short gestation,” he added.
Recent sales have seen pedigree Speckle Park breeding females and young bulls make prices in excess of €3,000/head.
Speckle Park
Ireland is the first country outside of Canada to host a Speckle Park breed society. Significantly, the scope of the group has recently been extended to include the Netherlands.
“Speckle Park cattle are extremely docile. They are easy to manage and thrive well on grass-based diets,” Carroll said.
The first Speckle Park cattle were brought to Ireland by Co. Cork breeder, Ivan Ryall in 2008. This was courtesy of an embryo importation.
Carroll, who has has 15 Speckle Park pedigree cows, said: “Longevity is another defining trait of the breed. In my own case, I had a cow still producing a calf at 15 years-of-age.
“A number of Speckle Park bulls have been sold into Irish artificial insemination (AI) stations, and their straws are much sought after.
“Demand is highest for bulls with a large proportion of white in their coats. These animals have the greatest ability to colour code their progeny. Calves are characterised by a ‘speckled’ coat with dark coloured spots.”
In recent ICBF evaluation changes, the Speckle Park breed received a huge lift in the star ratings – making them more attractive for suckler farmers looking for a five-star bull or heifer.
“Importing embryos from Canada and other parts of the world will remain a key focus for Irish Speckle park breeders. This is the most effective way of broadening the genetic base available in this country,” Carroll added.
The Speckle Park is a breed developed in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan by blending Teeswater Shorthorn, Aberdeen Angus and British White bloodlines.
“We are continuously testing for a range of heritable traits, including the presence of a possible red gene, the ability of calves to be naturally polled and the presence of the myostatin factor.
“We have compulsory genomic testing as part of our registration process with all cattle tested for the presence of the myostatin, horned and red gene similar to other Speckle Park societies, internationally.
“Speckle Park cattle have been well received by Irish farmers. The potential to grow numbers in this country is significant.
“Pedigree breeders here are committed to securing the best breed bloodlines that are available internationally.
“The society hopes to organise a number of Speckle Park open days during the summer months of 2024,” Carroll said.