asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the yields from our present cow herd could be improved substantially by better feeding and management; and the steps he proposes to accelerate improvement in milk yields.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Milk Yield .
5.
: The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes". As regards the second part, farmers are being constantly urged to improve milk yields by better feeding, provision of good wintering facilities, earlier calving in creamery areas, improved hygiene and disease control and use of best AI bulls to breed replacement stock. I am sure that the Deputy will agree with me when I say that the best possible incentive to farmers to increase milk yields is the enhanced prices for milk now available.
6.
asked the Minister for Agriculture the average yield per cow in 1977 for each of the EEC countries.
: The information requested was obtained from EEC official statistics and is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Average yield per cow |
Kilogrammes |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
3,631 |
|
Denmark |
4,664 |
|
France |
3,297 |
|
Germany |
4,195 |
|
Ireland |
2,883 |
|
Italy |
3,245 |
|
Netherlands |
4,825 |
|
United Kingdom |
4,681 |
: Would the Minister agree that for a comparison one would need to know the feed cost also and the amount of feed being fed to cows in those countries? One could achieve a very high milk yield at a very high cost and the efficiency might not be as high as it would be where one was achieving the same result at a lower cost.
: The question relates to the actual milk yield of cows. The factors referred to by the Deputy are relevant to the final result.