asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Meath committee of agriculture it was stated by an official of the committee that the dual purpose bulls used for artificial insemination at the Department's farm at Grange, County Meath, were too leggy and, in the opinion of some prominent people, would not bring the desired results to the agricultural community, and whether, in view of the statement and its dangers to the success of this agricultural centre, he will give the pedigree and qualifications of the four pedigree bulls concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Insemination.
As regards the first part of the question, I am informed that no official of the committee expressed any such views, but that there was a passing reference to certain comments made by some other persons.
As regards the second part of the question, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the desired information which I venture to hope will satisfy the Deputy as to the exceptionally high quality of these bulls.
Following is the statement:—
PARTICULARS OF THE FOUR PEDIGREE DAIRY SHORTHORN BULLS LOCATED AT GRANGE CATTLE BREEDING STATION.
(1) EATONSTOWN PREMIER DAIRYMAN 2ND. —Date of birth, 9th October, 1948.
Sire:Eaton Imperial Foggathorpe.
Highest recorded milk yield of dam of sire: 12,304 lb.
Dam: Eaton Fragrance 6th.
Highest recorded milk yield: 12,378 lb.
This cow is of excellent body conformation and comes of a very good breeding family.
(2) EATONSTOWN MONARCH 7TH.—Date of birth, 5th March, 1949.
Sire:Eaton Imperial Foggathorpe.
Highest recorded milk yield of dam of sire: 12,304 lb.
Dam: Eaton Lady Ruby 24th.
Highest recorded milk yield: 10,315 lb.
First Prize Winner at Spring Show of Royal Dublin Society in 1950.
(3) EATONSTOWN GALLANT ROSEMAN.—Date of birth, 15th November, 1948.
Sire:Eaton Gallant Roseman.
Highest recorded milk yield of dam of sire: 15,666 lb.
This cow gave over 90,000 lb. in 7 lactations and has an outstanding showyard record in England.
Dam: Eaton Bessie Annetta 16th.
Highest recorded milk yield: 13,334 lb. in 38 weeks and still giving 36 lb. per day.
This is a cow of outstanding substance and quality.
(4) BALLINGARRANE BOLD CRUSADER.—Date of birth, 15th March, 1949.
Sire:Hoveton Thorndale Baron (This bull was a prize winner at leading English shows).
Highest recorded milk yield of dam of sire: 10,171 lb.
Dam: Ballingarrane Cressida 7th.
Highest recorded milk yield: 13,867 lb.
This cow is sired by a proven bull and has a very good showyard record.