Breed for the Future

IRISH AUBRAC C AUBRA Breed for the Future

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Tel: 051 641106 Email: [email protected] www.aubrac.ie IFAC ACCOUNTANTS - TAX SPECIALISTS

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Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 2 2nd Edition CONTENTS Chairman’s Address ...... 5 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Details ...... 9 Schedule of Fees 2012 ...... 13 Brief History of the Breed ...... 15 Main Qualities of the Breed ...... 17 Aubracs in Ireland ...... 21 Aubracs in France ...... 21 Offi cial Standards of the Aubrac Cattle Breed ...... 23 Th e French Aubrac Dairy Programme ...... 25 Herd Profi le in France ...... 27 Aubracs in Germany ...... 29 Aubracs in the U.S.A...... 31 USA Breeder Herd Profi le ...... 33 Irish Aubrac Society Membership Distribution ...... 36 Active Members 2012...... 37 My Aubrac X Heifer and Me! ...... 42 How Aubracs fi rst came to Ireland - Th e story of Adam! ...... 45 Aubracs from start to fi nish ...... 49 Some Aubrac Kill-Out Results...... 51 AI Bulls ...... 55 Example Tully Test Results ...... 57 Crossbreeder Profi le - Hell’s Kettle Organic Farm ...... 59 Crossbred Aubracs ...... 61 Aubrac Champions and Reserves Results ...... 64 Helpful Hints For New Breeders ...... 67 MembershipThank Application Form ...... 69 You

Th e Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Limited wishes to thank all those who sponsor classes at the various shows, help to prepare and man the various stands, the judges, French and Irish, and all who devote their time and eff ort to help the breed go forward.

2nd Edition Page 3 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. [email protected] Borrisokane, Finnoe House, George D. Hayes, George Co. Tipperary (086) 8204780 Established 2005 from Francis Donohoe, owner of from both within and across breed. both within and across to Mourgues Ultra, a 5 star bull to Mourgues Herd. the Johnstown Pedigree Ultra was originally purchased Ultra was originally purchased Our best females are being bred being bred Our best females are Finnoe Pedigree Aubracs Finnoe Pedigree females. introduction of 10 purebred of 10 purebred introduction springers from France. springers from towards 100 breeding 100 breeding towards Our pedigree began with the Our pedigree today is pushing Our herd

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 4 2nd Edition CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS

I am delighted to be involved in the publication A lot of work has gone into bringing the society of the second edition of the Irish Aubrac Cattle to this point. Th ere has been an incredible amount Breed Society Journal. Aubracs were introduced of time and eff ort given willingly by not only my into Ireland in 1992, and the Society was started predecessor Liam Walsh, and Aubrac Council in 1998. Since then the numbers have grown members past and present, but also by the ever steadily, but I think it would be fair to say that the increasing number of Society members. Cattle breed made a big breakthrough at last October’s shows around the country are a great way of pedigree sale. In front of a packed ring, all stock displaying our stock and I would ask all members were sold at excellent prices, refl ecting a growing to try and make a small eff ort to show even one demand and a realisation that the Aubrac breed animal. I know that this is not easy, but I feel that has something special to off er the Irish farmer. In showing can produce long term benefi ts for the the present economic climate whilst we farmers breed. may be enjoying record beef prices, the input costs on our farms have also risen very steeply. Th e Since the publication of the last yearbook, Aubrac breed’s ability to thrive on low cost forage Ms. Angela Lacey of Deerpark Farm Services, and produce top grades at kill-out, as well as high Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary has been fertility rates, longevity and ease of calving make appointed as breed secretary and administrator to the breed very suitable for low input farming. the Society. I would like to welcome her on board, and wish her continued success. Th e Aubrac breed is very adaptable and versatile, which is evident from the wide geographical A lot of work has gone into the compilation spread of the membership. From mountainside of this booklet and new outdoor promotional to fl at fattening country; from organic farms to material, for which I would like to thank Joanne intensive fi nishing farms, the breed has a lot to Bowers, Mireille McCall, Martin Bermingham off er. Aubrac sires are increasingly being used and Richard Cave of Cavern Design Printing. in commercial suckler herds and in dairy herds where ease of calving is required. As Aubrac cows I thank you for taking the time to read this, and have good milking ability and are very docile, trust you’ll enjoy discovering more about the there is also an increasing demand for the breed breed for the future. as commercial dams. ErnestErnest MMackeyackey

2nd Edition Page 5 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Does your Accountant know the difference between “An Aubrac” and the “All Blacks”?

If they don’t, ?you need to talk to us. We know about farming and all aspects of business. RAY LANE & ASSOCIATES Chartered Certiﬁ ed Accountants & Registered Auditors MOATE, CO. WESTMEATH Accounts – Taxation - Book-keeping VAT Returns – Wages/PAYE Company Audits / Secretarial New Business Start Ups % Special Introductory Offer 25 off your ﬁ rst year’s fees! For further information contact us: Tel: 090 6436666 E-mail: [email protected] Terms & Conditions Apply: 25% discount when you present this advert Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 6 2nd Edition 2nd Edition Page 7 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Ramon Acajou Charolais-Aubrac Calf Charolais-Aubrac Pure bred Cow and Calf bred Pure Four Month old Grandson of using Aubrac stock bulls to achieve quality cattle with calving ease. Pat Bolton, The Strand, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois Pat Bolton, The Strand, Ballickmoyler, 087 805 4460 Tel: A selection of maiden Heifers The Ballinakill herd is run in conjunction with a commercial herd herd is run in conjunction with a commercial The Ballinakill herd Ballinakill Aubracs Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 8 2nd Edition IRISH AUBRAC CATTLE IRISH BREED SOCIETY LTD.

Registrations and correspondence: Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary www.aubrac.ie C UBRA Tel: 051 641106 Fax: 051 641825 A Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

LIST OF OFFICERS: Chairman Ernest Mackey Donard, Co. Wicklow (087) 6737341 Vice-Chairman Francis Donohoe Mullingar, Co. Westmeath (087) 2518332 Treasurer Paul Grace Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (087) 7970454 Council Secretary James Byrne via Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow (087) 0567053 PRO Martin Bermingham Barnaderg, Co. Galway (087) 1235333

COUNCIL MEMBERS 2012:

Denis Linehan Mallow, Co. Cork (087) 2987901 Daniel O’Connell Macroom, Co. Cork (087) 7857942 Seán O’Driscoll Skibbereen, Co. Cork (087) 9375044 John Walsh Ballintra, Co. Donegal (087) 6786466 William P Walsh Ballintra, Co. Donegal (087) 9525800 Mireille McCall Kilcullen, Co. Kildare (086) 3451373 Bernard Casey Drumlish, Co. Longford (086) 2115317 Michael Hanlon Dring, Co. Longford (087) 2709318 Shane Bowers Coole, Co. Westmeath (087) 9836950

WEBSITE, FACEBOOK & TWITTER: (087) 4107041 Webmaster Joanne Bowers Email: [email protected] or (087) 1906029 Keep up to date with Irish Aubracs on Facebook and Twitter

2nd Edition Page 9 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. 1 s

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Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 10 2nd Edition aged 10 months. Culard Charolais X Aubrac bulls Charolais Culard culty. nally found a a perfect is probably the closest to e Aubrac suckler I have come across.” for his excellent maternal qualities. As a result of this up-breeding, the for his excellent maternalof this up-breeding, qualities. As a result farms we have visited over the past decade. major cattle shows. Francis Donohoe, Johnstown Aubracs, suckler cow that is very high fertility, short feed, economical to gestation, 24 top quality pedigree in-calf heifers were sourced in France 2004. sourced in-calf heifers were 24 top quality pedigree easy calved and good milkability. easy calved and good of the pedigree herd are used to breed replacements, the rest are are the rest replacements, used to breed are herd of the pedigree whose breeders French on advice from Charolais with Culard crossed Come See for Yourself ! – Visitors Always Welcome ! – Visitors Come See for Yourself Charolais X Aubrac crosses for the export market. While top 50% X Aubrac crosses Charolais Co. Westmeath Collinstown, Mullingar, As well as breeding champions, Johnstown also breed Culard Culard champions, Johnstown also breed As well as breeding Aubrac and Aubrac cross cows ensures minimal calving difﬁ cows ensures Aubrac and cross The Johnstown Herd comprises almost 100 pedigree breeding females. breeding comprises almost 100 pedigree The Johnstown Herd Station Bull purchased Test up with a French bred These heifers were The outstanding pelvic conformation and short gestation length of (087) 2518332 / (044) 9664665 Tel: Johnstown Herd can now boast Overall and Supreme Champions at can now boast Overall and Supreme Johnstown Herd Th “In my 28 years experience of Suckler Farming, I have fi experience“In of my 28 years Suckler Farming, 2nd Edition Page 11 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Mountcain Aubrac

Vaccinating Artiﬁ cial against: Insemination BVD used on Lepto 90% of Cows. Salmonella and IBR

No sales talk just good cattle. Visitors welcome. Contact: Denis Linehan Pedigree Cattle Mountcain Tel. 087 2987901 Knocknagree that outperform Mallow [email protected] Co. Cork Commercials CCloonishlaunloonishlaun AAubracsubracs

Breeding purebreds and crossbreds

MARY ROCHE & OLLIE CUNNEY Killala, Co. Mayo 087 6553865 or 087 6428291 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 12 2nd Edition SCHEDULE OF FEES 2012

Annual membership €65 New Membership / Prefi x / €65 First timer’s Share fee (share value € 1) Calf registration: - Female at birth: €50

Calf registration: - Male at birth: €30

Replacement certifi cate or Certifi cate in new owner’s name €18

Importation, female and male for use on pedigree herd €100

Registration of embryo €20

Amended embryo €15

Appeal fee €65

Late Registration Fee - Female (up to 12 months) €50 + Registration Fee €50 €100

Late Registration Fee - Female (after 12 months €100 + Registration Fee €50 €150

Late Registration Fee - Male (up to 12 months) €50 + Registration Fee €30 €80

Late Registration Fee - Male (after 12 months) €100 + Registration Fee €30 €130

Late Registration Fee for Males & Females from 1st January 2013 €100

NOTES:

All animals registered as pedigree will be charged to the breeder.

All heifers registered over 12 months have to be DNA tested for parentage.

Late penalty will apply to all animals not registered as pedigree at birth.

Please note that all membership will be due on the 1st of January each year.

Please note that for new members, membership paid from 1st of September includes the following year’s membership.

DNA Kits available from the Society’s offi ce.

All stock bulls used for pedigree breeding must be DNA tested for the calves to be registered.

PLEASE RETAIN THIS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

2nd Edition Page 13 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. BBarnaarna PPedigreeedigree AAubracsubracs

Established in 2006 with the purchase of three maiden heifers at Tullamore Mart. Bríd & Frances Collison, Barna, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Offaly Mobile: 087 2623725 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 14 2nd Edition BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BREED

Th e development of the Aubrac breed started during replaced the Aubrac oxen) and by the disappearance the 17th century at the Benedictine Abbey of Aubrac, of the milking activity of the “burons” (a combination in the South of the central Massif in France. Th e Abbey of traditional cheese manufacturing and the living was founded in 1120 by a Dutch Lord, Adalard, who quarters of the cowherds, in the mountains). had narrowly escaped death twice in this wooded Th e crisis period also aff ected other mixed mountain and remote area during his pilgrimage to Santiago de breeds (Ferrandaise, Mezine). Th e new prevailing Compostela. He decided to build a monastery to feed tendency in this era was focused exclusively on and shelter the thousands of pilgrims walking through productivity. Th e mixed breeds survived with great the area. Th e pilgrims were off ered a meal made of bread diffi culty in the face of the attractive yields of the soaked in fresh cheese, called Aligot. Th e local breed of breed that were specialized in the production of cows was used to produce the milk then turned into this milk (Prim’Holstein) or for the production of meat particular cheese. Th is breed was selected from then on (Limousin, Charolais and Blond d’ Aquitaine). After for its hardiness, ease of management, milking ability. the sixties mixed breeds were a thing of the past. Th e Aubrac Abbey is situated at an altitude close to 4000 Th e generalized practise of non-scientifi c mating, feet. It had thousands of acres of land, including 9000 especially with Charolais bulls, was one of the main hectares of pastures, some situated up the mountains, causes of decrease in the numbers of the Aubrac some in the low lands. Th e herds would walk to the breed. In addition, life and work in the “burons” was mountains pastures on the 25th of May for the summer, increasingly less compatible with the new ambition of and come back the 13th of October to the low lands to society. Its profi tability was increasingly less, especially be housed for the winter. Th is transhumance still takes due to the constant increase of the cost of labour: place on those dates today. After the French revolution, “While in 1900, the sale of 100kgs of Laguiole cheeses the lands of the Abbey were off ered for sale and split could pay the salary of a caretaker and his family, it was up into individual farms but the management of the now necessary to sell a ton of cheese to pay the same pastures remained the same. Th e herds would spend the annual salary”. (Source: Centennial Book of the Aubrac summer on the mountains, the cows were milked in the Breed 1894-1994, Page 43) pastures and the cheese (Fourme) made there in a small stone dwelling the “buron”. Th e production of a quality Unwilling to watch the inexorable disappearance of cheese and the training and sale of draught bullocks this breed, and committed to no longer seeing it on were the main income of these farms. Th e breed had the list of extinct species, a group of people convinced to produce rich and plentiful milk and be docile. In an of the specifi c advantages and the superiority of the eff ort to produce larger quantities of richer milk, the Aubrac cow in many aspects, decided to undertake the Brown Swiss breed was introduced but soon abandoned rediscovery of the “Black-eyed beauty”. Th eir dynamism as these animals were not hardy enough for the Aubrac and motivation resulted in the creation of the Union conditions. It is this geographical environment that has Aubrac, in 1979. Close to extinction in the seventies, given the Aubrac cow the ability to survive and thrive in the Aubrac breed began to excite interest, thanks to the diffi cult and challenging conditions. No other breed has implementation of effi cient measures applied starting been able to deliver the same profi t margins in the same in 1979. Since then this interest in the acquisition of conditions. To encourage breeders to aim for quality the Aubrac breeding cattle has not ceased. fi rst Aubrac show took place in Laguiole on the 25th of September 1830. Th e breeders were judged on the Th e breed has won over diverse region of metropolitan quality of the cheese they produced and the look of their France (Corsica, Massif Central, the southeast and animals. Th e shows helped to set the standards of the northeast of France) as well as the French overseas breed in its colour, appearance and abilities. Th e Herd- departments and territories (Guadalupe, Guyana). Book was established in April 1894. Th is development has also been felt outside of French territory. More than 15 countries have already At the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the Aubrac imported the Aubrac breed and continue to regularly breed was widespread in the southern and Eastern areas acquire animals, embryos or semen for insemination. of the central Massif and even in the Mediterranean (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Ireland, Great Britain, regions. Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, Russia, Israel, New Zealand, the United States, etc. At the close of World War II, the Aubrac breed was seriously aff ected by the competition with tractors (that 2nd Edition Page 15 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Consistent Results” “Consistent Quality

Higher DM intakes. Reduced digestive upsets. Improved feed conversion efficiency. Maximum carcase gain. Improved kill out %. Guaranteed High Quality Native Cereals

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Tom Walsh, 67 Bridge Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork Shop: 028-21063 Home: 028-21918 Mobile: 086-3222773 Email: [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 16 2nd Edition MAIN QUALITIES OF THE BREED

Th e Aubrac is a well-muscled animal of medium-sized stature. Th eir attributes are numerous but the following qualities are why the Aubrac is increasing rapidly in popularity.

HIGH FEED CONVERSION RATIO: MILK: Th e Aubrac feeds exceptionally well on low cost Aubracs have neat tidy udders. Th e quality of roughage such as grass and hay. Th eir excellent Aubrac milk is excellent with average butter feed conversion ratio means that production costs fat content of 4.2%. Th e milk is often used to of the fi nished animal as well as maintenance of produce cheese in France. In Ireland, the milk the breeding female are kept low. quality promotes calf growth even further.

CALVING EASE: DOCILITY: Th e Aubrac is an easily calved breed. Calves tend Aubracs tend to be calm and settled cattle and to average from 33kg to 39kg at birth, producing when well-handled they prove to be particularly a lively hardy calf with outstanding growth docile in nature. rates. Many dairy and commercial farmers are now discovering that using Aubrac bulls, even CONSISTENT GRADING on heifers, produces better quality calves and AND KILL-OUT RESULTS: therefore increased profi ts at sale or fi nishing. Th e deep-bodied well-balanced frame of the Aubracs have impressive pelvic conformation. Aubrac ensures consistently good grades. Th e Aubrac cows are renowned not only for calving density of the meat and high meat to bone ration pure bred calves easily but are also capable of ensure outstanding kill-out fi gures. U grades are calving high-muscled and even double-muscled standard for the breed as well as E grades being continentals with ease. achieved. lbr HIGH FERTILITY: With emphasis of suckler profi ts now being au a placed on fertility and lower maintenance c Aubrac fertility is impressive with up to 98% of costs of the cow, the Aubrac is fast becoming M cows going back in calf. A priority of the breed the obvious choice as there is no reduction in is to produce one live calf per cow per year for as quality of produce even though input costs are many years as possible. undoubtedly lower. LONGEVITY: Th e Aubrac is structurally a very sound animal. Th ey tend to have deeper well-balanced frames with shorter stronger legs thus making them physically strong and sound. Couple this with a higher overall hardiness and outstanding pelvic conformation and thus exists a breeding cow that will last longer and produce more live calves over her lifetime than other breeds.

MEAT: Aubrac meat is very dense with a notable high quality fl avour. Th e meat to bone ratio is very high with very little waste from the carcase, making it an attractive animal for butchering.

2nd Edition Page 17 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ROOCKHILLCKHILL PEDIGREES We don’t breed Aubracs for Showing –

BREEDING SHOW CHAMPIONS CONSISTENTLY Tullamore 2011 Reserve Champion Rockhill Eve (sired by Benji) Aubrac: Reserve Champion Rockhill Fawn (sired by Benji) Beef Expo 2010 Venice Tullamore 2010 Supreme Champion Rockhill Eve (sired by Benji) Beef Expo 2008 Supreme Champion Venice Tullamore Sale 2008 Reserve Champion Cow Tullamore Sale 2007 Champion and Reserve Champion (sired by Frezat) Tullamore Show 2006 Overall Breed Champion Aurora (sired by Frezat) Tullamore Show 2005 Champion Bull Frezat Tullamore Show 2005 1st, 2nd, 3rd Heifer Calves STOCK BUBULLSL USED: Sire of Champions in Tullamore Show 2004 Champion Cow and Calf FREZATFREZAT FranceFran and Ireland Tullamore Show 2003 Reserve Champion Heifer SStilltill breeding at 13 years. Goffs Spring Show 2003 Overall Champion Heifer BreedingBree show BENJIBENJI chchampions.am Herd Established 2000 French Test Station Bull D’ESPANGOU French Test Station Bull ROCKHILL PEDIGREES, AI (EPZ) producing superb quality BALLINTRA, CO. DONEGAL Breeding quality URBANO daughters - semen Contacts: John - 087 6786466 AI (RLU) Liam - 087 9525800 available from Enﬁ eld Home - 074 9734239 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 18 2nd Edition ROCKHILL PEEDIGREESDIGREES We show Aubracs for Breeding… Aubrac: Rockhill Fawn

Aubrac: D’espanjou

Aubrac: Rockhill Eve 2nd Edition Page 19 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. LISBEEMORE HERD

Established 2000

Top Quality Cattle Danny O’Connell

Lisbeemore, Kilnamartyra, High Health Macroom, Status Herd Co. Cork.

087 7857924

Visitors Welcome 026 40180

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 20 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN IRELAND

With a few very interested breeders getting food conversion and conformation must allow together, the Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society cost effi cient fi nishing of the animals. Th e Limited was formed in January 1998. In 2012, it selection has been based on effi ciency rather than now counts over 100 members, and over 4000 show potential only. In Ireland the emphasis has cattle in the country. Th e Aubrac Society boasts been put on importing quality animals to start the accolade of having a very high number of a very good genetic pool and carry on selecting cattle per member. carefully from within the national herd to retain the qualities that made us choose this breed in In conjunction with the French Herd Book the fi rst place. and ICBF, a selection/breed improvement programme has been put in place and aims at We believe Aubracs have a place in Ireland as maintaining reproduction, rearing and hardiness an easily kept mother breed with continental qualities and at identifying those animals which conformation and good temperament. Bulls are will provide the highest genetics to breed used widely to produce excellent replacement from. Females must retain their milking and heifers for the Irish suckler herd. Weanling bulls calving ability and their fertility with minimal have shape and quality and are much sought after interference and maintenance cost. Th e excellent by Italian fi nishers. AUBRACS IN FRANCE

In France cows are tied up in sheds for of any French beef breed and it is very noticeable approximately six months of the year. Th e calves at all shows and sales. Th ey can obviously see a are separated and allowed to suckle twice a day. future in their breed. Th e cows are fed on hay and minerals Th ey are fed a limited ration of hay twice a day, just enough to milk well. Th e young stock might get silage if available. At the end of May the animals are brought up to the mountain pastures where the temperatures can go up to 35°C during the daytime and plunge to below freezing at night. At the end of their second summer, young bulls not needed for breeding are sold to feedlots, mostly in Italy, where they are fi nished in 100 days and command a premium price. Heifers not needed for in-herd replacement are sold and bred pure or used for crossing with Charolais. Th e average herd size is 60 females, there are no elite herds, instead the whole standard of the breed is raised by culling or cross breeding the lesser cows with terminal sires. Only the very best bulls are kept for breeding and an average of 150 a year are being tested through the Aubrac testing station. In 2002, 76,000 young stock (pure and cross breeds) were exported to Italy (2/3) and Spain (1/3). Th e Aubrac breed has seen the highest return of young farmers to farming Summer grazing in France 2nd Edition Page 21 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. COOLEY AUBRAC HERD Ireland’s Most Northerly Herd Established 2009

Michael & Fidelma Hegarty Cooley, Moville, Co. Donegal Tel: 086 8096308 Cooley Cross Corby Rock Mill LTD Leading manufacturers of animal feed products Manufacturers of High Performance Beef, Dairy, Calf, Sheep & Horse Diets Available in Nuts and Blend Form Also Manufacturers of High Performance Heat Treated Poultry Diets Available in Mash and Pellet Form

Corby Rock Mill Ltd | Ballybay Rd | Monaghan | Co. Monaghan | Ireland Tel (00 353) 047 30099 Micheal (00 353) 0867760259 at the heart of farming [email protected] | www.corbyrock.ie Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 22 2nd Edition OFFICIAL STANDARDS OF THE AUBRAC CATTLE BREED (As set by French Herd-Book)

COLOUR

Th e coat is fawn with varying shades, it can vary from wheat colour to pale grey. Th e coat is darker on the shoulders and on the croup. Th ese characteristics are mostly noticeable on non castrated males, where the front end is almost black.

EXTREMITIES

Th e mucous membranes, the rim of the anus, the lips of the vulva, the tuft at the end of the tail, the cleats, the tips of the horns, and the rims of the ears are black. In the male the extremity of the scrotum is black.

HORNS TAIL

Pointing obliquely and slightly to the front, Th e tail is thin, long with an attachment not too then upwards and fi nally twisting with the tip prominent, well set and must end with a black pointing backwards, they are black at the tip and tuft. as white as possible at the base.

HEAD BODY

Th e muzzle, the rim of the eyelids and the Th e neck and fl anks are somewhat short but the eyelashes are black, surrounded by a white halo. chest and loins are wide. Th e pelvis and hips are Th e tongue is slate colour. Th e eye is lively and well developed and level. Th e top line is straight, kind with a black make-up like outline. Th e the chest is deep and the ribs are well sprung. forehead is fl at and straight. Th e brow is square. Th e dewlap is less developed but the croup is Th e top knot is wide and often frizzy. Th e ears are muscular. Th e thigh is thick and very long but medium sized, thin and surrounded with black not too rounded. hair. Th e head is expressive, the muzzle short and wide.

LEGS HARMONY

Short and fi ne, they are of remarkable strength. Standing on four perfect legs, the Aubrac is a Th e hooves are black. Th e Aubrac has excellent medium sized animal, solid and sturdy showing legs that are traditionally suited for travelling characteristics of a robust animal. mountainous terrain. Th e hind legs have wide and strong hocks. 2nd Edition Page 23 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. SOBAC Press release - Marcel Mézy’s Process - Bactériosol®/Bactériolit® GOOD HEALTH TO THE IRISH SOIL MEET USUS ATAT TULLAMORE SHOW Paul and Mathieu TULLAMOREAND THE SHOW Causse PLOUGHING12 AUGUST MATCH 2012 Gaec de Merlet In Bozouls (Aveyron)

130 nursing cows MATHIEU CAUSSE AUBRAC “We“We were were wrong wrong toto bebe thethe firstsfi rst to to be be right right””

Mathieu and Paul remember: “In“In 1982,1982, haveused todisappeared have disappeared as the calvesas the calveswere Marcel Mézy bothers, butbut us,us, wewe havehave we were still using nitrogen, calcium eatingwere eating healthier healthier food. food.In a Intime a time of never doubted him.him. II thinkthink it it is is cultural. cultural. andand phosphor.phosphor. We started to dodo somesome completeof complete productivism, productivism, people people were Moreover, MarcelMarcel MézyMézy hashas alwaysalways trialstrials with Marcel Mézy’s products. WeWe lookingwere looking at us as at if uswe as were if we some were kind some of done scientificscientifi c experimentationexperimentation in were doing half and half fieldsfi elds in orderorder “strangers”.kind of “strangers”. We Wesuffered suff ered manymany order to measure thethe impactimpact ofof hishis toto bebe ableable to have a clear comparison pressures.pressures. PeoplePeople werewere tellingtelling us:us: “It “It is is products. HeHe cancan proveprove andand demons demons-- basis. In the “Aubrac” region, wewe spread tootoo bad,bad, youyou are are going going to to dis-appear”. disappear”. trate anything,anything, inin oppositionopposition toto thethe aroundaround the 10-15th of May andand wewe InIn fact,fact, we we were were wrong wrong to be to the be firsts the competition. GlobalGlobal awarenessawareness takestakes soonsoon sawsaw thatthat the areas spread withwith tofi rsts be right.to be They right. were They calling were uscalling retards us time becausebecause peoplepeople havehave beenbeen Bactériosol were greener and were whenbackwards we are when now wea step are aheadnow a from step formatted.formatted. InIn Aveyron,Aveyron, thethe locallocal andand startingstarting to grow back earlier than thethe them.ahead Thereof them. have There been have 50 yearsbeen of50 district authorities havehave donedone aa lotlot ofof others.others. We understood right away that excessiveyears of excessive chemical chemical use which use whichhave damage to this process.process. We We are are moving moving thethe sustainabilitysustainability ofof thethe conceptconcept waswas formattedhave formatted young young generations generations in things aroundaround and and it is upsetting.it is upsetting. obvious.obvious. InIn terms terms of ofanimals’ animals’ health, health, the agriculturalin agricultural schools. schools. We took We awaytook theiraway theproblems problems of diarrhoeas of diarrhoeas that we that used we to abilitytheir abilityto think to by thinkthemselves. by themselves. But now,now, more more than than ever, ever, we arewe sure are thatsure wethat would we wouldnot stand not were stand we where are if we hadare ifbeen we workinghad been in workingtraditional in farming.traditional We farming. manage Weto manageearn more to moneyearn more than money the thanothers the otherswhile preservingwhile preserving the environment.the environment. It is, It economicallyis, economically as aswell well as as intellec-tually, intellectually, worth it.it. We We like tolike gather to withgather farmers with usingfarmers theusing samethe same process. process. Those Those exchanges are enriching.enriching. WeWe turnedturned intointo organicorganic farming farming in in 2011. 2011. We We have have a globala global vision vision of of agriculture, agriculture, a avision vision of of people who have understoodunderstood thatthat thethe soil is alive.alive.

“We“We are are movingmoving thingsthings around andand itit is is upsetting people.”people.” “There have been 50 years of excessive “There have been 50 years of excessive chemical use whichwhich havehave formattedformatted young genera-tionsgenerations in agriculturalagricultural schools. WeWe tooktook awayaway theirtheir abilityability toto think byby themselves.”themselves.” SOBAC - ZA - 12740 LIOUJAS FRANCE CALL 0033 5 65 46 63 30 [email protected] Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 24 2nd Edition THE FRENCH AUBRAC DAIRY PROGRAMME

Th e milk production of a suckler cow contributes widely to the profi t margin the breeder can earn from his cow. Milk has been considered as a secondary factor by the technicians but the reality of the agricultural market today and the evolution of the price of grains, now pushes the researchers to reconsider this opinion. In fact, the self suffi ciency obtained through milk production, is along with increased production through larger numbers, the main criteria for profi t. Up to the 60s the Aubrac cow was milked on the Aubrac plateau, to produce the milk necessary for the production of the Laguiole Cheese, and of the Aubrac Aligot. Today, the Syndicat of the Laguiole Cheese, conscious of keeping the true identity and image of its products, along with the Union Aubrac, the Agricultural School of Rodez and the French Breeding Institute, has launched a breeding programme aimed at identifying and developing the lines with the most milk in the Aubrac breed. Since 2004, the cows with the best milk indices were bought from the breeders who agreed to it, placed in the Agricultural School, and fl ushed to produce sexed embryos. In a fi rst stage, older AI bulls were used, and more recently newer bulls have been chosen on the milk indices of their progeny (Nippon II or Ushuia for example). Th e female embryos have been transplanted on cows in the dairy herd and the resulting heifers reared along with the dairy cows, and milked for the Dairy Cooperative “Jeune Montagne” in Laguiole. Today close to 200 pure bred Aubrac cows are milked as part of the dairy herds on the Aubrac plateau, milk-recorded and evaluated in this programme. Half of them produce more than 2000 litres of milk per lactation and the average of the 20 best ones is 3200 litres per lactation. Th is program initiated by dairy farmers, should benefi t all breeders, in allowing them to identify and use to their advantage theses selected lines on their suckler cows, thus reinforcing the self suffi ciency of their system and subsequently increasing their profi t margin. Th e specialisation of the research towards a more effi cient self suffi ciency places the Aubrac breed as one of the more modern breeds and certainly one with a most bright future. Jean Valadier

President GIE Race Aubrac.

2nd Edition Page 25 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. s c a 087-2709318 r b Welcome u Visitors Always Always Visitors A

Contact: Michael 043-6684924 Michael Contact: Ballinroey, Dring, Co. Longford Co. Dring, Ballinroey, e e r g i d e P

k o o r b h s Ashbrook PedigreeA Ashbrook Aubracs elite females from France and the purchase of of purchase the and France from females elite Established in 2005 with the import of two of import the with 2005 in Established the future. the a number of elite females at sales in Ireland. Ireland. in sales at females elite of a number will meet the demands of Aubrac breeders in in breeders Aubrac of demands meet the will A breeding programme was then set up using using set up then was programme A breeding This has resulted in a top quality herd which which herd quality a top in resulted has This 100% AI from the top genetics in France. in genetics top the from AI 100%

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 26 2nd Edition HERD PROFILE IN FRANCE Breeder’s Profi le: Mr Andre Valadier. uncommon at that time for the dying owner of a herd (Ex President of the UPRA Aubrac, Founder to ask for his cows to be gathered outside the window, of Laguiole’s Jeune Montagne cheese co-op, and once the priest had gone be left to die there in Aubrac breeder and regarded by most as one of their company. Andre carried on using Charolais the instigators of the revival of local traditions in bulls from 1955 until 1970. During that time, the the Aubrac area). calving percentage of the herds went down from 9.8 calves/cow to 7.5 calves/cow due to the use of fi rst Extracted and translated from “Paroles de Burons” generation Charolais X females. (Buron’s talks). In 1970 came the wake up call with oil prices “Andre Valadier comes from a humble farming soaring. Th e breed had to take a new orientation, less background. His parents farmed 20 hectares, and his dependent on bought in food (the Aubrac area is not father often had to hire himself as a farm hand to suitable for crop production), more self suffi cient and complete the family income. Every year, he trained economical. Andre Valadier for his part was keen and prepared a pair of draught bullocks for the sale to preserve the local traditions including milking in Lacalm. Like all breeders this pair of bullocks was of Aubrac cows. On the 1st of March 1960, the one of the main incomes of the year, and the pride of cheese making Cooperative “Jeune Montagne” was the herd. founded. To raise the cash necessary, Andre went If the bullocks could not be sold they sadly had to be around off ering shares in the co-op. Th is was a slaughtered as the family needed money to keep going. completely new concept in the area but very welcome He was a bright student and avid reader and after as the collection and price of milk in the Aubrac his Leaving Cert., aged 14, he was advised by his had declined dangerously. Th e business went from teacher to keep studying but preferred to farm. His strength to strength and has now moved to just father bought an extra 9 hectares near La Terrisse, so outside Laguiole, employing over 70 people in the both of them could work together. Shortly after this, cheese making section, and transforming the milk his father died, killed by a tree he was felling and provided by 80 producers into 1400 tonnes of cheese. Andre had to carry on farming on his own. At that Th e milk used is from Aubrac and Simmental cows. time breeding in the Aubrac was at a turning point Andre Valadier is also very active in political circles, faced with competition from heavier or higher milk and played an important role over the years in the yield breeds (Holstein). revival of the local traditions. He also got involved At the same fair in Lacalm, in 1963, a farmer needed at a high level in the improvement programs of the to sell 3 Aubracs to buy 1 heifer of any other breed. Aubrac breed, is one of the founders of the bull testing Cows that had been the wealth of the mountain station and was President of the UPRA Aubrac for were now unsalable. Th e use of Charolais bulls many years. He is now battling to isolate very milky was becoming more common and the breed sliding blood lines, and intends along with the Union Aubrac from milk to beef. Th e result of such selection was in to work on embryos to bring back high milk yield in Andre’s terms: the Aubrac Cow is nowadays 200kg selected lines for the benefi t of the Aubrac breed.” heavier than her grand mother and produces half the amount of milk. 40 years ago a cow could feed her calf with no supplements, to reach a weaning weight of 300kg on average, now with no supplements, in the same conditions the weight of the calf will only be 250kg. A few pockets of resistance kept the maternal side of the breed going, mostly in the very poor areas where the more demanding Charolais and beefi er animals could not thrive. Th ere were also the uncompromising “true” Aubrac breeders. It was not 2nd Edition Page 27 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. TULLIG Aubrac Herd

Established 2004 Visitors welcome anytime

QUALITY CATTLE WITHOUT THE HASSLE Selection of males and females for sale at all times

MIKE DELANEY Tel: 087 2342568 Email: [email protected] TULLIG, KENMARE, CO. KERRY

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 28 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN GERMANY One of the well established herds of Aubrac in informs another team who will collect and deal with Germany is that of Ernst and Felix Baumer situated the sick animal. Th ere are 8 people employed on the in the Eastern part of the country, close to the Polish farm including management staff . Most of the animals border. are overwintered outside. Only the cows due to calf between November and February are housed in open Th e Baumers farm 1000 hectares, all in pastures. sheds for a short period. Th ey are fed from a central Winters are cold but generally dry and summers are feed passage on a mixture of hay and silage. Th e warm with regular rain fall which allows for good animals outwintered are fed ad lib on hay and silage grass growth. Th e farm is divided in plots of up to 40 left out in the pastures in feeders. Th e heifers calf at 24 hectares, themselves subdivided in fi elds of 3 to 5 ha to 28 months and all females who are not in calf or lost to allow proper pasture rotation for the various groups their calf are culled. In 2011, 1000 calvings produced of cows. 950 weaned calves. Th e calves are reared on milk and grass alone and do not get any creep feed. Th ree Th e herd is made up of 1000 suckler cows, 300 pure quarters of the females are destined for breeding, kept bred registered Aubrac, the remainder 700 are crossed as replacement or sold on guaranteed in calf mostly to with diff erent breeds like Shorthorn and Galloways. Eastern countries. A number of pure Aubrac bulls are Th e cows are divided in groups of 25 to 70, depending sold for breeding. Males and females not suitable for on their breed, their calving date, and the size of the breeding are sold to fi nishers. Th e average weight of pastures allocated. During the calving period, the cows the weanling bulls is 300kgs with no extra feed. Ernst are looked at twice a day, the rest of the time only Baumer has been breeding Aubrac for the last 20 years. once every 5 days. One man is in charge of looking Th e Aubrac has no doubt, all the qualities necessary for at the animals, if he notices something wrong, he his cost effi cient, low labour extensive type of farming. CCaheredmondaheredmond FFarmarm PPedigreeedigree AubracAubrac BBullsulls aandnd HHeiferseifers

We imported Pure Bred Springing Aubrac Heifers some years ago and subsequently imported 2 Pure Bred Aubrac Bulls. To-date our breeding program for these animals is going extremely well. Fertility rate is high with cows going back in calf regularly and they’ve had no calving problems. The animals are quiet and are easy to handle. We also run the bulls with our commercial cows and this has proved successful in that the kill out rates are consistently high. Good quality bulls and heifers now for sale, can arrange viewing by ringing Michael Cawe on 087 2560927 - Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo 2nd Edition Page 29 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Tenor (TNX)

Super well balanced bull Nice maternal lines & performance

Usufruit (UFR)

* Usufruit x Aubrac dams progeny * The best culard Charolais in Irish A.I. * Unique combination of easy calving & shape * Use him and see for yourself

Dovea Genetics Ltd. Dovea, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Phone:0504-21755 Website: www.dovea.ie

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 30 2nd Edition AUBRACS IN THE U.S.A.

Th e Aubrac breed is increasing in popularity not just in Ireland, but worldwide. We got in touch with Scott Fredrickson, a member of Aubrac International and asked him about the history of the breed in America. “Introduced to the United States in four separate importations - the fi rst in the late 1970s, the second in the early 1990s, the third in the mid-1990s, and the fourth in the late 2000’s - the Aubrac breed in North America today enjoys strong genetic diversity as a result of these importations. Today Aubrac breeders have a genetic base of over 50 fullblood females, and over 300 purebred females (up-graded to 87.5% or higher). Polled Aubrac cattle are in high demand by breeders and new markets have emerged as a result polled genetics. Aubrac International, Inc. has a breeder base of over 25 breeders from across the United States and Canada. Since the fi rst importation of Aubrac cattle to the United States breeders have identifi ed forage effi ciency as the strength and mainstay that will lead to a bright future in North American beef production. Some of the U.S. breed’s original founders include Dennis and Jane Svoma of Wisconsin; Dr. Wayne Vanderwert of Missouri; Eric Grant of Colorado/Missouri; Scott Fredrickson of Montana; Charlie Hunt of Nebraska and Wayne Bollum of Minnesota, all of whom have remained committed to the breed since the early 1990s or earlier.”

Polled Herd Sire at 26 months. Developed on grass and hay.

2nd Edition Page 31 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Cairn Hill Aubracs Established 1998

GULLY: Purchased from test station in France for €5200. From one of the top herds in France. (See Picture). Grand Sire Ushuaia very good milking ability. Showing promise of being the next big name in the Aubrac breed. THORNHILL ALEX: Bull that needs no introduction. Sire of numerous prize winners including. Overall Champion premier sale 2011, 1st prize maiden heifer premier sale 2011, reserve champion premier sale 2010. Daughters retained for breeding. CAIRNHILL SAM: Bull born on our farm from a cow purchased in France. Sire of numerous prize winners including overall champion premier sale 2008. Daughters retained for breeding. Quality Bulls & Heifers Visitors Always Always For Sale Welcome Bernard Casey, Mobile: 086 2115317 Ohill, Drumlish, Co.Longford Tel: 043 33 24904 www.facebook.com/cairnhillaubrac Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 32 2nd Edition USA BREEDER HERD PROFILE

Scott and Janet own and operate the Fredrickson Ranch in the beautiful plains of Eastern Montana. A harsh country known for hot dry summers and cold dry winters. Th e fi rst Fredrickson set foot in the United States back in 1882 when John Fredrickson emigrated to the United States from Norway. First to squat on land that was available for homesteading, and in 1884 establish through the Homestead Act, a future for his family in the Great Plains of the United States. Th e fi rst 7th generation Fredrickson “Brook”, attended Round up this spring. We were fi rst introduced to Aubrac Cattle in 1996 through the Aubrac Alliance. Video footage was provided on a group of heifers and their sire. Th e Sire was Espanou with the footage taken at the farm of BOUBAL. Th e sexual diff erentiation and the robustness of the cattle was exciting. So in the spring of 1996 the Fredricksons purchased 140 Units of semen on Midatest bulls Goeland, Galant, Hector, Harlem and Impresario. Th e semen was placed in Angus cross cows with the resulting F-1 females the start of the Fredrickson Aubrac Ranch. Today Fredricksons’ herd has reached 130 females. Mostly upgraded to 87% or higher, with about 10 fullblood females that trace to the BOS herd from the Cantal region of France. A goal each year is to eliminate the cost of feeding hay by year round grazing. Aubrac cattle have the ability to thrive in this environment better than other breeds used in the past. Aubrac females are expected to calve on their own at less than 24 months and continue that cycle as long as possible. We promote our cattle as often as possible. Our champions are picked based on performance in the pasture which is where income is generated. Strong selection pressure is placed on fl eshing ability over performance, our cattle tend to be smaller framed and show strong sexual diff erentiation. In 2012 only polled bulls were used to sire calves. Th e Fredricksons look to a bright future for the Aubrac cattle with identifi able, value based markets. Visitors are always welcome. www.AubracBeef.com

2nd Edition Page 33 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Dreylands

PAUL GRACE, DUNLAVIN, CO. WICKLOW Tel: 087 7970454 Email: [email protected]

● Our ﬁ rst Aubrac arrived in 2002

● These performed exceptionally well when compared with other breeds on our farm.

● These Aubracs displayed ease of calving, milkability, docility and outstanding weight gain.

● In 2004 we decided to concentrate solely on building an Aubrac herd. ● Our purebred herd today stands AubracAubrac cowscows withwith at close to 100 breeding females. CulardCulard CCharolaisharolais cacalveslves ● Our best performing females are bred pure to our two imported herd sires.

● The remainder of the herd are bred to our Culard Charolais bull (imp 2005) to produce weanlings for the Italian trade.

● In 2012 we introduced a new senior herd sire from the herd of Matthew Causse in France. We think he will be a great addition to our breeding programme. CulardCulard ● We have breeding males CCharolais-Aubracharolais-Aubrac CrossCross and females for sale throughout the year. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 34 2nd Edition Aubracs Purchased in Spring 2007 from the famous herd of Matthew Causse where he was bred and subsequently used as a senior herd sire. This bull has gone from strength to strength, displaying great length and power along with superior muscling and coupled with an extremely docile character makes this bull a pleasure to work with. REINOU is passing these traits to his offspring and we look forward to his ﬁ rst daughters calving in Autumn 2010.

Causse ReinouReinou

As seen at the Aubrac stand at the National Ploughing Championships in both 2008 and 2009.

Visitors are welcome at all times

RamonRamon AcajouAcajou

A recent addition to our breeding programme, ACAJOU was bred in the herd of the very well respected Jean Claude Ramon and is the son of the extremely high index bull LAUTARD MIGNARD, one of the greatest sires in the breed in recent years. We are very excited about this bull and are looking forward to working with him. 2nd Edition Page 35 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. IRISH AUBRAC SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP DISTRIBUTION

1 11

1 1 2

17 3 1 5 1 6

3 3 5 6 1 5 9 1 4

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 36 2nd Edition ACTIVE MEMBERS 2012

County Name Address Phone CARLOW Leo Dooley Craan Lodge, Craan, Clonegal, Co. Carlow 087-7852062 CORK Patrick & Vera Cleary Brade, Union Hall, Co. Cork 086-1936668 Joe Collins Lissard, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 086-8295452 Patrick Cronin Poerstown House, Mallow, Co. Cork 087-2716499 John Deane High Street, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-0857066 Mary Deane Baurnahulla, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 087-9261776 Francis O’Donovan Faramanagh, Kilcrohane, Bantry, Co. Cork 086-1568404 Th omas Herlihy Ballinahulla, Ballydesmond, Co. Cork 087-9934599 Daniel Kelleher Charlesfi eld, Banteer, Co. Cork 087-8315601 Denis Linehan Mountcain, Knocknagree, Mallow, Co. Cork 087-2987901 Patrick Manning Cappabue, South Kealkil, Bantry, Co. Cork 086-8251754 Patrick Murphy Boola, Bweeing, Mallow Co. Cork 0862366604 Michael J Newman Rossbrin, Schull, Co. Cork 086-4060849 James O’ Brien Dromskehy, Clonbanin, Mallow Co. Cork 086-8557448 Daniel O’ Connell Lisbeemore, Kilnamatyra, Macroom, Co. Cork 087-7857924 Sean T O’ Donoghue Knockane, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-8400282 Derry O’Driscoll Coolnagurrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 087-9357299 Seán O’Driscoll Th ornhill, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 087-9375044 Jeremiah O’Sullivan Ardnathrush Mor, Glengarriff , Co. Cork 086-2302609 Timothy O’Sullivan Clouncuggar Nth, Caheragh, Drimoleague, Co. Cork 086-2209408 Th omas Walsh Coolnagurrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 086-3222773 DERRY Robert Moore Molenan House, 63 Bawlougry Road, Co. Derry 048-71262944 DONEGAL Daniel J Brennan Hill Head, Ardara, Donegal 087-1202900 Brownhall Estate Brownhall, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 074-9734007 Ernest Clarke Lignanornig, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-6205303 Michael Hegarty Cooley, Moville, Liff ord, Co. Donegal 086-8096308 Bernard Kelly Drumbarron, Frosses, Co. Donegal 087-9220007 James Kerrigan Derries, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-7746938 John G Kerrs Drimard, Frosses, Inver, Co. Donegal 087-6938254 Patrick McGarrigle Carricknahorna, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 087-6498495 John Walsh Rockhill, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-6786466 William P Walsh Lisminton, Ballintra, Co. Donegal 087-9525800 James Waugh Laheen, Cavangarden, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal 087-2507668 GALWAY Martin Bermingham Imanemore, Barnaderg, Co. Galway 087-1235333 Michael Jennings Cahergal, Tuam, Co. Galway 087-2198917 Francis Lyons Kilgerril, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 087-6291482 Th omas & Th erese O’Brien Barnaboy, Turloughmore, Co. Galway 087-6550198 2nd Edition Page 37 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. IRISH AUBRAC SOCIETY

County Name Address Phone Michael O’Flatharta Baile an Chaisleain, Inis Th iar Arainn, Co Galway 087-9745848 Brendan O’ Malley Bohesial, Recess, Co. Galway 086-8566352 KERRY Michael Delaney Tullig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry 087-2342568 James Doherty Scrahanagullane, Rathmore, Co. Kerry 087-2734546 Michael Foley Mausrour, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Co. Kerry 086-6043858 Michael McAuliff e Fahaduff , Castleisland, Co. Kerry 087-2566364 KILDARE Adrian King Barley Hill, Grangenolvin, Athy, Co. Kildare 086-2577269 Kim McCall Calverstown House, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare 086-3451373 Henry Milligan Robertstown, Naas, Co. Kildare 087-2661636 KILKENNY John Hassett Whitehall, Rathkieran, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny 051-895242 Michael Hennessy Hoodsgrove, via New Ross, Co. Kilkenny 086-3994751 James Murphy Clara Castle, Higginstown, Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny 056-7759751 P. John Pollard Dama Lr, Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny 086-3041802 Michael Tennyson Woodstock, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny 087-9338135 LAOIS Patrick Bolton Th e Strand, Ballickmoyler, Co. Laois 0878054460 R. Mark Onions Borris House, Portlaoise, Co. Laois 087-7962414 James & Suzette Phelan Westfi eld, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois 087-2619763 Eamonn Rigney Brocca, Clonaslee, Co. Laois 087-2687946 John Ryan Kilmartin, Borris-in-Ossory, Co. Laois 087-2445492 LEITRIM Michael Heslin Drumgrania, Gortlettragh, Mohill, Co. Leitrim 086-3325496 LIMERICK Martin McAuliff e Hillview Hse., Meenoline, Templeglantine, Co. Limerick 087-6118049 LONGFORD Bernard Casey Ohill, Drumlish, Co. Longford 086-2115317 Matthew Casey Cartrongoland, Drumlish, Co. Longford 086-6099910 Michael Hanlon Ballinroey, Dring, Co. Longford 087-2709318 MAYO James Cawe Derryfadd, Taugheen,Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-0554933 Michael Cawe Claremorris Road, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo 087-2560927 Ann Conroy Lissartava, Hollymount, Co Mayo 086-0717934 Joseph Cunnane Derrybrack, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo 087-2973010 Michael J Dillon Cullintragh, Ballintubber, Claremorris Co Mayo 094-9030976 Martin Gallagher Aughadeffi n, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo 086-8523951 Shane Gallagher Aughadeffi n, Kilkelly, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo 087-1343595 Declan Glynn Towerhill, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 086-7852589 Michael Hanley Claremount, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-2847856 Christine Hannon Annefi eld, Hollymount, Co. Mayo 087-2300403 Th omas Heneghan Farnane, Tulrahan, Claremorris Co. Mayo 086-0614536 Joseph Killeen Ballinchalla, Th e Neale, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-6600332 Michael Lenehan Killaturley, Swinford, Co. Mayo 087-6392850 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 38 2nd Edition ACTIVE MEMBERS 2012

County Name Address Phone Harry Mahon Purranes, Hollymount, Co. Mayo 087-6184884 John Meeneghan Derrassa, Shrah, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 086-8352851 Mary Roche Ballaghadalla, Killala, Co. Mayo 087-6428291 Richard Staunton Tawnagh, Shrah, Claremorris, Co. Mayo 087-2705909 MEATH Joseph Meade Rathbran Church, Lobinstown, Navan, Co. Meath 087-2465606 MONAGHAN Douglas Deering Aughareagh, Drum, Co. Monaghan 086-2989605 John Nolan Coolskeagh, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan 086-3189221 OFFALY Brid Collison Barna, Dunkerrin, Birr, Co. Off aly 087-2623725 Patrick J Keeney Coolnahiley, Tullamore Co. Off aly 086-8925588 Fintan Dunne Clondonnell, Blue Ball, Tullamore, Co. Off aly 087-9668689 ROSCOMMON Peter Forde Loughill, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon 094-9640115 SLIGO Sean McMorrow Urlar, Carney, Co. Sligo 087-2042685 TIPPERARY James Delaney Ballymackeogh, Newport, Co. Tipperary 061-378162 Seamus Delaney Ballymackeogh, Newport, Co. Tipperary 061-378162 Noel Farrell Rathgallen, Golden, Cashel, Co. Tipperary 087-9558446 George D Hayes Finnoe Hse, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary 086-8204780 Paul McCann Mullinoly, Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary 087-9266755 Patrick Rea Gurtdrum, Tipperary, Co. Tipperary 086-0578971 Francis Ryan Cragg, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary 087-2595996 Noel Stokes Cooleen, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary 087-4182836 Donal Quinlan Cullenwaine, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary 086-3820117 WESTMEATH Shane Bowers Shrubbywood, Coole, Co. Westmeath 087-9836950 Francis Butler Culvin, Streete, Co. Westmeath 086-1647442 Francis Donohoe Johnstown, Collinstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 087-2518332 Brendan & Patricia Mulligan Balroe, Ballynacargy, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 086-0643456 Joseph Savage Mornington, Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath 086-8498862 WEXFORD John & Bridget Barron Th e Leap, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 087-2730243 Philip Becker Landscape Farm, New Ross, Co. Wexford 087-9074799 Robert Furlong Misterin Hse, Adamstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 087-9445580 Philomena O’Neill Killilane, Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford 087-2052393 WICKLOW James Byrne Merville, Colbinstown via Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow 087-0567053 Paul Grace Uppertown, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow 087-7970454 Alfred Hanbidge Beechdale, Stratford-on-Slaney, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow 087-7832068 Kelly Stevenson Coolmoney, Donard, Co. Wicklow 087-4147834 Ernest & Lionel Mackey Ballinclea House, Donard, Co. Wicklow 087-6737341 P.J. & Laurence McGrath Whitestown, Stratford-on-Slaney, Co. Wicklow 087-9863311 2nd Edition Page 39 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. BBallincleaallinclea AUBRACS

Visitors Welcome

Th e herd is full symbol organic.

Heifers and bulls normally for sale.

Current Stock Bull: Dreylands Fred by Causse Ureinou out of B. Crueize Ramita. 5 Stars. Suckler Beef Value Index EUR121 Ballinclea Aubracs 045-404973

Ernest and Lionel Mackey

Ballinclea Aubracs, Ballinclea House, Donard, Co. Wicklow

Ballinclea Blaze by Calverstown Sarawak out of Jeannine Batifol Sarita by Obelix. Th is is the type of maternal cow that we are breeding.

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 40 2nd Edition Ballinclea AAUBRACSUBRACS

Our aim is to breed hardy docile maternal cattle with good milking ability, using blood lines from the Batifol herd in France and the bulls Remus, Obelix, Harpon and Ushuaia.

Part of the Ballinclea Aubrac Herd

www.ballincleafarm.com

Ernest 087-6737341

Lionel 087-9970988

[email protected]

Ballinclea Duke - Male Aubrac Champion, Kilkenny Beef Expo 2008

2nd Edition Page 41 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. MY AUBRAC X HEIFER AND ME!

In August 2011, Catherina Cunnane won an Aubrac X Limousin heifer in the Farmers Journal Heifer and Hogget Competition. Here is her story. “I was very excited when I opened the Farmers At 2 p.m. the winners were about to be announced Journal and saw that there would be an Aubrac and I had my eye on the Aubrac. Two winners X Limousin heifer for the competition in 2011, were called out and I was feeling I would be sponsored by the Irish Aubrac Society! I had going home without a Heifer. Next thing I heard fi rst been introduced to Aubrac Cattle by Francis Justin saying my name ‘Catherina Cunnane’. I Donohoe from Johnstown in Westmeath and was completely shocked. I went up on the stand knew what a great breed they were. With an and was lucky enough to pick the ‘Aubrac’ scroll. Aubrac in the competition I was defi nitely going It was pure luck. I knew well she would fi t in very to enter and I was going to try and do the best! well with all our Aubracs at home. I met John Deane, the breeder of my new Heifer. I got my During the three weeks before Tullamore Show photo taken and it was printed in the Farmers 2011, I answered three farming questions. My Journal the next week. Dad and Mum were wondering why I was taking a load of photos and doing a lot of typing. Since the Heifer Competition, I have joined It all seemed very clear to them when I got a the Irish Aubrac Society. We have now a herd surprise phone call from Shirley Busteed, Th e of Pedigree & Cross-bred Aubracs. We decided Pedigree Editor of the Farmers Journal. She said to call our herd ‘Derrybrack Aubracs’. I like the I had made it as a short-listed candidate. I was delighted. Th e Day of the Tullamore Show arrived (Sunday 14th of Aug) and we got up early and headed from Derrybrack, Kilkelly, County Mayo to the Tullamore showgrounds. We arrived early and we had a look around. First we went to visit the Aubrac Cattle and then the Heifer Competition stand. 11 o’clock came and it was time for the questions from the judges from the Breed Societies. I was interviewed by Ernest Mackey, a member of the Irish Aubrac Society Council, and Tullabelle in 2012 two other Judges. Justin McCarthy described the Aubrac Breed very much. I think they are the judges as the ‘Dragons’ from ‘Dragons Den’. Breed for the Future. Th e Aubrac are easy calved, easy fed and easy managed. Even better the Cows calve easily and go back in-calf quickly again. Th e Aubrac Cows are excellent mothers. Th ey have small but very lively calves. Th ey have very good kill-out results, with the Aubrac and Aubrac Crosses easily grading U’s and E’s. Th e Aubrac and Aubrac crosses are also in high demand for export. Th e Aubrac X Culard Charolais are an exceptionally good cross. I can defi nitely see myself with Aubrac Cattle in the future. Th ursday the 5th of July, marked a huge event Catherina, John Deane and Tullabelle for Derrybrack Aubracs. A French A.I. specialist Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 42 2nd Edition named Philippe came to our farm. He had a highly rated Johnstown Aubrac Herd. Frank is look through all our pedigree Aubrac Cows and 5 star rated within breed and across breed with a Heifers and told us about their breeding. He had SBV of €130. I’m looking forward to Tullabelle a look through their pedigree certs and suggested calving within the next few weeks. I thank the top French AI Aubrac Bulls to give them. Irish Aubrac Society very much for sponsoring Tullabelle. And I look forward to the years ahead Tullabelle, the heifer I won, is now in-calf to working closely with Th e Society and promoting our stockbull ‘Johnstown Frank 6014’ from the the ‘Breed of the Future’.” Derrybrack Aubracs

DERRYBRACK, AGHAMORE, BALLYHAUNIS, CO.MAYO Email: [email protected] Catherina 087 7706314 or Joseph 087 2973010 www.derrybrackaubracs.yolasite.com Twitter: @Aubracs Facebook: Derrybrack Aubracs

Johnstown Denise 5804 and her Al Aubrac Bull Calf out of Turin (TIN) INSET: ‘Tullabelle’ won by Catherina Cunnane (Derrybrack Aubracs) in the Irish Farmers’ Journal Heifer and Hogget Competition 2011. From John Deane’s Aubrac herd. 2nd Edition Page 43 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. BUTLERSGIFT AUBRACS Established 1996

Breeding Top Quality Males and Females

“I am very impressed with the kill out of Aubrac cattle, the meat producing a ﬂ avour of its own.” You will be impressed.

A selection Easily of Males Maintained and Animals Females Visitors For Sale Welcome

John Deane, Butlersgift, Drimoleague, Co. Cork Tel: 087 9261776 or 028 31443

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 44 2nd Edition HOW AUBRACS FIRST CAME TO IRELAND

THE STORY OF ADAM!

It was in 1990 that Seán O’Driscoll, a farmer from Skibbereen in Co. Cork, fi rst read about Aubracs. Th eir feed effi ciency, easy calving and easy fi nishing qualities interested him. In 1991, Seán travelled to a Royal Agricultural Show in the United Kingdom where he saw Aubrac cattle on display. It was love at fi rst sight and Seán, along with his cousin Derry O’Driscoll, made the decision to import 10 embryos, at the cost of £800 per embryo. from Coolnagurrane Adam. Th e feedback Seán travelled to the UK once more and was overwhelmingly positive. A butcher in collected the embryos while Derry monitored Skibbereen, Tom Walsh, bought an Aubrac and prepared the heifers that would subsequently heifer for killing and was amazed at the amount carry the embryos to term. Out of the 10 embryos, of high quality meat that came off the animal. He 4 developed to term and arrived safely, in 1992, as too subsequently became an Aubrac breeder! small, lively healthy purebred Aubrac calves. Out of the 4 calves, there were 3 bulls and 1 heifer! In a separate part of the country, Kim amd Mireille McCall from Kildare, imported a group Th e fi rst bull calf that arrived was aptly named of maiden and in-calf heifers in 1996. Finally, a Coolnagurrane Adam and he was offi cially the small but dedicated group of breeders, including fi rst Aubrac in Ireland! those already mentioned, got together and Derry got Coolnagurrane Adam, along with formed the national Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed the second bull calf born, Coolnagurrane Abel, Society Limited in 1998. into the Tully Test station. Th ey both achieved good results with an overall Beef Merit Index fi gure of 112 and 104 respectively. Coolnagurrane Abel was sold and went to Cape Clear Island where he was prolifi c and produced high quality off spring. Derry O’Driscoll worked hard to get Coolnagurrane Adam into South Western Cattle Breeding, Bandon AI, where 2500 straws were taken from him. Derry and Seán set up a small local Aubrac Society and sought feedback from those who had bought straws Coolnagurrane Adam and Derry O’Driscoll 2nd Edition Page 45 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. CCalverstownalverstown AAubracsubracs

MUDGEE: (heifer), and 5 bulls sold Mudgee was born in the Cantal as sires on pedigree and commercial mountains in 1996 on the farm of Pierre herds. 90% of her progeny that has Boulat. She is in 2012 rearing her 14th been slaughtered to date has graded U. calf. Her calving interval is 366 days. She has spent her last 8 winters out with Her progeny includes the 2004 overall the other 5 horned cows and she is now Aubrac champion at Tullamore Show back in calf again.

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 46 2nd Edition The herd was started in 1996 with the fi rst We are now at a stage, where we are French imports into Ireland of 6 maiden fi ne tuning from within a closed herd, heifers and 3 in-calf heifers. Today we following a limited, selected, number Calverstown have around 60 pure bred registered of bloodlines, to achieve our goal of a cows. This has entailed a lot of selection totally homogenous herd which makes from within the herd. Our objective is selling and management much easier. to produce a quiet, deep, well fl eshed Aubracs cow which in turn will produce a quality The Aubrac cow can be beaten on any calf a year for at least 8 calvings, using a given trait but as a complete package is grass based diet. hard to beat.

COWS, HEIFERS AND BULLS FOR SALE ALL YEAR ROUND. Visitors always welcome. Kim McCall, Calverstown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare Tel : 045 485280

2nd Edition Page 47 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd.

Wagon Silage, Tedding and Rowing.

Baled Silage and Hedge Cutting

Slurry Spreading and Dung Spreading. Main Contractor to Merville, Barley Hill and Dreylands Aubrac. Wishing continued success in the future to the Aubrac Society.

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 48 2nd Edition AUBRACS FROM START TO FINISH

KILL OUT RESULTS FROM RICHARD GREENE SPRING 2012.

Aubrac bullocks slaughtered Slaney Meats Mid May 2012.

Tag Nbr D.O.B Grade Dead Weight 30755 12-12-09 U=3= 402 kg

70767 25-01-10 R+3- 379 kg

20770 02-02-10 U-3- 412 kg

70775 10-02-10 U-4- 402 kg

90777 12-02-10 R+3+ 438 kg

10778 12-02-10 U=3= 424 kg

20779 20-02-10 U=3+ 472 kg

10786 21-03-10 U-2+ 448 kg

30788 08-04-10 U-4- 427 kg

40789 16-04-10 R+2= 380 kg

70791 19-04-10 U=3= 367 kg

80792 20-04-10 R=2= 386 kg

90793 21-04-10 U-3= 439 kg

Th ese 13 animals were born and reared on the by an AI bull (Bayon), the others are by stock farm of Kim McCall in Co. Kildare. Each year bulls. Richard Greene has been fi nishing pure a certain number of bull calves are selected at Aubrac and Aubrac crosses over the years, on weaning and kept as potential breeding bulls. Th e his farm near Athy. Richard fi nishes an average rest of the bull calves are either sold through the of 200 bullocks a year mostly continental cross mart to Italian or Irish fi nishers, or direct to one breds and buys Aubracs when they are available. fi nisher as was the case for these. Th e cows are Th e animals are castrated soon after they are pure bred registered Aubrac (except for 30788 purchased and housed in November on straw whose mother is ½ Aubrac). Th ey are kept on an bedded sheds. During the fi rst winter they are extensive, cost conscious system. Th e cows are fed fed on ad-lib grass silage and 1 kilo per head of grass, hay or silage. Th ey do not get concentrates, a grain mix : barley (50%), citrus pulp, distillers even as young stock. Th e bull calves get 3 pounds and fl aked maize. For their second winter, until of meal a day for 5 weeks prior to weaning. Th e they are fi nished, they get 4 kg/head of the same average birth weight of these calves was 39 to mixture. During the summer, they are fed on 40 kilos and they were sold after weaning in grass only. What Richard appreciates about the October 2010 at an average weight of 320 kg. Aubrac is their good health, ease of fi nishing, Th ree of them are out of 2½ year old heifers excellent kill out and consistent results. Th e ((786-789-792), 755 is out of a 3 year old heifer consistency is achieved through breeding.

2nd Edition Page 49 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Ballintra, John Hamilton Brown Hall Estates Brown Tel: + ()  () + Tel: Co. Donegal, Ireland Donegal, Co. Mob: + ()  () + Mob: The Modern Suckling Breed Suckling Modern The Gameshooting Commercial Commercial A Also Also Brown Hall Pedigree Aubracs Pedigree Hall Brown • Low Maintenance • Low Calving • Easy Regularity • Calving • Longevity Meat • Quality High

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 50 2nd Edition SOME AUBRAC KILLOUT RESULTS

All fi gures taken from original factory documents, available on request.

Owner: James Byrne Factory: Kepak

Purebred bulls

Age Cold Kg Grade <24 months 353.3 U3 <24 months 386.1 E2 <24 months 377.8 U3 <24 months 350.4 U3 <24 months 394.4 U3 <24 months 388.6 E3 <24 months 436.6 E3

Owner: Bernard Casey Factory: Kepak

Purebred Bulls

Owner: Joseph Cunnane Age Cold KG Grade Factory: Dawn Meats <24 months 413.6 U3 <24 months 388.1 U3 Aubrac X Culard bull <24 months 399.4 U3 <24 months 404.2 U3 Age Cold Kg Grade <24 months 352.3 U3 14 months 451.19 E=2= <24 months 403.3 U4L <24 months 420.4 U3 <24 months 401.8 U3 <30 months 430.7 U3

2nd Edition Page 51 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. PParknareragharknareragh AAubracubrac HHerderd Mick McAuliffe, Fahaduff, Castleisland, Co. Kerry Contact Joe O’Connor on 086-8232466

A selection of Purebred Maiden Heifers and Bulls from French Bloodlines as well as Crossbred Heifers for sale

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 52 2nd Edition Owner: Mark Onions, Co. Laois

Crossbred Aubrac Weanling bulls sold off-farm out of British Friesian cross cows

DOB Date of Sale Live Weight 15/1/11 06/10/11 427kg 26/1/11 06/10/11 446kg 01/2/11 06/10/11 420kg 07/2/11 06/10/11 459kg

Owner: James Byrne Factory: Kepak

Aubrac X Heifers

Age Cold Kg Grade 36 months 411.6 U4 36 months 367.5 U4 Killaturley Aubracs MICHAEL LENEHAN, KILLATURLEY, SWINFORD, CO. MAYO Mobile: 087 6392850 Tel: 094 9251986

Introduced into Healthy animals, easy existing cattle herd in to fatten for weanling 2006 when 3 in-calf or factory sale and Aubrac heifers were easy to maintain. imported from France. Highly recommended. All heifers born since have been kept to Thanks to all the increase Aubrac herd. members of the Aubrac Society for Very easy to put in their help and advice calf and to calf. since 2006.

2nd Edition Page 53 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. LLiosios NaNa CoilleCoille OrganicOrganic AAubracubrac █ The breed is built on grass effi ciency. It is successful because it balances maternal and reproductive traits with muscle and forage-effi cient growth. Natural ability to thrive without supplementary feeding, which makes them suitable for organic farming. █ Calves are extremely lively and vigorous at birth, calve easily and nurse more quickly. █ High level of resistance to disease and fi rst in longevity. █ Achieve E & U grading.

AUBRAC, the right decision for your farm, the right decision for your family. For details, contact Michael Heslin, Drumgrania, Gortlettragh, Co. Leitrim. Tel: 071 9621313 / 086 3325496 Email: [email protected] Ardara Aubrac Herd Tullamore Show Champion Maiden Heifer 2011

Newly established Aubrac breeder since 2010 with the purchase of two females from John Walsh’s Rockhill Aubracs. Contact Joseph Brennan on 087 1202900 or 074 9735311 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 54 2nd Edition AI BULLS

PEDIGREE BREEDING development. Th e animals are chosen by a group of breeders appointed by the herd book and AI Th e Irish Aubrac Society keeps a selection of companies. 3 or 4 are picked by Midatest to go in straws available to Pedigree breeders. Th ese straws to AI and the rest are sold to breeders through are kept in NCBC, Enfi eld and have to be ordered the station (private sale and auction). Th e AI bulls from the Society’s offi ce. An up to date list of bulls are selected on: and catalogue are available and can be obtained from the Society’s offi ce (051 641106). Th e ◆ their mother; fertility; average calving current catalogue can be viewed on Sersia’s web interval; longevity; number of calvings; age site at www.sersia.fr at fi rst calving; milking ability; ease of calving. Th e Irish Aubrac society is organising along with ◆ the bull himself before entering the station; the French Herd-Book and ICBF a breeding date of birth - preferably mid December to program designed at identifying the best Aubrac mid March; genealogy; weight at weaning; cows in Ireland. Joining Herd-Plus has been made skeletal and muscular development; compulsory to obtain more accurate fi gures and functional ability. Must conform to the breed better reliability. Th e cows are chosen on their characteristics. fi gures and pedigree and are then matched by ◆ on the animal at the station; precocity; ability the French Herd-Book with selected French AI to show an adult format very quickly. Growth bulls. Th e resulting progeny should be of superior rate; weight for age; daily weight gain; genetic merit, the bull calves qualify to enter monthly weighing and scoring at intake and testing in Tully and the heifers become part of coming out of the station. the elite female herd. Some of the French AI bulls chosen for this program are: Roussel, Financier, ◆ Hardiness - feed effi ciency on rough forage - Eros, Bayon II and Dolby. ¾ of the ration is hay. Evaluation of the legs after being tied up (5 months on concrete). In France every year over one hundred Calving ability: internal measurement of the males are chosen for testing on pelvic opening. their individual performance: growth rate, conformation and functional characteristics. At CROSS-BREEDING: the end of the intake the index is calculated by INRA (French breeding institute) based on daily Aubrac bulls continue to prove themselves as sires weight gain, weight for age, muscular and skeletal of consistent good quality fi nishing stock with high grades and the maternal qualities of the breed make crossbred females valuable replacements for commercial herds. All major AI companies carry straws from Aubrac bulls that are appropriate for cross-breeding.

2nd Edition Page 55 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. DAVID TAYLOR ANIMAL NUTRITION Carrick Mill, Loughbawn, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Tel: 044-9666458 & 044-9666559 Fax: 044-9666934 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dtan.ie We manufacture and package powder, liquid and pelleted mineral supplements for Farmers and Feed Mills throughout Ireland, providing the nutritional demands of the Dairy, Beef, Pig, Sheep, Goat, Dog, Poultry and Horse industries.

Thank you to Francis Donohoe for the picture. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 56 2nd Edition Serres Ulette Urielle Shania ornhill ornhill Ukraine Reinette Th Th Angelique J.L. Batifol J.L. Brown Hall Brown Serres Unity Calverstown Acajou Ramon Ramon Ramon Tommy Tommy Sarawak

Sire name Dam name

Rick O’shea Rick O’shea Calverstown Calverstown Calverstown

depth (mm) depth

Ultrasonic Ultrasonic

muscle muscle

(mm)

Ultrasonic Ultrasonic

fat depth depth fat

(DMI/ADG) conversion

Food Food ciency ciency effi

intake

(kg/day)

Dry matter matter Dry

daily gain daily

(kg/day) Average wt. End wt. Start nal test results of 7 Aubrac Bulls that came out of Tully Bull Testing Station, Co. Kildare Co. Station, Testing Bull Tully Bulls that came out of of 7 Aubrac nal test results EXAMPLE TULLY TEST TEST RESULTS TULLY EXAMPLE e table below shows the fi Th Bull owner number Tag Breed DOB (kg) (kg) Sean O’Driscoll IE141305650504 AU 02/02/2008 447 632 2.1 10.9 5.2 2.31 88.0 Sean O’Driscoll IE141305650495 AU 19/01/2008 455 638 2.1 11.8 5.6 2.69 85.0 Michael McCall IE201038460691 AU 16/01/2008 432 640 2.4 10.7 4.5 2.69 83.8 Patrick McGarriglePatrick IE161578970327 AU 14/02/2008 382 580 2.3 9.9 4.3 2.36 86.5 Patrick McGarriglePatrick IE161578920339 AU 15/03/2008 345 518 2.0 9.5 4.8 2.0 76.4 Noel FarrellNoel IE341549410320 AU 29/12/2007 444 626 2.1 9.6 4.6 2.66 84.0 Perlou Ernest Mackey IE391055710811 AU 09/02/2008 429 606 2.0 9.6 4.8 3.2 90.7 2nd Edition Page 57 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd.

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R Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 58 2nd Edition CROSSBREEDER PROFILE HELL’S KETTLE ORGANIC FARM

Pat and Gavin Lynch from Co. Wicklow carry a herd of crossbred commercial sucklers. Th ey use an Aubrac bull and are adamant about the quality of stock and the effi ciency of feed conversion. Here’s what Gavin has to say: “Myself and my dad, Pat, farm about 40 hectares in Donard, Co. Wicklow. Ours is a mixed enterprise organic farm producing beef, turkeys, fruit and hazelnuts. We fi rst came across the Aubrac breed when visiting our neighbour, Ernest Mackey’s farm. We had just gotten out of dairying and into sucklers and were looking for an easy calving breed with a good temperament and Aubracs seemed to fi t the bill. We bought our fi rst bull from Paul Grace of Dunlavin in 2005 and haven’t looked back since. Our cows are a kind of ‘liquorice allsorts’ bunch in terms of breed. Th ey’re mostly Hereford or Aubrac cross but we’ve also got some Angus cross and some continentals. Th e Aubrac works brilliantly with all of them. Out of over 120 calvings, I could count on one hand the number of times a cow needed any attention. Th e most important factor around here is animal health and the Aubrac cross calves, although small initially, have great get-up and go and very quickly start to thrive. We farm organically and the ability to fi nish cattle without stuffi ng them with expensive meal is important to us. Our fi rst batch of heifers will be ready for the abattoir this autumn having received very little in the way of meal. Th is year we’ll be feeding just a little ration at weaning and then red clover silage throughout the winter and hope for similar results. We intend to sell our beef direct from the farm so the quality of our product will be hugely important. We’ll be fi nishing our cattle at more of a ‘butchers’ size, in or around 18 months of age. In terms of healthy, low maintenance and easily fi nished cattle, for my money, it’d be hard to beat the Aubrac cross.” Hell’s Kettle Organic Farm takes its name from the river that runs through the farm. Gavin and Pat sell their range of beef, turkeys and hazelnuts locally and online at www.hellskettle.ie , they also sell fruit direct from the farm and through Castleruddery Organic Farm.

2nd Edition Page 59 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. James and Deirbhíle Byrne Merville, Colbinstown, Co Kildare. Phone: 045403118 Mobile: 0870567053 Email: [email protected] Visitors always welcome.

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 60 2nd Edition CROSSBRED AUBRACS

Th e qualities that make Aubrac so special are not just present in Purebreds but their traits carry through in crossbreeding also. Easy calved, easy fed and easy fi nished stock with good grades and kill-outs are what crossbred Aubrac farmers enjoy about the breed. Pictured below are a selection of calves out of Charolais cross cows sired by a Purebred Aubrac bull. Th e bull, Coolnagurrane Danny, is also pictured. Th is stock is from the herd of Finbar O’Driscoll, Drinagh, Co. Cork. He notes that in excess of 75% of his bulls kill out as U grades, mostly U3, some 20% will grade R, while occasionally he achieves an E grade with his Aubrac cross stock.

2nd Edition Page 61 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ubbywood Aub Shr racs

Shrubbywood, Coole, Co.Westmeath (087)9836950 [email protected] DDamaama AAubracsubracs Est 2007

PJ POLLARD, DAMA, BALLYCALLAN, CO KILKENNY Tel: 086 1562154 Email: [email protected] PEDIGREE BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 62 2nd Edition CROSSBRED AUBRACS ywood A Shane Bowers, Shrubbywood, Coole, Co. Westmeath, runs a herd of commercial and purebred Aubracs. ubb ub At present, 50% of his herd is Purebred Aubrac with the rest being Aubrac crosses. Some of his Aubrac hr ra cross cows originated from Bandon Mart as three week old suck calves. Th ese have proved to be cs exceptional breeders, particularly when crossed with a 5 star Aubrac bull. Th e bull which Shane used on S the cows shown below was Johnstown Darragh 636, bred by Francis Donohoe. He rates 5 star within and across breed with a SBV of €156. He can be viewed on the ICBF website.

Th is cow, tag 426, is out of a Montbelliarde/Holstein cross cow and sired by an Aubrac bull. Her calf, pictured above right, tag 304, rates 5 star with a SBV of €100. Shane intends to keep this heifer for breeding.

Th is cow, tag 646, is out of a Holstein cow sired by an Aubrac bull, Th ornhill Ultan, who was originally bred by Seán O’Driscoll, Skibbereen. She has a SBV value of €125. Her heifer calf, pictured above right, again out of Johnstown Darragh 636, rates 5 star with a SBV of €141. See below.

2nd Edition Page 63 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. AUBRAC CHAMPIONS AND RESERVES RESULTS TULLAMORE SHOWS 2009 CHAMPION: Ugracieuse 2010 Reserve Champion: Ugracieuse Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Owned by Mr. Michael Hanlon, Dring, Dring, Co. Longford Co. Longford

2009 Reserve Champion: Ballinclea Campeur 2011 CHAMPION: Johnstown Bernadette Owned by Mr Ernest Mackey, Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Ballinclea, Donard, Co. Wicklow Co. Westmeath

2010 CHAMPION: Rockhill Eve 2011 Reserve Champion: Rockhill Eve Owned by Mr J Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal TULLAMORE PEDIGREE SHOW & SALE 2010 CHAMPION: Adamstown Daisy 2011 CHAMPION: Cairnhill Go-On Owned by Mr. Leo Dooley, Clonegal, Owned by Mr Bernard Casey, Drumlish, Co. Carlow Co. Longford

2010 Reserve Champion: Cairnhill Everett, 2011 Reserve Champion: Johnstown Frank 849. Owned by Mr Bernard Casey, Drumlish, Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Longford Co. Westmeath VIRGINIA SHOWS 2008 CHAMPION: Ugracieuse 2010 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 636 Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Dring, Co. Longford Co. Westmeath

2009 Champion: Ugracieuse 2010 Reserve Champion: Jouve Vera Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Dring, Co. Longford Co. Westmeath

2009 Reserve Champion: Venice 2011 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 636 Owned by Mr John Walsh, Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Ballintra, Co. Donegal Co. Westmeath

2011 Reserve Champion: Jouve Vera Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath ATHLONE SHOW 2012 CHAMPION: Jouve Vera 2012 Reserve Champion: Johnstown Denise Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Owned by Mr Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Co. Westmeath Co. Westmeath

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 64 2nd Edition AUBRAC CHAMPIONS AND RESERVES RESULTS BEEF EXPO 2008 Female & OVERALL CHAMPION: 2008 Male Reserve Champion: Ballintra Dale Venice Owned by Mr John Walsh, Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal Ballintra, Co. Donegal 2010 CHAMPION: Johnstown Emma 14 2008 Female Reserve & Overall Reserve Owned by Mr. Francis Donohoe, Collinstown, Champion: Hazelwood Carissa Co. Westmeath Owned by Mr Michael Hanlon, Dring, Co. Longford 2010 Reserve Champion: Rockhill Fawn Owned by Mr John Walsh, Ballintra, 2008 Male Champion: Ballinclea Duke Co. Donegal Owned by Mr Ernest Mackey, Donard, Co. Wicklow GOFFS / RDS SHOW 2003 2003 CHAMPION: Rockhill Trinkle 2003 Reserve: Rockhill Trickster Owned by Edward Walsh, Owned by Mr Edward Walsh, Ballintra, Co. Donegal Ballintra, Co. Donegal

2nd Edition Page 65 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd.

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Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 66 2nd Edition HELPFUL HINTS FOR NEW BREEDERS BEFORE YOU BUY BOUGHT IN ANIMALS

Make sure you know enough about the breed If the animals have been bought in from France before choosing your animals. send in the French pedigree certifi cates of the animals you want to register. Th e onus is on the Read the following registrations conditions to breeder to provide a covering cert for in calf make sure you have all the relevant documentation animals, but the Society can often help. Animals to transfer your new animals in your name with not already registered with the Society (imports) the Society and register their progeny without have to be named. Th e name has to start with problems. the letter matching the animal’s year of birth: JOINING THE SOCIETY 2009=E; 2010=F; 2011=G; 2012=H; 2013=I; and so on. Simply write the name of your choice on You will fi nd 2 forms attached - the original cert. One is your membership application form. Your If the animals have been bought in Ireland, make Herd-Book name is the prefi x you will give to sure they have already been fully registered with your calves’ names for example: “Calverstown” the Society to avoid possible late registration Arrow. problems and return their brown pedigree cert to the offi ce for transfer to your name. For in calf Th e other is an ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding animals you will have to provide a covering cert Federation) form to join Animal Events signed by the previous owner to certify what bull (compulsory) through which your registrations covered the cow, or an AI docket if she has been will be processed. inseminated. Also make sure the stock bull used Fill in these 2 forms and return to the Society has been DNA tested otherwise your calves will along with a cheque for €65 in payment of not be eligible for registration. As for imported your membership. Please note, to encourage animals, send in the certs for transfer in to your breeders to join before the beginning of 2010 own name. (so everything is in place before spring calving starts) all new memberships paid from the 1st of REGISTRATIONS September also include the following year. Bought in animals have to be registered as Your membership application will be presented at explained above, and calves through animals the next Council meeting and on acceptance, you events. Invoices will be sent to you when the will receive a set of Herd Book rules and a Share registrations have come through. Pedigree Certifi cate (value € 1). certifi cates will be issued by Deerpark Farm Services when all documentation is in order and ‘All calves, pedigree or not, will be registered monies are paid. through the ICBF. Giving a name to a calf will trigger its registration as a pedigree animal. Please Th e Irish Aubrac Herd Book is now kept by do not name an animal which you do not wish Deerpark Farm Services. All paperwork and to register as a cost of naming will automatically enquiries concerning registration should be be incurred to the Society. Both Parents of the addressed to Angela Lacey, Deerpark Farm calf must be registered with the Society before Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary. the calf can be registered. AI dockets must be Tel: 051 641106; Fax: 051 641825 forwarded to Deerpark Farm Services. If the sire is a stock bull he MUST be DNA/parentage Email: [email protected] tested, preferably before he serves. DNA kits are or [email protected] available from Deerpark Farm Services.

2nd Edition Page 67 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 68 2nd Edition IRISH AUBRAC CATTLE BREED SOCIETY LTD.

Registrations handled by: Deerpark Farm Services, Carrick On Suir, Co. Tipperary www.aubrac.ie Tel: 051 641106 Fax: 051 641825 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

I, undersigned, hereby apply for membership of the above named Co-operative. I agree to make full payment of any annual subscription and service fees required by the rules of the Co-operative. I agree to be legally bound by the terms and conditions of each of the Society, Membership and Herd Book rules. Name of applicant:

Address of applicant:

Telephone number: Mobile number:

Signature of applicant: Date:

HERD BOOK NAME

First choice:

Second choice:

Herd number of applicant:

Herd identifi cation: IE

form continued overleaf…

2nd Edition Page 69 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. ANIMAL EVENTS ICBF

To whom it may concern,

I………………………………………………. Request that the Department of Agriculture and Food make available a copy of my herd’s calf registration data, centralised movements monitoring system data (CMMS) and other relevant cattle breeding data to Irish Cattle Breeding Federation for the purpose of the National Cattle Breeding Database. Data from other organisations (for my herd) may also be forwarded to ICBF. I understand that such information will be stored in the ICBF cattle breeding database and will be used for the purpose of cattle breeding activities. My mobile number is:

My phone number is:

Th e BTE Herd number(s) that relate to my farming enterprise is/are:

Country letter 6 Digit Herd Number Check Digit e.g. D101011 5

Yours sincerely,

……………………………………(signature) Date:…………………………………….

Member’s name:

Please indicate those organisations to whom you wish to grant access to data relating to your herd: Breed Society Herd Preﬁ x (if applicable) AUBRAC

Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Page 70 2nd Edition Shhaneane Boowerswers Coontractingntracting SHRUBBYWOOD FARM, COOLE, CO.WESTMEATH Phone: (087) 9836950 or (087) 4107041 Email: [email protected]

SPECIALISING IN: ◆ Slatted Tanks ◆ Land reclamation ◆ Groundswork ◆ Drainage ◆ Site preparation ◆ Concrete works SHOWS & SALES Th e Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. AANNUALNNUAL PEDIGREEPEDIGREE SSALEALE Takes place at the Tullamore Show on 27th October 2012 and in October each year. A free catalogue is available from the offi ce - please call 051 641106 to order your copy. See www.aubrac.ie for details and you can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Aubracs are on show every year at the Tullamore Show, Virginia Show, Athlone Show and the National Ploughing Championships

2nd Edition Page 71 Irish Aubrac Cattle Breed Society Ltd. Cavern Design Printing www.cavern.net