Herd Information
History
The Melbreak herd was established in October 2000, just before James started at the Royal (Dick) Vet College, Edinburgh. The Ashhollow herd was established in July 2000 by Alison. In November 2006, following marriage and a move to Northern Ireland, the two herds were amalgamated and the decision was made to continue the Melbreak prefix.
As well as the cattle at home, we own and run a veterinary clinic in the centre of Omagh, which accounts for most of our time. Due to the constraints of work, this has insisted on us keeping a small, manageable herd, that allows us to enjoy our passion for Limousin cattle, without being too demanding of our time.
The herd takes its name from one of West Cumbria's most prominent and well known fell's "Melbreak". James was born in West Cumbria, hence, the link!
As well as the cattle at home, we own and run a veterinary clinic in the centre of Omagh, which accounts for most of our time. Due to the constraints of work, this has insisted on us keeping a small, manageable herd, that allows us to enjoy our passion for Limousin cattle, without being too demanding of our time.
The herd takes its name from one of West Cumbria's most prominent and well known fell's "Melbreak". James was born in West Cumbria, hence, the link!
Farm
The farm is situated on the outskirts of the village of Dromore, seven miles from the busy market town of Omagh in the west of Northern Ireland. The farm consists completely of permanent pasture to provide silage and hay for the cattle during the winter months and with plenty of grazing during the summer.
Herd
The main aim of the herd is to run a small number of select breeding females, resulting in a regular turnout of high quality progeny. Emphasis in the herd is for naturally well muscled, clean middled cattle with good locomotion.
Due to the small number of breeding females, we have more time available to spend with the animals and we feel this has enhanced the temperament of our progeny.
We only have four breeding cows in the herd. We decided to keep cow numbers low in order to maintain the quality of the stock we aim to produce. This year we have retained four heifers from our best breeding lines as replacements for some of the older cows, as sadly, they won't live forever (although we wish they could!). The herd also aims to carry out embryo transfer programmes on at least three of the cows every year. This has enabled us to bring out a few more calves than we would have naturally, with our small herd size. We feel that this allows us to use a large range of sires every year and maximises the output of our best breeders.
Due to the small number of breeding females, we have more time available to spend with the animals and we feel this has enhanced the temperament of our progeny.
We only have four breeding cows in the herd. We decided to keep cow numbers low in order to maintain the quality of the stock we aim to produce. This year we have retained four heifers from our best breeding lines as replacements for some of the older cows, as sadly, they won't live forever (although we wish they could!). The herd also aims to carry out embryo transfer programmes on at least three of the cows every year. This has enabled us to bring out a few more calves than we would have naturally, with our small herd size. We feel that this allows us to use a large range of sires every year and maximises the output of our best breeders.
Herd Health
The Melbreak herd is currently on 1 year TB & Brucellosis testing interval as with the whole of Northern Ireland
Member of a CHeCS - Controlled Health Scheme for Johnes since 2007 and Accredited Free for Johnes since May 2012
Routinely Vaccinating against BVD Since 2007 and Accredited Free for BVD since November 2011
Member of NI Farm Quality Assurance Scheme.
Member of a CHeCS - Controlled Health Scheme for Johnes since 2007 and Accredited Free for Johnes since May 2012
Routinely Vaccinating against BVD Since 2007 and Accredited Free for BVD since November 2011
Member of NI Farm Quality Assurance Scheme.
Showing
Due to the constraints of "the day job" showing is limited to a few local shows. It is a mainly used as an excuse to socialise (for both the youngstock and ourselves!) We find it is invaluable preparation for the cattle before going to sales and also helps quieten them for ease of management at home.
