The Irish Moiled is one of our most distinctive cattle breeds. They are a hornless (polled) breed, red in colour and characteristically marked by a white line or ‘finching’ on the back and white under parts with red ears and red nose. But they can vary from white with red ears and nose to nearly all red. The face is often roan or flecked.
The name Moile (or Maol) is derived from the Gaelic language and relates to the distinctive dome or mound on top of the head.
They are of medium size (a mature cow can weigh up to 650kg) and are generally easy to handle with a placid docile temperament. Animals are also easily maintained on less acreage and less concentrate than most other cattle breeds.
The Irish Moiled Cow can be relied upon to produce a calf every 12 months if kept in good health and body condition and is running with a bull. Artificial insemination is also successful. They will calve to a continental bull without difficulty and have sufficient milk to do a good job with the cross calf. They will continue to breed satisfactorily until at least ten years of age. Many have continued to 15 years and beyond.
Tradition has it that they are “big bellied” to consume and digest large quantities of poorer quality forage which was their traditional diet. They are ready browsers, especially of willow ash and ivy, which makes them ideal in extensive or conservation grazing situations.
In the dairy ,yields of up to 5000 liters are being recorded on these extensive systems. In the suckler herd the cow will “milk off her back” to give the calf the best start in life.
They are sound in hoof and leg and at home on most types of terrain. Moileds grow a thick winter coat and out-winter happily although being a heavy animal they will ‘poach’ soft ground.. Silage/hay will be needed for out-wintering in most situations. Mineral supplements are advisable although concentrates should not be required unless cows start winter with no fat on their backs.
Female calves are either retained within the herd or find a ready market with other breeders of pedigree Irish Moileds.
Irish Moiled bulls are normally of an excellent temperament making their use in even the smallest herds commonplace. They are extremely hardy and alert in the herd from an early age.
The Moile bull can be used on suckler herds as a ‘maternal sire’ to produce easy kept, milky, nicely marked heifer replacements.
Content and Photo Source:
The Irish Moiled Cattle Society
About Irish Moiled Cattle
