Record Dairy Heifer Shipment Sets Sail from Ireland to Algeria

The largest shipment of pedigree Holstein Friesian in-calf heifers to date set sail for Algeria from Belview port in south Kilkenny yesterday. Orchestrated by Cows.ie, the consignment included 2,100 top-class heifers set to embark on a five-day journey to their new home in Algeria.

"This was the biggest shipment of pedigree in-calf heifers to leave Ireland," a representative from Cows.ie stated, highlighting the burgeoning market in Algeria for high-quality breeding stock.

The heifers were loaded onto a vessel aptly named the ‘Shorthorn Express’, which will transport them to serve as prime milk producers on Algerian dairy farms. This shipment follows a prior consignment of 1,000 heifers last January.

The Cows.ie managing director emphasized the significant market potential for dairy heifers, noting, "There is a tremendous market for dairy heifers, not just in Algeria, but across North Africa and Europe."

Supported by the Irish Holstein Frisian Association (IHFA), the shipments adhere to strict standards set by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), with only four ships equipped to operate under these guidelines.

The continued demand for Irish heifers is bolstered by Ireland’s bluetongue-free status, which contrasts with the challenges faced by other European countries.