Dairy heifer fertility: Peter Mills, Sutton Manor Farm, Winchester
Peter Mills, Sutton Manor Farm, Winchester
Minimising stress, correct nutrition and record keeping are all key to maximising heifer fertility, according to Hampshire heifer rearer Peter Mills.
And with this in mind, Mr Mills is achieving 69% conception rates to first service with sexed semen in the 90 Holstein heifers reared for a local producer.
“Because heifers are served to sexed semen, getting high conception rates is vital, considering the high investment made,” he says.
And observing bulling heifers is critical for achieving good heat detection rates, he says.
Oestrus detection
“It’s important to take the time to observe cow behaviour, because every animal tends to have slightly different behaviour at oestrus.”
Stock are observed for two set half hour periods at the beginning and end of the day, as well as on and off throughout the day.
All heifers are also observed three weeks prior to service so the farm has a bulling date in mind. “We have a spreadsheet of heifers listed in groups and can easily record when animals are seen bulling.
“The farm we rear for wants animals served at a minimum of 350kg with stock to calving at a minimum age of 23 months.”
And to ensure this target is achieved, the recording sheet includes a date for the earliest possible service for that animal and their last recorded weight.
Records are put up on a wall close to the heifers so all stockman can see which animals are in heat.
Stress
“I think low stocking rate is also a major factor to improved oestrus detection and reduced stress,” he says.
In fact, Mr Mills views reduced stress as one of the main influencers to fertility. “Stress levels are as important as getting the ration right and have a major effect on whether heifers hold to service.
“We place a strong emphasis on being quiet with stock and have a good system for drafting out – we have done everything we can to make life easier for handlers and stock.” And using a skilled and calm AI technician is just as important.