Calving to best effect
Calving to best effect
TIGHTER management of first calving heifers is helping a Perthshire producer make sure they achieve their genetic potential.
Matthew Mauchlen, manager of Ben Challum Farms, Crieff, puts Simmental cross Luing heifers to the bull to calve at 22 months old. A rigorously controlled eight-week calving period allows time for heifers to rest before going back in to the breeding cycle.
Calving starts at the end of March, coinciding with improved weather, which reduces stress in late pregnancy, says Mr Mauchlen.
In good weather the number of assisted calvings falls from an average of 15 to an average of three each year for the 150-cow suckler herd.
"About 90% of heifers calve in the eight-week period. By keeping it tight, they have an extra month on grass to continue to grow and improve body condition before going back to the bull."
Improving body condition before the reproductive cycle restarts cuts the risk of heifer growth being reduced due to the excessive demand on body reserves from calving onwards.
Mr Mauchlen warned that if that happens, the heifer is unlikely to ever achieve its genetic potential.
Good management means heifers achieve their genetic potential at Ben Challum – Matthew Mauchlen.