Dairy producers can still improve
Dairy producers can still improve
conception rates
By Richard Allison
A RECENT study revealed dairy conception rates of 52%, considerably below the NMR recommended target of 60%. However, some producers are achieving 70% by paying extra attention to heat detection, record keeping and herd health.
Kingshay Farming Trust collected individual records detailing all services and calving dates of 6000 cows and heifers on 40 dairy farms across the south-west in an effort to determine the true level of fertility on UK farms.
Based on previous studies, Kingshay project manager James Hague expected results to be low. "Although producers may believe their herds are doing better than this, mis-recording of service dates means conception rates are often overestimated.
Careful record keeping plays a key role in improving fertility, believes Mr Hague. "Soon after cows calve, begin to monitor cyclicity. Observing and recording each oestrus will highlight cows with irregular cycles which can be presented to a vet in good time. Where cows are difficult to observe, using tail paint will help.
One herd with few such problems is run by Paul Warren at Gays Farm, Devon. It was one of the studys top herds with a conception to first service rate approaching 70%, a calving interval of about 385 days and calving to conception length of 90 days.
Success is not down to one factor alone, but getting a number of things right appears to boost fertility for the 121 cows, averaging 7000 litres, says Mr Warren.
"Heat detection is important and is undertaken as much as possible, particularly when cows are housed in winter. During summer, when they are outside, we rely more on Kamar heat detectors."
Monthly visits by the vet are also used to check on fertility by identifying problems such as ovarian cysts. During winter, regular foot trimming is also done by contractors because lame cows are less likely to show signs of oestrus.
"Record keeping is essential to maintain good fertility. It indicates which cows should be bulling at a certain time, allowing you to target cows for observation.
"Nutrition is also a key factor. Fertility and body condition are taken into consideration when formulating rations. Energy supply must be sufficient to meet production and maintain cows in a fertile state," he adds. *
Kingshay survey results
Average
Herd size 113
305 day yield (kg) 6854
Calving interval (days) 389
Days to 1st service 82
% conception to first service 52
Calving to conception (days) 106
Good heat detection helps increase coq conception rates up to 70% on some farms, says James Hague.