Dont go for full dairy profiles
Dont go for full dairy profiles
DESPITE a rise in fertility difficulties on many dairy farms, there is no need to carry out full metabolic profiles.
Cheshire vet Neil Howie of Wilson, McWilliam and Partners, says the poor signs of heat being seen, and a rise in negative pregnancy diagnoses, indicate poor nutrition.
But he advises against paying for metabolic profiles; current fertility concerns date back to when fresh calvers were on different diets.
When fresh calvers are on the same diet as those showing poor fertility now, however, metabolic profiles could reveal an energy imbalance at the critical stage of three to five weeks after calving. He would also consider profiling some dry cows and some being served now.
But he stresses that these can be mini-profiles of one or two parameters on six cows to indicate liver function at a cost of about £40, saving on the cost of full profiling.
Dorset-based independent nutrition consultant Mike Tame advises metabolic profiling only when production is poor, cows are losing weight or not bulling. In these circumstances a profile of cows between four and six weeks calved is useful. At this time the cows appetite should be picking up and she should be moving towards positive energy balance, if not the blood profile will highlight that.
But outside this period, he says, blood profiles will tell you little you would not already know.
"Before four weeks after calving that cow will be short of energy because her appetite is low," says Dr Tame. And after six weeks calved, production, body condition changes and signs of bulling, will indicate her status.
When concerned about fertility, check cows between four and six weeks calved – the most critical period for energy status – and possibly two weeks before calving. At least six cows need to be sampled. *