Relaxed suckler cull puts profits at risk
Relaxed suckler cull puts profits at risk
Relaxed suckler cull puts profits at risk
By Jonathan Riley
TEMPTATIONS to keep non-productive suckler cows must be resisted, despite low returns for culls, to ensure calving periods are kept tight.
That is the view of suckler producer Richard Waddingham, whose 54 Hereford cross Friesian cows calve over a six- to eight-week period from August at his 225ha (555-acre) arable, beef farm at Melton Constable, Norfolk.
"We must maintain a performance-based culling policy to achieve a tight calving period because all progeny must be sold as suckled calves by the end of May. This allows us more control over summer stocking rates for the cows. Also, even batches of calves sell better," says Mr Waddingham.
"If we allowed the calving period to slip the production stage would not match grass growth. Autumn calvers can go over condition causing fertility difficulties if allowed to graze lush summer grass."
He calves the herd in August, therefore, so that in the run up to calving, cow condition can be restricted by raising stocking rates to 2.5t/ha (1t/acre) during the period of low grass growth. Cows are split into three groups depending on condition and fed accordingly to ensure target condition at calving. After calving, cows are checked for retained placenta and given iodine pessaries to cut the risk of infection.
"It may otherwise take several heats for the placenta to separate, so reducing the chance of conception and, therefore, extending the calving period," says Mr Waddingham. The autumn grass flush can then be exploited to ensure all cows are in rising condition when the bull is turned in. High quality, 11.5 ME silage plus sugar beet tops are offered ad lib. "This is sufficient for foetal growth and to produce 1.5 gals of milk a day," he says.
Extra care is given to first calvers which are prone to bullying. They are allowed more space to ensure intakes are high enough for production and for their own growth.
Phosphorus powder is also offered. Phosphorus plays a role in egg implantation and the cow is more likely to return if phosphorus is deficient, he explains.
Two bulls are then used. These are checked carefully for signs of disease, and back and feet problems, particularly for the Limousin which is hired in to serve heifers.
The two bulls are alternated, with the first replaced after 21 days. "This allows one bull to recuperate and ensures that he is fresh when turned in.
"Limiting the calving period also depends on taking the bull out at the right stage. Otherwise less fertile cows could be conceiving out of synch with the rest of the herd and the economics of autumn production fail," he adds. *
Breeding is carefully managed at Melton Constable to ensure compact calving.
COMPACT AUTUMN CALVING
• Aim for a short dry period.
• Limit condition up to calving.
• Manage first calvers carefully.
• Change bulls every 21 days.