Reproductive targets continue to fall short
Reproductive targets continue to fall short
By Hannah Velten
UK dairy producers, operating block and all-year-round calving systems, are having major difficulties getting cows back in calf, according to preliminary results from an MDC-funded study.
Pasture to Profit consultant Tom Phillips, who is conducting the work under the £1000 for a 1000 cows initiative, has based his survey of more than 6000 cows on last years calving.
"Very few discussion group members questioned were achieving their own business goals for reproductive management targets. Most had serious problems," says Mr Phillips.
"The in-calf rate of the first six weeks was on average less than 50% and there were more than 10% of cows still not in calf after 21 weeks. Thats seven reproductive cycles."
The survey also indicates that only 55% of heifers got in calf during the first three weeks of service. He compares this figure with Australian and New Zealand data, showing producers consistently achieving 75% of heifers in calf during the first three weeks of service.
"The UKs huge spread of heifer calving probably indicates a wide spread of ages and liveweights among heifers at service," he explains.
To achieve targets, it is vital to ensure there is sufficient bull power – at least one bull for 20 heifers. In block calving herds, the bull needs to go out with heifers a week before the mating start date, advises Mr Phillips.
Block calving herds also took more than 60 days to calve half the herd, according to the survey. In New Zealand, the average mid-point of calving is 22 days after the planned start date.
"UK producers must submit more cows in the first two reproductive cycles. The target must be 90% submissions rate in the first three weeks of mating." *
POORFERTILITY
• Poor in-calf rates.
• Heifer liveweights vary.
• Submit more cows.