The benefits of routine fertility visits have long been recognised, however we feel that by solely examining the cows which are presented, opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability may be missed. This is why we aim to take a wider approach on our routine fertility visits.
Our fertility visits include:
The challenges of dairy cow fertility are helped by weekly or fortnightly vet visits, yet too often the complexities of calf rearing in the key eight-week window go untracked. We offer regular calf tracker visits dedicated to calf health. During these visits:
Rearing dairy heifers is expensive and time-consuming, with the return on investment not commencing until the time at which the heifer starts producing milk. The ‘break even’ point – the time at which the milk produced has covered the cost of rearing – is not reached on average until halfway through the second lactation.
Age at first calving (AFC) has a profound effect on the cost, therefore for later calving herds the wait can be significantly longer.
While the optimum AFC is widely considered to be 24 months, the UK average is around 26 months.
Calving two months earlier reduces rearing costs and carries other significant benefits including increased yields and longevity.
But how can this be achieved? As it turns out, a cow’s lifetime performance is laid down in the first two months of her life.
‘Metabolic programming’ is an entirely natural phenomenon that has been proven to exist in both animals and humans.
In simple terms, how an animal is managed in early life can pre-programme the metabolism of a calf, to determine her lifetime production.
A good cow is the result not just of good genetics, but also good feeding and management in early life, allowing her to reach her genetic potential.
Colostrum and Calories – Feeding four, rather than two litres of colostrum in the first six hours of life improves daily liveweight gain, and reduces age at first conception by around two weeks.
Survival through second lactation is increased by over 10%, and milk yield through to second lactation by 1000 litres.
Unsurprisingly, feeding more milk replacer improves daily live weight gain (to a level that increased feeding after weaning cannot come close); it will also dramatically increase udder development.
Cleanliness – from calving pen to calf accommodation, not forgetting footwear and equipment – and comfort.
Consistency – This should not be underestimated; calves thrive when milk is fed at the same temperature, concentration, quantity and time of day.
To learn more or book a routine visit, please get in touch.