The time of year is fast approaching when we need to focus on mating in order to optimise returns for the following season. Yes, it's time to plan for next season already!
One of the best ways to do this is to put down on paper what you plan to do come mating time. This helps take the hassle out of planning, alleviates the frantic rush at the back end of calving and gets things organised.
Below is an example of a mating timeline created by a client, Arno Renes, to remind himself when the important jobs are due. By using a timeline and putting the important dates into his diary, he keeps on top of the tasks that need doing.
NVOs = non-visible oestrus/non-cycling cows
The basic objective of a seasonal mating system is to get as many cows in calf as possible, as quickly as possible, and preferably to a genetically superior sire. Getting these strategies right will enable you to capitalise on market conditions prevailing at the time, either by capturing more valuable days in milk next season or as a seller of ‘surplus' stock.
While much of the outcome of a herd's mating program has been pre-determined by events and management decisions over the past 3-6 months, there are still some actions that can be taken now to improve the final result:
- Be very mindful of cow condition at calving and over the following weeks, to ensure they don't lose too much condition
- For those that have already planned for investment in the early treatment of non-cycling cows...well done on a smart business move
- For those that are on track to achieve a 90+% submission rate without hormonal intervention...take a bow, that's even better
- For those not submitting the equivalent of 4.5% of the herd on a daily basis, make the decision to intervene sooner rather than later
- For those waiting until the end of the first round to reassess where you're at, it's not too late as the economics of intervention make this the breakeven point, provided you don't delay further
- Make accurate heat detection HIGH priority for all farm staff. Review the basics; use high visibility heat detection aids; dedicate someone to spending time in the paddock between milkings to identify bulling cows
- Use short gestation bulls for 2nd round inseminations
- Ensure plenty of bull power to tail up the herd. As the number of bulls required will depend on the success of the AB phase, we can assist by crunching some numbers through a ‘BullPower Calculator'
What is it worth knowing that she has conceived to the date in the AB docket book? Seriously consider early pregnancy scanning of non-returns to service to get a handle on conception rate. Those found not in-calf and not cycling (i.e. ‘phantoms') could still be eligible for anoestrus treatments and an AI service.
High priority groups to check would be all non-returns:
- Following early CIDR or Cue-Mate treatments (with or without resynchrony)
- 1st and 2nd calvers, or later calving 9+ year olds
- Submitted during the first 10-14 days of mating
Mating is a critical part of the success and profitability of your farm. There is no time like the present to discuss what's best for you with your Totally Vets veterinarian - a proactive approach is always more useful and profitable, pregnancy testing time is too late!
