6 week 90% calving rate, can anyone reveal the secret?

Dakota Dan

How do farmers achieve these results? Do you scan cows after calving? Maybe you have plenty replacements (25% of herd). I was talking to a farmer today with 100 cows that has 96 cows out of 100 calved since Feb 1st to Patrick's day :eek:

I managed it years ago but it was when the temporary leasing of quota was way over subscribed and I lost out and had to sell cows as a result.

Say my name

Easy calving bulls.
Proper mineral supply to cows in diet or supplements year round.
From these two points then no withheld cleanings at calving so no obstacles to coming cycling.
Adequate bullpower at breeding or no missed heats when ai ing.
Have a vaccination program in place for cows as well as stockbulls and done in time before breeding.

carrollsno1

Was talking to the farmer i was in nz with about it before, he was saying how some lads are stsrting breeding 7-10 days earlier and using a longer gestation bull so they dont calve too early. IMO OAD is the only way for achieving it cost effectively, we used CIDRS in new zealand which in reality is only lying to yourself about having a good herd

Timmaay

Cow condition
cow condition
cow condition

And never more true than this spring.

GrasstoMilk

Cow fertility and cow condition are my number ones. You can do all the fancy feeding you want but your cows arebt bred for fertility your herd won't achieve high incalf rates.
Minerals is the next one for me. We have it right here now after a long time and there's no mistaking cows bulling, 2/3 bulling most days ATM and more than that some days

bogman_bass

Taking the bull out in time. Both the easiest and hardest thing to do

farawaygrass

bogman_bass wrote: »

Taking the bull out in time. Both the easiest and hardest thing to do

Haha very true. When it’s tine to take him out I often say to myself sure another few weeks won’t matter then much, just in case.

Dunedin

bogman_bass wrote: »

Taking the bull out in time. Both the easiest and hardest thing to do

I get round this by letting out a few extra heifers than I need. Say my quota might be 20 cows, I’d have 24 running with the bull for 7 weeks. I would always get my 20 out of that and if I’ve a few extra, I sell the Springers.

It’s all grand having them calving in a short time but you need a good set up with sheds to cope with it. Speaking from experience as I’ve been burnt in the first couple of years till I got a bit of extra sheds and calving pens.

grassroot1

Correct condition score at calving.
Good records.
Fertile semen.
Enough energy in the diet.
Good observation at breeding.
Introducing enough heifers into the herd.
all of the above and a slice of luck