Optimizing Fertility Performance in a Varied Year: Farmer Focus Report
In the spring block calving calendar, the month of September marks a crucial point for benchmarking fertility performance on the farm. This assessment reflects a culmination of decisions made over the past six months, covering various aspects such as nutrition, cow management, grazing practices, and breeding strategies. The results of this evaluation are captured through ultrasound scans, providing a clear indication of how well the farm has performed so far in terms of fertility.
Transitioning from a housed diet to grazing conditions during breeding season proved challenging for replacement heifers, impacting conception rates. Despite using sexed semen, only 43% of first-service cows successfully held to insemination, with 8% remaining empty after 10 weeks. However, cow fertility performance exceeded expectations, with 80% of cows conceiving with sexed semen and only 8% empty after 11 weeks.
With the majority of the herd calving by mid-March, cows were well-prepared for breeding season. Utilizing Sensehub collars for monitoring cow cycles proved to be invaluable in streamlining the breeding process, reducing stress and labor. The reliable and accurate data provided by the collars offered reassurance throughout the breeding season.
As the author concludes their time with Farm Weekly, they express gratitude for the support and engagement received from readers over the past five years. The journey shared on the farm has been a highlight, and the author bids farewell with appreciation and good wishes to all.
SOURCE
Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.