Veterinary Involvement in the Management of Herd Fertility

Veterinary involvement in herd fertility (PDF 92kb)

Current replacement rates in dairy herds of 30% mean that the average life expectancy of a dairy cow is just over 3 lactations. This can equate to between 1.4 and 4 pence per litre of milk produced. Infertility is the main cause for culling of cows. Furthermore, the average calving index for UK dairy herds is 420 days, optimal financial performance usually being achieved with a calving index of approximately 370 days. Vets can play an important role in reducing calving index and culling rates to improve farm profitability.

Heat detection rates (= submission rates) and conception rates contribute to overall fertility. National average submission rates are 55% and first service conception rates are 40%. Heat detection rates are affected by diet, making sure that the cows are cycling and exhibiting strong signs of heat, and also building design ensuring that cows are able to exhibit their signs of oestrus. Adequate time must also be spent studying cows for signs of heat (3 x 30 minute periods per day). Approximately 10% of cows AI’ed are not in season so accuracy of heat detection is also important. Poor conception rates can be due to disease, dietary and husbandry factors.

We recommend all dairy farms to have routine fertility visits on either a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis at which post-calving checks, cows not seen bulling, cows with whites or cysts and cows to PD an be examined. We have 4 scanners available in the Practice for cattle fertility work. We also have access to NMR’s Herd Companion and Interherd computer programmes to assist in the management of herd fertility. We are in the ideal position to assist in improving herd fertility by reducing calving index and culling rates for infertility thereby improving profitability.

If you would like to contact any of the farm vets to discuss the topics covered in this article then please contact the surgery on 01729 823538 or email for the attention of the vet required to info@daleheadvetgroup.co.uk.

Neil Roberts