Spring 2023 fertility results have been released, with a small improvement across many facets of reproduction. National reproduction results were released in the Farmers Weekly (12 April 2024 edition), and they highlighted one area to strengthen in our mating process: the submission rate. The average is currently 80.3%, but until herds achieve 90%, it is difficult to drive the six-week in-calf rate to achieve the desired days-in-milk.
Ensuring metabolic issues are under control at calving, body condition score targets are reached prior to mating, trace element blood status levels are achieved, and pre-mating preparation happens well before the first day of mating.
There is such a short period between calving and the planned start of mating that cows will need to be supported to generate strong and long heats. Pasture test results taken during this year have highlighted how low the micro-nutrients are in the grass. These results reinforce the need for supplementation, especially for elements like iodine, selenium and magnesium.
Herds fed a bulb crop like turnips, brassicas, or kale will find animals are often depleted in iodine if not supplemented. These scenarios must be considered when designing a trace element and mineral programme.
To ensure optimal health and reproductive success, it's crucial to provide iodine well before the start of the mating season, rather than just a few days prior. Nutrimol 4n1 offers a comprehensive solution by supplying essential compounds, including iodine, along with other vital nutrients.
For best results, start a Nutrimol 4n1 Turn Up The Heat dosing regime from calving. Provide cows and heifers with a daily dose at least 30 days before the planned start of mating.
Under a Nutrimol 4n1 programme, heats become stronger, easier to detect and drive submission rates to assist with achieving 90% of the the first three weeks of AB. To secure a profitable six-week in-calf rate, one of the key drivers is to submit 4.3% of the herd daily. For a 400-cow herd, the expectation is that 17-18 cows will be submitted for insemination every day during the first 21 days of mating.
Good reproductive performance is a crucial driver of on-farm profitability. For every 1% improvement in the six-week in-calf rate, a farmer can expect at least a $4/cow increase in operating profit based on the DairyNZ Gap Calculator. For every 1% decrease in the empty rate, an additional profit of $10/cow.
Best practices to support reproduction outcomes
Drive heat strength
For best results, start dosing Nutrimol 4n1 from calving at five millilitres (mL) per cow per day (mL/cow/day). Increase the dose rate at least 30 days prior to the planned start of mating (PSM) to seven mL/cow/day and continue until 60 days after the end of mating.
Support late-calving cows and non-cyclers
To assist late-calving and non-cycling cows, dose a single anti-shock dose of 50mL/cow Nutrimol 4n1 to encourage hormone production. Continue dosing seven mL/cow/day during the mating period.
Focus on mating until the end
With the average mating length around 10.5–11 weeks, stay focused on the long game. Continue dosing Nutrimol 4n1 until 60 days after the end of mating, at which time you can reduce the rate to five mL/cow/day over the hot summer months or cease daily dosing.
Economics
Starting from $7.90 +GST/cow/ programme, the cost of an empty cow outweighs the investment in a Nutrimol 4n1 Turn Up the Heat mating programme.
For more information on Nutrimol 4n1, talk to your local TSR or visit a Farm Source store.