Hitting Body Condition Score (BCS) targets at calving means more production and better reproductive performance. We need to set the herd up for success now, especially as the New Zealand herd is producing more per cow – with a record average of 414kgMS/cow in 2024-25.
Identify: Tracking the tail
Even with the best-laid plans, ‘stuff happens’ and there is likely a tail of cows below their BCS target. Now is the time to identify these cows and plan how to get them to their BCS target at calving. Without intervention cows sitting at BCS 3.5-4.0 or below will drag down your 2026/27 performance.
If you haven’t already, do a whole herd autumn BCS plan
Once you know the BCS of all cows, decide how cows will be managed based on their current BCS. Consider how much condition they can realistically put on over the dry period and your planned start of calving date. It is important to take into account the four weeks before calving, body condition gain will be minimal to nil with reduced feed intake due to lack of room from the pregnancy.
What are some of the options?
Reduce energy demand
- Move to once-a-day milking – reducing her energy needs
- Dry-off earlier
- Identify and make early culling decisions, so lower-cost homegrown feed can be directed into next season’s production.
Increase feed intake/supply
- Form a separate mob of young/light cows so they have less competition and can increase feed intake.
- Talk to your consultant about the economics of supplementary feed for late season milkers/dry cows – cost will determine if this is a good option or not.
- Maintain top-notch autumn pasture management to maximise growth and quality (graze ryegrass at the 2.5-3 leaf stage).
- Review your feed budget and fertiliser programme to maximise growth and set yourself up to have the required covers for next season.
- Review your winter grazing plan and cow/youngstock grazing arrangements.
Empower your business
Reach out to your vet or farm consultant and run the numbers on your feed budget. Identifying the gap between current and target BCS today allows you to make lower-stress changes well before next season.
The bottom line
Actively managing your cow’s body condition allows you to maintain reproductive performance and get the best start to the new season. Use the tools available to ensure your herd, and your profit, stays on track.
For technical guidance on managing the Autumn and dry-off, check out these DairyNZ resources:
