How to optimise reproduction & reduce involuntary culling
“I don’t think there is enough awareness about the need to reduce the culling rate in modern dairy cows and at the same time the industry clearly lacks a thorough discussion about the reasons for culling. Directly or indirectly, infertility is one of the most common reasons why dairy cows get culled. Directly, because they are not getting pregnant, or indirectly, because cows with prolonged calving intervals run a high risk of suffering from a wide variety of other diseases.”
- Geert Opsomer
Sources
Optimal fertility is a key driver in terms of cow health, welfare, longevity and sustainability. Difficulties in getting the cow pregnant is one of the three main reasons for involuntary culling. Calving interval is crucial for profitability, and should not be longer than 13 months, or shorter for cows with low yield. Read more
Reproduction is a necessary and important part of milk production. Without regular calvings when the cow produces milk to feed her calf, it would be impossible to produce the desired amount of milk. It is also important to produce sufficient heifer calves as replacement animals to allow herd size to be maintained or expanded. Read more
The controlled replacement of old cows with young, healthy and productive first-time calvers is the motor of the dairy farmer’s every day struggle to stay profitable. On a yearly basis 35 - 40% of the cows in the herd are replaced. Of these, 70 – 80% are involuntary culled due to health, predominantly mastitis and lameness, or fertility problems. Read more
This troubleshooting guide discusses herd infertility problems and possible causes and includes suggestions for prevention and control. Read more
