Whilst suckler cow farmers are aware of the many financial pressures on their business, one of the major challenges is the cost of poor suckler cow fertility, writes Senan White, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), Beef and Sheep Development Adviser, Armagh.
With this in mind a Suckler Cow Fertility Challenge (SCFC) was organised by CAFRE in the Portadown area of Co Armagh to help farmers address the issues contributing to poor cow fertility.
The farmers who attended were welcomed by Senan White, the CAFRE Beef and Sheep Development Adviser Armagh who outlined the background to the four session course.
Senan explained that the overall aim of the course was to help farmers improve the fertility of their suckler cow herds by recording and monitoring the breeding performance of their herd; addressing relevant veterinary issues and improving cow nutrition.
The first of the evening sessions addressed the importance of correct feeding and breeding of the suckler cow. This involved a very interesting presentation by Dr Francis Lively, Head of Beef Research, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Hillsborough. Francis stressed the importance of feeding the cow correctly to achieve the optimum body condition score at key points in the breeding cycle.
He also discussed nutrition and the importance of knowing the feeding value of silage and its effect on fertility.
Brian Doyle a veterinary surgeon with Clanrye Veterinary Clinic covered the second session and addressed the various veterinary issues which are linked to poor cow fertility. Brian’s presentation prompted a lot of useful discussion on such aspects as the reproductive cycle, the cow at calving and fertility related diseases.
Robin Wells, Magheralin, a participating farmer on the course, hosted the group for the third session.
This was a hands on practical workshop covering cow condition scoring and bull assessment.
A selection of Robin’s Luing cows were assessed for condition score and weight. Brian Doyle highlighted veterinary issues that could affect bull performance and pointed out practical tips to look for when purchasing a bull.
The final session covered the importance of using Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) when selecting bulls.
Dr Norman Weatherup, CAFRE, stressed the importance of using EBV’s as a useful management tool in selecting the correct bull to use on cows and heifers.
Norman pointed out that the use of an ‘incorrect’ bull, especially on heifers, could have severe physical and financial implications on the performance of a herd, as this is likely to increase; veterinary costs, assisted calvings, caesarean births, retained afterbirths etc. As a result of the increased calving index, this will cost £60 per missed oestrus cycle.
The course concluded with each farmer confidentially receiving their herd’s calving index, calving spread, herd reappearance rate and cow age profile. Each farmer was able to see from these results where their herd was placed in relation to the group average. For some, the information received was pleasing, whilst for others it caused concern.
Thanking the farmers for their participation throughout the course, Senan White stressed that not only does good cow fertility improve production efficiency but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes farmers as playing a positive role in relation to climate change.
With each missed oestrus cycle costing approximately £60 per cow, poor cow fertility is something which sucker cow farmers must address.
In addition, the participating farmers were given the opportunity to avail of accreditation for the course. Those who successfully submitted the workbook provided could obtain a Level 3 Certificate.
Andrew Glass, Kilmore, one of participating farmers who opted for accreditation, stated: “This was my first time on a CAFRE Challenge course and I found it very beneficial. I especially found the different speakers and topics very interesting, and the practical experience of condition scoring and weight assessment on-farm was something which I plan to carry out more thoroughly on my own farm.”
If you would like to discuss any of the topics covered please contact your local CAFRE Beef and Sheep Development Adviser, who is based in a local DARD Direct office. Telephone 0300 200 7843 and speak to an adviser.
(Source – Farming Life – 25/06/2014)
The participant farmers assess the condition score and weight of the Luing cows on the farm of Robin Wells, Magheralin