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Unit 5: Managing Herd Fertility and Replacements
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Maintain a tight calving period 
Increasing conception rates
Reasons for poor fertility
Heat detection
Timing of Breeding
Improving cow fertility
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Unit 5: Managing Herd Fertility and Replacements

Improving cow fertility

Detect the real cause of the problem:

  • Barren
  • Abortion
  • Stillbirth

Improved feeding after calving:

  • Energy – to get the cow back into better condition
  • Micro-nutrients e.g. copper, iodine, selenium – blood test if necessary

Breeding:
Although not highly heritable, age at first calving, calving interval and long herd life can all be traits of the Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) of the sire or dam that are indicative of high fertility – hybrid vigour in cross-bred cows can also play a role
Avoiding difficult calvings:

  • Cow condition at calving
  • Choice of sire

Farm management practises:

  • Herd health
  • Heat detection and synchronisation
  • Keep an eye on the bull

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