Unit 5: Managing Herd Fertility and Replacements

Reasons for poor fertility

Body condition score:
Poor cow, heifer (or bull) condition at bulling – cows and heifers need to be in the correct condition at service and should be fed accordingly.

Spring calving – Body Condition Score 2.5-3

Autumn calving – Body Condition Score 3

Calving ease:
Difficult calving – incorrect cow condition at calving, a long gestation or a difficult calving sire can make it difficult for a cow to recover in time for the service period.
Farmers management:
Diseases in cows, heifers or bull

Poor heat detection