How reproductive efficiency can help optimise your results

Understanding Reproductive Efficiency
Reproductive efficiency is measured by the number of calves per 100 mother cows per year. Since the gestation period of a cow is 280 days, achieving the golden standard ratio of 1 means that the cow needs to conceive within 85 days of the postpartum period

Under this system, with the breeding season determined, you can delay the new conception of the cow within certain limits. You need to plan the breeding season to fall within the optimum grass production period

How to improve your reproductive cycle
Commercial farms often have extensive systems in place to manage their cows for extended periods of grazing. This means that the grass should be as plentiful and high-quality as possible

Undernourishment is a common problem under extensive regimes because there is usually enough grass to meet the daily needs of a cow for three or four months of the year. If your cows do not get enough high-quality grass, they will not be able to improve the reproductive cycle and fetal development

Early pregnancy (1-3 months of pregnancy
Early pregnancy is essential for the development of the placenta and the early stages of fetal development. Cows breastfeed during this period and usually swallow enough high-quality grass (see figure) to meet their nutritional needs. But if the availability and quality of the herb is insufficient during this period, you will need to adjust the supplement

mid pregnancy weaning
This phase occurs from fall to winter, and your cows have lower nutritional requirements because they have finished feeding. The most important thing for them is to accumulate the body's reserves to maintain a body condition score (BCS) of at least 5 (from 1 to 9). However, cows often do not have proper nutritional management (grass and supplements) during this stage and suffer from BCS disease as a result.

Prenatal The last three months of pregnancy
This period is known for high fetal growth. When cows and calves have a low BCS level of less than 5, the calves are less developed at birth and the mother takes longer to start ovulating again after birth

after birth
This period is critical, because this is the time when lactation begins. As a result, cows and calves need more energy, protein, minerals and vitamins

The lactation period begins after parturition, and cows should begin to ovulate and conceive again within 85 days of calving. This period usually occurs in spring/summer, when plants grow rapidly and fresh grass is of good nutritional quality. This is why the month of birth has such a huge impact on the pregnancy rate (see chart). Cows born 'early in the season' are more likely to bear during the breeding season

There is no substitute for optimal nutrition
Apart from the time of delivery, BCS is one of the most important factors of fertility rate. To reach their full reproductive potential, cows need a BCS of at least 5 (see chart). Correct feeding after parturition provides many advantages for cows, as it allows them to

gain weight and restore BCS;
the start of ovulation during the onset of lactation; And
Get pregnant again within 85 days of giving birth

Are you ready to unlock better results?

Improving fertility is a surefire way to make your flock more productive. The key is to use this knowledge of the breeding cycle to plan the process and make sure your cows get enough high-quality grass and supplements. A proven plan brings these ideas together to help you improve your reproductive efficiency, and therefore your profits

Learn more about or contact a team member for more information