Six week calving period creates workload challenge

RESEARCH at Teagasc Moorepark has shown that there is an extra €8.22 per cow profit for each percentage point increase in the six week calving rate.

Of course, calving such a high proportion of the herd in a relatively short period creates a workload challenge.

But it is a predictable workload.

Farms with a 90% six-week calving rate expect half the herd to calve in 16 to 18 days. For a 100cow herd, this is about three calvings per day; for 300 cows it’s an average of 10 births/day.

The number of calvings can spike in any day. It won’t be spread evenly over the period, so you must be prepared for this, too.

When it comes to your on-farm facilities, make sure you have enough space:

* A 100-cow herd with 50 calving in 17 days will need 10 calving spaces.

* Allow at least 2.3m2 per calf in the shed. * Consider turnout to grass after three weeks to lower calf density in sheds.

* Arrange sheds so that they can be mechanically cleaned out and bedding is easily accessible. * Ventilation and drainage must be adequate in calf sheds.

* Have adequate feed space for feeding thin cows. * Prepare all facilities and purchase all equipment in advance.

* Have fresh foot dips in place.

* All routine maintenance, fences, water, etc, should be done in January.

It’s also important that cows are in good body condition at calving time. Issues to make sure of include:

* Calve cows in good body condition (score 3.25) to reduce calving assistance.

* Feed according to silage quality on farm. * Use an appropriate dry cow mineral. * Vaccinate for diseases diagnosed (use bulk milk screening as a guide).

* Use easy-calving bulls, especially on heifers. * Watch that late calving cows do not become over-conditioned.

* Train heifers to the parlour in advance. Allow them free access from the collecting yard into parlour. Include at least one cow who knows the route with the heifers.