Interchem recently held a fertility seminar titled ‘‘Optimising the Fertility Performance of the Herd’’, which focused on herd fertility and reproductive success.

There was particular emphasis placed on the six-week calving rate and the use of synchronisation techniques for dairy and beef herds. Interchem launched the PridPlanner app at this event. The app allows you to choose between eight synchronisation protocols for dairy and beef cows and heifers.

A farmer has to input his or her farm details and select the animal that needs to be treated and receive phone alerts every 12 or 24 hours about the treatments. Search for “PridPlanner” on either IOS or Android mobile devices.

At the event, Dr Stephen Butler said: “Fertility is a key driver of profitability in seasonal-calving systems. The target six-week calving rate is 90%. This means that 90% of the animals (cows and heifers) must calve within 42 days after the planned start of calving. For an 80-cow herd, moving from the national average six-week calving rate of 58% to 90% is worth over €20,000.”

He also explained that it is possible to 1) breed for improved milk production and fertility and 2) target use of synchronisation to maximise submission rates and improve calving pattern.

Dr David Kenny from Grange spoke about planned breeding in the beef herd. In terms of synchronisation, he said heat detection is critical when using AI. He warned to be vigilant of bull fertility, particularly with young bulls. He stressed oestrous synchronisation and fixed timed AI (FTAI) must be simple, meaning low labour input and efficacious. He said that acceptable pregnancy rates can be achieved in research with FTAI but modifications to protocols are ongoing.

Dr Kenny also spoke about upcoming research projects funded by the Department, which will assess the effect of nutrition and breed on puberty and fertility of both heifers and bulls. There will be two large on-farm trials looking at the effect of disease and mineral status on cow fertility, the development of an effective programme for fixed-time AI and the role of genomics.

Maximise dairy productivity

Norbrook was in touch to say Eprizero Pour On has recently been launched in a six-litre value pack to treat 100 cows. The company suggests that Eprizero® Pour On has a zero milk withhold allowing treatment of dairy cows at any stage of lactation. Norbrook also says studies have shown that strategic treatment of dairy cows with eprinomectin can increase milk yield by up to two litres per cow per day. Other studies show improved fat, protein and milk solids. Contact your vet or animal health supplier for details.