Following on from Pat Devine’s article last week on pre-breeding scanning, it’s equally important to assess the body condition score (BCS) of the milking herd before the breeding season begins.

This spring has been particularly challenging, especially on heavier soils, and many cows may not have reached the ideal condition heading into breeding.

The target is a minimum BCS of 2.75, with 3.0 being the preferred score at breeding.

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Dropping below this level can significantly reduce fertility.

Research shows cows that lose less than 0.5 of a BCS after calving are significantly more likely to conceive at first service

Cows entering the breeding season with low BCS are more likely to be non-cyclers and considerably less likely to go in calf. For later-calving cows, managing BCS in early lactation is important.

Research shows cows that lose less than 0.5 of a BCS after calving are significantly more likely to conceive at first service. Late-calving cows can present the opposite challenge: they often have longer dry periods and may calve down over-conditioned.

Both excessive loss and excessive condition can negatively affect fertility, so striking the right balance is key.

Carrying out a whole-herd BCS assessment can provide major benefits. Identifying cows that are below target condition now, rather than three weeks into the breeding season, allows time to intervene and greatly reduces the risk of these cows remaining empty and ultimately being culled for infertility.

Reducing the energy demand of milk production allows cows to rebuild body reserves more quickly

Speak with your vet about arranging a herd BCS check.

Where cows with low BCS are identified, one of the most practical management tools is once-a-day milking.

Reducing the energy demand of milk production allows cows to rebuild body reserves more quickly.

Late-calving cows can benefit from this approach to help minimise condition loss.

Good body condition at breeding is one of the simplest – and most effective – ways to improve herd fertility.

Marie-Louise Ryan, XLVets, Mulcair Vets