What has been done?
The project at Cornwal Uchaf, which aims to improve scanning percentage of maiden heifers without the use of AI, began in April and has now completed its final phase. The objective was to use pre-breeding selection and nutritional management to encourage high conception rates.
Key project activities and outcomes to date include:
- April: Limousin x heifers were selected for breeding suitability following weighing, pelvic scoring, and reproductive tract examinations. The group was also screened for key infectious diseases, including Neospora, IBR, and BVD, to safeguard herd health.
- July/August: Following a nine-week natural service period with the bull, the group was pregnancy scanned to determine conception success.
- September: The results from the scanning were collated and analysed. Initial results showed 4 out of the 11 Limousin X heifers were confirmed in-calf.
Next steps
The four heifers confirmed as in-calf have now been moved into the main herd management group. A final pregnancy diagnosis (PD) for the remaining seven heifers is scheduled for December.
The results of the December scan will be critical for finalising the number of home-reared heifers joining the beef herd next year. Following this, a management decision will be made regarding the empty heifers. A cost-benefit analysis evaluating the economic viability of overwintering versus immediate sale will be completed for these heifers.
Figure 1. Heifers at Cornwal Uchaf
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