30 April 2018
Following a busy calving period at Fferam Gyd, Llyr Hughes can now reflect on his first experience of oestrus synchronization in his commercial herd at the Farming Connect focus site. Having previously used synchronization as a method of tightening the calving interval of his pedigree Limousin herd, Llyr aimed to duplicate the success within his commercial herd of Limousin-cross cows.
Synchronised AI was used on 55 spring calving cows, and natural service on 34. The main aim of the project was to improve conception rates, getting more cows to stand to the first service. Ultimately, this will offer calves a head-start in terms of growth, as much as 1.2kg/day in comparison to calves born as a result of repeated heats.
With 77% of the synchronised group in-calf after the first service, it was set to become a busy time in March for Llyr. The majority of the synchronized group calved within the first two weeks (starting 12th March, finishing 24th March) with 14 cows calving during a twelve-hour period. However, the naturally serviced group have only recently begun calving, sure but steady, although they were introduced to the bull at the exact same date as the synchronised group were inseminated.
So far, Llyr is highly impressed with the effectiveness of the synchronization programme, especially as he now has an accurate date for calving which allows him to plan ahead and be better prepared for the calving season.
Calves were born at a good weight, showing plenty of vigour. Although some calves needed some extra help, the majority born were on their feet and suckling without any fuss involved. The same applies to the calves arriving now from the naturally-serviced group.
Calving in a tight batch also has many health benefits. Llyr was able to keep a closer eye on calf health as they were all in the shed together, with only minor issues arising which were easily solved due to early detection.
At two weeks of age, still inside, the synchronised calves were weighed, de-horned and the males ringed. Cows were vaccinated for BVD, IBR and worm drenched. Once the weather improved, Llyr was able to turn them out to grass, with no further need to bring them in again for these necessities, taking full advantage of dry weather.
However, according to Llyr, there are some key things which he has learned from this experience. First of all, he believes that good facilities are essential. Plenty of calving pens, and enough space to keep cows and calves in during periods of wet weather is the ideal scenario, something of which isn’t an issue at Fferam Gyd following the recent erection of a brand-new cow shed.
Llyr also noted that towards the end of the group, calves were getting bigger and slightly more challenging to calve as some cows were calving two weeks late. In future, he would potentially consider the option of inducing cows to avoid difficult calvings and minimise any stress on both cow and calf, especially first-time calvers.
Farming Connect will be holding an open day at Fferam Gyd on the 22nd May 2018 to disseminate the results of the project. For more information, please contact Gwawr Hughes on 07932 610 697/ gwawr.hughes@menterabusnes.co.uk.