Project Introduction: Evaluating the benefits of heat detection technology to provide gains in suckler cow fertility
Site: Rhiwaedog, Rhos-y-Gwaliau, Bala, LL23 7EU
Technical Officer: Gwawr Hughes
Project title: Evaluating the benefits of heat detection technology to provide gains in suckler cow fertility
Introduction to project:
The main aim of this project is to improve fertility and conception rates within the suckler cow herd at Rhiwaedog. A few years ago, bull fertility issues caused the calving pattern at Rhiwaedog to slip, resulting in reduced output from the beef herd. This project aims to improve suckler cow performance by focusing on fertility. The project aims to tighten the calving pattern as well as increasing conception rates, leading to a more productive and efficient herd. This will be achieved by combining heat detection technology and good husbandry and management. The project aims to identify cows which aren’t performing to their maximum capacity as well as monitor general bull health and fertility to minimise the risk of barren cows.
Project objectives:
- Reduce the calving interval.
- Tighten the calving pattern.
- Increase conception rates.
- Determine the effectiveness of new heat detection technologies as aids to improve herd performance.
Key KPI’s set:
- To tighten the calving period within both calving blocks to achieve 90% calving rate for the cows in a 6-week period.
- To reduce calving interval to UK average of ‘one live calf’ per 365-375 days.
- Increase conception rates to >95% of herd in-calf at first pregnancy diagnosis.