Nutrition & cow health
Nutrition is the KEY to obtaining good AI results!
A cow must be in good condition in order to be having reproductive cycles. There is no point in trying to start an AI program if your cows are not having regular natural cycles.
A cow must be on a rising plane of nutrition prior to and after joining her – that is to say she must be gaining weight.
Animals should be considered to be in an Ideal Condition i.e not thin and weak or obese.
Joining Heifers for the first time.
Heifers should be selected from weaning and be aimed for joining with nutrition in mind.
Brahman and Brahman infused heifers should be at least two years of age before being joined and should be a minimum weight of 320-350kg.
Bos Taurus heifers will cycle a lot earlier than Bos Indicus heifers and can be joined from a slightly younger age, however the weight of the heifer still need to be a minimum of 320 kg and she needs to be in good condition.
Wet Cows
Cows that are lactating are the hardest to get back in calf, especially first calf heifers that are under more stress than their body is used to.
Wet cows should not be considered for AI for around 8 weeks post calving, in order to be back on a rising plane of nutrition post calving.
It is important to note that your cows have had their first cycles after calving before deciding to AI them.
Supplements & Multimins
Ensuring your cattle are up to date with vaccinations, minerals and health checks will help to keep your herd efficient and productive.
Your pastures should also be checked for deficiencies in minerals as this will pass through to your cattle and could cause a reduction in profitability.
Supplements can be added or given to replace any lacking minerals. This could reduce the time it takes to get an animal back in calf and increase conception rates, which will lead to increased profitability.
