Just when is the appropriate time to remove the bull? On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, advisor John McCabe joins Emma-Louise Coffey with advice and information for farmers.

John documents the calving pattern over the last 2 years, explaining that 27% of cows in the category of late calvers in spring calving dairy herds in the months of April, May and June differs from the target of 10% calvings in April and no calvings in May and June.

He recommends that farmers reach a 12-week breeding season this week and that farmers should consider removing the bull if they want to avoid May or June calvers.

John also explains that consequences of late calvers include lower milk production, higher costs, risk of higher SCC and lower labour efficiency.

 

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/decisions-around-ending-the-breeding-season.php

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/