Stephen Moore joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to identify the key practices to achieve a 90% three-week submission rate to maximise the 6 week calving rate during the spring of 2022.

Stephen recommends that farmers complete pre-breeding heat detection using tail paint to identify cows that are not cycling; tail paint should be checked once per week and a note taken of cows that have cycled. In addition to this, farmers should consider metri-checking and a pre breeding ultra sound to identify any reproductive issues and take action ahead of mating start date.

Stephen explains that heifers are the most fertile and highest genetic merit stock on the farm. A synchronise protocol should be considered to ensure all heifers are submitted in the first 10 days of the breeding season.

He reminds us of the importance of genetics and in particular the EBI fertility SI. The bull team average should have a fertility SI of €120 with all bulls greater than €80. Higher fertility SI cows cycle earlier post calving and display stronger heats while also achieving higher conception to service compared to lower fertility SI cows.

For more information visit:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/breeding--genetics/breeding-management/

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

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

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com