Editorial: Fewer herds, more milk
OPINION: The latest New Zealand Dairy Statistics report paints a picture of an industry trending towards fewer but larger herds.
Non-cyclers reduce herd reproductive performance and farm profitability by dragging down submission and conception rates and achieving fewer days in milk in the following year than their cycling herd mates.
In most herds, the types of cows that become non-cyclers tend to be the same from year to year.
Non-cycling in cows show up as follows:
- young, first and second calvers, especially if poorly grown
- thin cows
- late calvers
- health issues
- breed (Friesians are more susceptible)
For cows cycled but not detected, plan to improve heat detection.
