LIC: Faster Bull Team Change Reflects Genetic Progress
In the past, a bull could sit comfortably in a breeding team for several years with little change, but today, that’s no longer the case.
The six-week in-calf rate (6wkICR) has edged up to a new record of 70.4%, from 70.2% last season, while the not-in-calf rate (NICR) remains relatively stable at 14.7%.
Record Results Reflect Consistent On-Farm Management
LIC chief executive David Chin says maintaining performance at this level is a positive result for the industry and reflects the consistency farmers are achieving on farm.
"After the gains we've seen over recent seasons, seeing another lift is a fantastic result for New Zealand dairy farmers. Achieving a record six-week in-calf rate of 70.4% reflects the continued focus farmers are placing on reproduction performance and making good decisions on farm."
Top Herds Continue To Set The Benchmark
The industry’s top-performing 25% of herds achieved a six-week in-calf rate of 78.2%.
“Those top-performing herds are getting more cows submitted, achieving higher conception rates and ending the season with fewer empty cows.
“The difference isn’t one thing done exceptionally well - it’s consistently getting the basics right, from nutrition and cow recovery through to heat detection and mating management,” says Chin.
South Island Regions Deliver Strong Gains, North Island Performance Softens Slightly
Reproductive performance varied across the country, with softer results in the North Island offset by stronger performance in the South Island.
Standout gains were seen in Otago, South Canterbury and Canterbury, where six-week in-calf rates lifted by between 1.4 and 2.5 percentage points compared to last season.
Otago saw the biggest gain, increasing from 68.9% to 71.4%, while South Canterbury lifted from 70.6% to 72.6%, and Canterbury increased from 70.5% to 71.9%.
In the North Island, results eased slightly, with Waikato shifting from 71.2% to 69.6% and Northland from 71.0% to 69.2%.
Chin says reproduction outcomes are influenced by a range of factors, including seasonal and weather conditions, which can affect pasture quality and how cows recover heading into mating.
“Given some of the conditions parts of the North Island experienced this season, maintaining overall national performance and seeing a slight lift is a good outcome.”
He says stronger South Island performance was likely supported by favourable pasture conditions and farmers investing in quality feed through mating.
“Whether farmers are using conventional dairy, sexed semen, beef or SGL products, preparation before mating remains one of the biggest influences on getting cows back in calf.
“At the end of the day, good reproductive performance comes back to healthy, well-managed cows, and this year’s results show farmers are continuing to do that well.”
The results are based on data from 4776 herds and more than 2.6 million cows, continuing to provide a strong representation of national performance.
