Dairy NZ

Plan your programme for reproductive success

• Refer to The InCalf Book (Pages 9 & 10) for "Actions and options at each stage of the fertility cycle"
• Review InCalf Fertility Focus reports to prioritise with advisers areas for improvement, such as heat detection and bull management
• Compare calving pattern with InCalf targets. Take account of percentage induced in light of new induction limits.

Pre-mating

• Invest in heat detection training using a combination of paddock observation and heat detection aids
• Compare pre-mating heat activity with 85% target. Identify factors causing non-cycling (InCalf - Page 99). Consider early treatment options if not on track.
• Assess herd body condition score profile two weeks pre-mating, and measure % cows below BCS four with not more than 15% target. (The
  DairyNZ InCalf Book, page 60).

Tip: Use the DairyNZ InCalf Bull Management tool to check all risks are covered for both heifers and herd. Find it at dairynz.co.nz/incalf

Mating

• Track progress towards 3-week submission rate targets. Poor results is either poor heat detection or excessive non-cycling, or combinations of both
• Manage working bulls (InCalf - Page 125) to maximise overall in-calf rate. Remove all bulls as planned.

For more information, download or order the Spring Survival Guide here.