Dairy NZ

• Get your InCalf Fertility Focus Report and review reproductive performance. What is your 6-week in-calf rate and empty rate?
• Seek advice from an InCalf adviser if reproductive performance is below average, as indicated by "one stars" on Fertility Focus Report
• Develop a strategy with your advisers to start to close performance gaps in key management areas, and to manage risks to maintaining good performance
• Use your pregnancy test results to plan the next calving pattern and to budget winter feed requirements. Consult your vet early if planning to induce cows
• Prepare a culling list and remove known culls from the herd early to improve feed supply for cows that are staying
• Establish drying-off decision rules for your herd that includes body condition and days to next calving, so that most cows calve at condition score 5.0 to 5.5
• Monitor abortion rates and seek veterinary advice if herd abortion rate is excessive.

Contact details for your local InCalf Advisor can be found at www.dairynz.co.nz/incalf