Non Cycling Cows
Topics
2 min read
Non-cycling cows can drastically impact your herd's reproductive performance. This page discusses two types of non-cyclers: those that have ovulated but shown no visible signs of heat, and true non-cyclers that haven't started ovulating since calving. Early heat detection can identify non-cyclers, allowing time to plan treatment. Hormone treatment is a short-term measure and can significantly improve their reproductive performance. Both types benefit from standard treatment. It's cost-effective, but remember, every farm should assess its own non-cycler situation. If you're experiencing high numbers of non-cyclers, consider seeking advice from your vet to identify and address underlying issues.
Too many non-cyclers in the herd can have a large effect on overall herd reproductive performance.
Large numbers of non-cyclers will prevent you from achieving your target 6-week in-calf rate because they depress the two key drivers: the 3-week submission rate and conception rate to first insemination.
Both drivers are important, but the 3-week submission rate has a bigger impact because it is more readily influenced by your management during that first 3 weeks of the AB programme.
Of course, good heat detection is essential to reach the submission target of 90 percent or more. The cows not inseminated in the first 3 weeks in a herd with good heat detection rates will mostly be 'non-cyclers'.
Types of non-cyclers
There are two types of non-cyclers:
1. Cows that have ovulated (i.e. ovaries are 'cycling') but not shown any visible signs of heat. These may have had a 'silent' heat. About 70–80 percent of cows will not have a visible heat at the first ovulation after calving.
2. Cows that have not even started ovulating since calving and cannot have a heat – a true non-cycler. These are technically described as non-cycling or 'anoestrus'. It is the most common form of infertility in New Zealand herds.
A veterinary examination can distinguish cows in each category. However, the current practice is not necessarily to palpate these cows.
Doing pre-mating heat detection provides early warning you have non-cyclers, and time to do something if required.
This gap calculator assesses the likely impact of your non-cycling rate on your herd’s overall reproductive performance.
Treating non-cycling cows
Short-term measures to treat non-cycling cows include treating them with hormones. There is no "one size fits all" approach. Each farm needs to assess their non-cycler situation individually and formulate a plan.
The recommendation is that both types of non-cyclers will benefit from receiving the standard form of treatment.
Financial incentive
Treating cows is more cost-effective than doing nothing. This has been validated in research over a wide range of milk payments and responses to treatment. It confirms that investing in the treatment of non-cycling cows provides worthwhile returns to farmers.
Timing of treatment
Identifying and treating non-cycling cows before mating significantly improves their reproductive performance in seasonally calving dairy herds. This was proven in research that was carried out to assess whether hormone treatment before the start of mating, or leaving treatment until sixteen days after mating began, achieves better results.
Treatment eight days before the planned start of mating increases the number of cows that conceive in the first three weeks. It also reduces the time from the start of mating to conception. The conception rate of cows mated following treatment has been shown to be the same as cows mated at their first spontaneous cycle after calving.
There are many reasons why cows may not cycle. If your herd is experiencing large numbers of non-cycling cows each season, there is likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed with your vet and adviser.
Tags related to “Non Cycling Cows”