Established Experts in Bovine Genetics
A.I. IN SUCKLERS MADE EASY
BREEDING PROFITABLE REPLACEMENTS BDGP BREEDING ADVICE
Sire Selection for: Male & Female Replacement Strategy Requirements of the BDGP scheme
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Calving details Surveys Genotyping Replacement strategy males/ Replacement strategy females Carbon Navigator Training
Male Replacement strategy for commercial herds ■ Males can be 4 or 5 star in either Replacement or Terminal Index within or across breed. ■A fter 30th Jun 2016 (80% of A.I. bulls used must be 4 or 5 star within or across breed). ■3 0th Jun 2019 (where using a stock bull, at least one in the herd must have been genotyped 4 or 5 star). ■3 0th Jun 2020 (where using a stock bull, at least one in the herd must have been genotyped 4 or 5 star).
Female Replacement strategy for commercial herds ■ For females to meet the criteria they must be, 16 months old and 4 or 5 stars on the Replacement Index across breed at the time of purchase (for heifers brought into the herd) or at the time of genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd). ■ T he number of eligible heifers/suckler cows meeting these criteria must be: ■ 20% of the number of the applicant’s reference animals on 31st October 2018 ■ And 50% of the number of the applicant’s reference animals on 31st October 2020 E.g. a farmer with 20 calved suckler cows in 2014 must have 4 females meeting these criteria by 31st October 2018 and 10 females meeting these criteria by 31st October 2020.
For a heifer to be 16 months by 31st Oct 2018, she must be born prior to 30th June 2017; her dam must be bred prior to 18th September 2016. For a heifer to be 16 months by 31st Oct 2020, she must to be born prior to 30th June 2019; her dam must be bred prior to 18/9/2018. 1
How to meet the criteria: Female Replacement Strategy in commercial herds. You will have received your ‘BDGP Euro-star Report’ in the post from ICBF where the number of Females you require to fulfil the criteria are outlined. These numbers will be made up from: 1. Current females on the farm 2. Pregnancies already on the farm 3. Purchased genotyped females In addition to the above 1-3 1. A.I. prior to 18/9/2016 for the 2018 requirement for Females born prior to 30/6/17. 2. A.I. prior to 18/9/18 for the 2020 requirement for females born prior to 30/6/2019.
How to maximise the number of 4/5 star genotyped replacements from A.I. 1. Establish how many 4/5 star replacement heifers you need from your ‘BDGP Euro star Report’. 2. Breed for more than you need. If you need 7, breed for 10; cows have low reliability, are not yet genotyped. 50% of calves will be males. To get 7 heifers qualifying you will need 20 pregnancies. If you have surplus there will be a good market for them. 3. Mate your highest Replacement Index cows to a team of selected A.I. bulls. 4. Aim for a higher Replacement Index than the target of €74. The maths would suggest that you should aim for €102.5 to ensure that you have an increased chance of meeting the €74 target post genotyping.
Target Replacement Index after Genotyping Sample Cow stars Sample Cow Index Minimum Bull Index* Simple Parent average-Replacement Index ‘Target Replacement Index
€74
* 10 195 102.5
** 40 165 102.5
*** 60 145 102.5
**** 80 125 102.5
***** 100 105 102.5
74
74
74
74
74
*The minimum bull index with a reliability of 85% when mated to the cow will, on average, produce a calf who,after genotyping, has a 70% chance of having an index value of greater than €74
5. Select a team of bulls and try to reach 85% reliability on the sire side as the dam reliability is low. No of bulls 1 2 3 4 5
Individual bull reliability 85% 70% 55% 40% 30%
Team reliability 85% 85% 85% 85% 86% Established Experts in
If 2 bulls at 70% reliability are used equally that is the equivalent of using one bull at 85% reliability, if 3 bulls at 55% reliability are used equally that is the equivalent of using one bull at 85% reliability. ■ Vary the number of bulls on your team according to the reliability of the individual bulls; the greater the number of bulls on the team, the greater the team reliability. ■ Use low reliability bulls with caution. ■ High reliability A.I. bulls are the safest choice 2
Bovine Genetics
3
Tomschoice Imperial
Ivoire
Tomschoice Ironstone
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
LM2116
OEO
LM2117
OZS
XGL
LM2191
VDT
LM2190
OKH
NLO
ZAG
ZCH
ONI
Code (€) 142
74
82
82
92
92
102
109
113
119
128
132
9
7
12
83
15
22
76
14
29
74
37
30
85
(%)
Replacement Index 151
Stars Within 4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Stars Across 4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Cow Traits -23
-19
-28
20
29
-32
22
1
34
31
46
48
52
(€)
Progeny Traits 97
100
110
73
63
134
86
111
85
97
86
93
99
(€)
Calving Difficulty 2.05
3.2
2.05
6
8
4.9
5.3
7.4
4.6
5.7
4.8
4.7
5.5
(%)
Rel 29
23
46
99
62
50
91
45
39
88
91
34
97
(%)
Docility n/a
n/a
n/a
-0.04
n/a
n/a
-0.14
n/a
0.08
-0.06
0.08
0.01
0
(1-5)
Rel 0%
0%
0%
98
0%
0%
86
0
57
82
57
44
94
(%)
Daughter Milk -4.9
-2.9
-4.8
2.2
5.5
-1.9
-0.4
0.5
1.2
0.5
-1
1.5
4.9
(kgs)
Rel 9
10
10
85
15
35
77
22
30
83
30
33
89
(%)
(€)
Terminal Index 132
144
152
113
104
199
129
175
126
145
128
140
150
15
13
21
95
27
35
86
27
32
81
49
34
91
(%)
Rel
On-Dit ONI Castleview Gazelle ZAG
Keltic Handsome OKH
Ozeus OZS
(6 of the top 10 Commercially priced bulls; < €14) (Active bull list Sept 15)
MUN/PG HAVE 7 OF THE TOP 10 LIMOUSIN BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST ON REPLACEMENT INDEX
Carrowreagh Honduras ZCH
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
Glorieux
Ozeus
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
Brookmill Vindicator (Et)
Cameos
Pre-order
Pre-order
Keltic Handsome
Day
Available in the tank
Nelson
Pre-order
Pre-order
Carrowreagh Honduras
Castleview Gazelle
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
On-Dit
Name
Pre-order
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Rel
REPLACEMENT LIMOUSIN BULLS
Stars Within 5
5
5
3
2
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
Stars Across 5
5
5
4
3
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of
131
123
123
113
113
103
96
92
86
77
73
63
54
Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle
KEZ
AHC
SCO
(%)
Replacement Index (€) 130
88
88
102
107
113
113
27
15
56
92
80
90
32
88
Rel
131
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
Stars Across 4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
(€)
Cow Traits 55
67
56
99
89
98
55
102
Progeny Traits 33
21
46
8
24
15
75
29
(€)
Calving Difficulty 5.5
9
5.5
4
3.1
6.1
4.8
5
(%)
Rel 94
42
88
94
82
93
38
91
(%)
-0.03
0.07
-0.06
0.05
0.06
-0.07
27
28
83
94
80
92
46
89
0.17 0.09
(%)
Docility (1-5)
8.5
12
12.5
14.5
18.4
13.1
9.3
9.4
(kgs)
Rel 10
10
36
97
89
96
33
92
(%)
Terminal Index 52
45
72
10
30
30
110
44
(€)
43
19
81
91
87
91
35
90
(%)
Rel
Available in the tank
HE
VUL SCO DPS
Suir Con
Dorepoll Transatlantic
S1363
PT2201
Code
Vulain
Bourvil
Aioli
Name
(%)
Replacement Index (€) 95
123
113
116
59
80
61
28
25
Rel
139
Stars Within 5
4
5
4
5
5
5
5
4
5
117
89
29
-12
24
(€)
(€)
Progeny Traits 6
24
88
108
114
Calving Difficulty 10
3.1
7.3
2.6
5.8
(%)
Rel 99
82
93
55
37
(%)
0.15
0.06
0.08
75
80
74
27
40 -0.04
(%)
(1-5)
0.01
Docility
(kgs)
11.57
18.4
2.02
0.3
3.6
1
1
2
1
1
1
4
1
117
117
103
98
92
92
75
74
(6 of the top 10 commercially priced bulls; <€14) (Active bull list Sept 15)
2
1
4
1
1
1
5
1
MUN/PG HAVE 6 OF THE TOP 10 SIMMENTAL BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST
29
89
59
40
27
(%)
(€)
47
30
135
149
170
89
87
86
46
31
(%)
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
Pre-order
Pre-order
PT
PT
Pre-order
PT
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Stars Across
REPLACEMENT BULLS - OTHER BREEDS Cow Traits
Anatrim Bodybuilder AYX
Rel
Auroch Deuter PP AHC
Terminal Index
Keeldrum Capone 11 KEZ
Rel
Curaheen Earp SI2152
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
Keeldrum Capone 11
Available in the tank
AYX
Anatrim Bodybuilder
Auroch Deuter PP
Pre-order
Available in the tank
OLT
Suir Con
Oakland Robert
Pre-order
Pre-order
SI2152 SKB
Curaheen Earp
Seabank Blanco
Available in the tank
DBO
Code
Pre-order
Drumneil Bolero
Name
Pre-order
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Stars Within
REPLACEMENT SIMMENTAL BULLS
Rel Rel
Stars Within 4
1
2
4
5
Stars Within
Daughter Milk Daughter Milk
Stars Across 1
1
5
5
5
Stars Across
92
Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle
Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of
4
SA2200
Druide
Corlurgan Ourson
Pre-order
Available in the tank
OUR
ZLA
(€)
99
121
143
148
170
88
21
81
47
95
24
(%)
Replacement Index 201
Stars Within 1
2
3
3
5
5
Stars Across 5
5
5
5
5
5
(€)
Cow Traits 32
16
59
85
88
115
67
105
84
64
82
85
(€)
2.9
2.9
5
2.7
2.4
2
(%)
96
47
96
86
99
31
(%)
-0.23
-0.2
n/a
-0.19 94
0%
95
63
99
39
-0.11
(%)
Docility
0
Rel
(1-5)
Daughter Milk 4.79
-0.6
4.8
10.4
6.4
7.83
(kgs)
Rel 91
29
88
37
98
24
(%)
(€)
Terminal Index 92
147
124
86
109
117
91
34
93
64
95
30
(%)
Rel
Garry Leader 4th
Coolvin Dominator
Pre-order
Pre-order
SH2181
GYL
MCK
PZT
SH2202
ALO
Code
92
93
103
128
135
26
56
92
24
19
95
(%)
(€) 157
2
2
2
4
5
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
(€)
75
83
100
105
100
138
17
10
2
23
35
20
(€)
4.1
3.4
4.3
3.4
2.8
2
(%)
34
61
95
66
70
98
(%)
5
3
5
5
2
5
4
3
5
5
2
4
4
106
84
62
57
35
(4 of the top 6 commercially priced bulls; < €14) (Active bull list Sept 15)
0.04
0.11
0.01
-0.03
28
54
94
36
38
98 0.04
(%)
(1-5)
Docility
0.09
Rel
10.09
7.9
16.5
9.1
8.72
7.9
(kgs)
25
70
97
4
1
99
(%)
22
10
3
28
43
14
(€)
4
2
1
4
5
3
(%) 1
1
1
1
1
1
93
28
64
90
42
31
(6 of the top 10 commercially priced bulls; <€14) (Active bull list Sept 15)
48 77
70
113
112
102
MUN/PG HAVE 6 OF THE TOP 10 SHORTHORN BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
* semen limited
Paintearth Rama 53u (P)
Moydrumcastle King
Pre-order
Sprys Patent Ace
Pre-order
Pre-order
Annaly Leo
Name
Pre-order
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Replacement Index
REPLACEMENT SHORTHORN BULLS
Rel
SHORTHORN
Stars Across
SALERS
Stars Within
MUN/PG HAVE 4 OF THE TOP 6 SALERS BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST
Daughter Milk
Paintearth Rama 53u (P) PZT
Rel
Coolvin Dominator SH2181
Cow Traits
Lataster Ivan ZLA
Terminal Index
Rio RIO
Rel
Highfield Odran SA2153
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
* semen limited
LZR
Lataster Ivan
Lataster Eric
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
RIO
Rio*
Pre-order
SA2153
Code
Highfield Odran
Name
Available in the tank
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price Rel
REPLACEMENT SALERS BULLS Progeny Traits Progeny Traits
Stars Within Stars Within
Calving Difficulty Calving Difficulty
Stars Across Stars Across
Rel Rel
Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of
5
Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle
6
Hf Rebel 53y
Pre-Order
ZHF
GJB
ZTP
KYA
RGZ
AA2123
(€) 138
93
102
108
123
124
124
129
4
68
50
66
55
10
15
58
37
(%)
Replacement Index 169
Stars Within 3
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
Stars Across 4
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
(€)
Cow Traits 61
75
110
77
85
74
87
83
118
Progeny Traits 32
28
-2
47
39
50
42
55
50
(€)
Calving Difficulty 2
3.5
1
0.9
2.5
1.5
1.5
1.9
3.9
(%)
Rel 38
99
93
99
99
17
26
80
97
(%)
Docility n/a
-0.03
0.05
-0.16
-0.05
n/a
0.01
-0.04
0
(1-5)
Rel 0%
79
35
81
77
0%
27
56
60
(%)
Daughter Milk 7.3
8.3
7.2
6
10.7
7.8
7.8
14.1
21.5
(kgs)
Rel 0
40
30
33
17
9
18
54
17
(%)
Terminal Index 61
64
7
79
78
90
81
97
98
(€)
11
93
75
92
89
14
19
74
55
(%)
Rel
Balmachie Rannai D005 RZI
Tubridmore Gizmo E.T. (Et) RGZ
Goulding Jumbo King K436 Et GJB
Stars Within
2
2
1
2
2
3
2
3
3
Stars Across
Christon Elton P623 AA2123
3
3
1
5
5
5
5
5
5
112
103
97
82
81
81
76
67
36
Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of
5 of the top 10 commercially priced bulls; <€14 (Active bull list Sept 15)
MUN/PG HAVE 5 OF THE TOP 10 ANGUS BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST
Friarstown Ideal Pete K202 Et FPI
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
Tubridmore Pride K415
Goulding Jumbo King K436 Et
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
Tubridmore Gizmo E.T. (Et)
Cornamuckla Lord Hardy K222
Available in the tank
Available in the tank
Christon Elton P623
Available in the tank
AA2025
RZI
Balmachie Rannai D005
Steil Knockranny 248
Pre-Order
Available in the tank
FPI
Friarstown Ideal Pete K202 Et
Available in the tank
Code
Name
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Rel
REPLACEMENT ANGUS BULLS Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle
7
Artois
Pre-order
CH2199
GEZ
TZL
LIR
HHJ
SNZ
CF43
VMO
TZW
CH2204
Code
80
85
87
88
89
91
95
111
111
112
30
21
19
52
91
10
47
96
39
40
29
(%)
Replacement Index 145
Rel
(€) 5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Stars Across 4
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
Cow Traits -41
-2
5
0
10
22
-23
35
14
37
60
(€)
Progeny Traits 121
86
82
89
78
69
118
77
98
75
85
(€)
Calving Difficulty 1.4
5.8
7
4.4
7.8
8.9
6.1
3.9
3.7
6.6
7.3
(%)
Rel 51
59
78
76
96
22
66
99
67
64
53
(%)
Docility n/a
0.26
n/a
0.09
0.14
0.03
-0.07
0.02
0.05
(1-5)
Rel 0%
43
o
56
94
42
98
17
46
(%)
Daughter Milk -0.82
-0.3
5.6
5.1
1.2
7
-0.9
1.8
3.2
10.1
12.3
(kgs)
Rel 64
5
17
74
93
20
72
98
59
63
61
(%)
Terminal Index 166
129
127
127
124
116
176
109
140
118
134
(€)
44
36
35
65
91
16
60
94
56
55
40
(%)
Rel
Doonally Donald CF43
Vittoz CH2204
Tanzanien TZW
Voimo VMO
5
Stars Within 5
5
5
5
4
3
5
3
5
4
5
5
5
5
5
4
5
4
5
4
5
Stars Across
(8 of the top 10 commercially priced bulls; < €14)) (Active bull list Sept 15)
MUN/PG HAVE 10 OF THE TOP 10 CHAROLAIS BULLS AVAILABLE ON THE ACTIVE BULL LIST
Heracles HHJ
The minimum cow Replacement Index is the minimum required to achieve the recommended calf index of 74 assuming a bull team reliability of 85%
* semen limited
Gedeon
Alwent Goldbar (Et)
Available in the tank
Pre-order
Loisir*
Trezegoal
Pre-order
Heracles
Available in the tank
Pre-order
Doonally Donald*
Sylvaner
Pre-order
Voimo
Pre-order
Pre-order
Vittoz
Tanzanien
Pre-order
Pre-order
Name
Standard Price Premium Price Elite Price
Stars Within
REPLACEMENT CHAROLAIS BULLS
60
Mate to a cow with a minimum Replacement Index of
125
120
118
117
116
114
110
94
94
93
Data: ICBF AUG '15. Within breed stars are only relevant for pedigree registered cattle
Heat detection in suckler cows In suckler cows we need aids for heat detection, reliance on observation alone will not yield a good result; a high proportion of heats will be missed. The factors affecting the expression of heat in sucklers is determined by the size of the sexually active group and the under -foot conditions. If the number of the group is small there will be less activity making it harder to pick up heats; a vasectomised bull is invaluable in this situation. If under -foot conditions are slippery, as is often the case on slats, activity will be reduced.
Heat detection aids for suckler cows Vasectomised Bull
A vasectomised bull fitted with a chin ball is the best method of heat detection for suckler cows. He will not miss any cows and will work 24/7. When fitted with a chinball, he will mark every cow he mates, this will allow you to pick up heats when you are feeding the cows. The bull needs to be well grown and ideally similar in size or taller than the females to be detected, this is especially important indoors (FIG 4). Vasectomise the bull a minimum of eight weeks prior to he being required. Always fit him with a nose ring to allow easy application of the chinball (fig 2).
FIG2
Take good care of your vasectomised bull; he is a valuable asset on the farm. Ensure young bulls are well fed. Avoid situations where the vasectomised bull may get hurt e.g. if you have a number of synchronised cows inside, remove the bull overnight when they are on heat. Chinball paint is the only paint that should be used in the chinball. Prior to filling the chinball, shake the paint vigorously as it has a heavy oil base. It is important to secure the plug properly after each paint fill to prevent leaking. A fill of the chinball should last 15-20 heats depending on the bull. The best chinball device is the one shown (FIGS 1,2 & 3). It is important, especially in young bulls, to pad the area around the back of the neck (fig 3) and around the nose band. Put the chinball on at least one week prior to the breeding season, without paint; this allows the bull to get used to the device and avoids wastage of paint. Fill the chinball with paint at the start of the breeding season.
FIG3
Ensure the chinball is snugly fitted to the bull as shown. The leather straps are likely to stretch, adjust them regularly especially in the first month of use. Watch carefully to make sure that the bull marks the backs of the cows he mates (figs 5 & 6). Other marks will appear on the sides of the cow, these are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;courting marksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and they will alert you to the fact that the cow is coming on heat. One mistake that is often made is inseminating cows on the courting marks. If only a few cows are coming on heat, the bull will court a cow upto 48 hours before she will stand to be mounted, this results in cows being inseminated 24-48 hours earlier than the optimum time.
FIG4
Depending on the colour of the cows, experiment with different colours of paint to establish which colour is easiest to see on your cows (FIG 7). Good lighting in the shed is important to pick up the marks easily.
FIG5
FIG6
8
FIG7
Tail Paint
Scratch cards
Tail paint works reasonably well in suckler cows. However, it needs to be topped up as often as is necessary; twice a week is sufficient in most cases. If cows are very dirty indoors tail paint needs to be renewed more regularly. Clipping the tails will reduce the amount of dung on the rump area.
Scratch cards are an excellent method of heat detection in both cows and heifers. The newer scratch cards ‘estrus detect’ are superior to previous scratch cards. They come in a roll of 100 with a can of ‘scotch weld glue’(fig. 1). Hair is needed for the glue to stick the scratch card, do not clip the hair, as is the practice when using tail paint and crayons. On a dry day when the cows and heifers are dry, brush off any loose hair, dirt or dust from the rump area with a brush or comb. Spray the area of the rump where the card is to be applied (fig 2), tear off the number of cards from the roll that you need and spray the back of the cards with the glue (fig 3). Patience is required now; wait until the glue on the card is gone tacky before you put it on the rump. When it is gone tacky it will stick to your glove (fig 4); in warmer days it will go tacky quicker. Apply the card to the sprayed area and rub it in well especially around the edges (fig 6). When the cow or heifer is on heat the silver will get scratched off and reveal the colour of the card underneath e.g. In fig. 7 the card was red. You can also get yellow and green cards. If there is a lot of activity, all the colour will get scratched off and you will have a white card left. Renew the scratch cards as often as necessary usually if properly applied they will last 2-3 weeks. Renew them each time the day after the animal was in heat. You can apply the new one on top of the old one if the old one is still in place. Overall scratch cards work exceptionally well in both cows and heifers especially when they are outdoors. If the animals are dirty indoors you may get a layer of dung on the cards preventing them being scratched. In this scenario, crayons or a vasectomised bull work better.
Tail paint is applied on a 9 inch by 2 inch strip on the rump. Clipping of the rump prior to paint application allows the paint to be rubbed off easier and avoids a build-up of paint. The paint can be purchased in half gallon containers and applied with a paint brush, paint roller or a glove. Tail paint can also be purchased in 1 litre squeezable containers with a brush at the top, herd owners find these very convenient. Spray on paint is also available, some herd owners find this product very convenient and effective. Different colours are available in all paint systems, use a very bright even a fluorescent colour. You can use these colours to great effect, e.g. if all cows are initially painted yellow, and any cow served is then painted blue, instantly you know the cows painted yellow have not yet been served. Tail paint is not as effective in maiden heifers as it is in cows, mainly because they are not heavy enough to rub it off, spray or crayons work better on heifers. Painting a little further down the tail of maiden heifers helps detection.
Crayons
Crayons work on the same principle as tail paint and are very convenient to use. However, the crayons rub off easier than tail paint, this makes them extremely useful for maiden heifers. Herd owners also find them very convenient to apply; this can be done when cows/ heifers are feeding. They come in boxes of 12 and in different colours.
FIG 1
FIG 2
FIG 3
FIG 4
FIG 5
FIG 6
FIG 7
The tip of the crayon can form a film over it, this must be removed prior to rubbing the crayon on the cows. The easiest way to do this is by rubbing the crayon on a wall, to get rid of the film. Rub on the crayon to the rump in an area 9 inches by 1 inch. For maiden heifers come a little further down the tail Top up the crayon weekly.
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Maiden Heifers
Oestrous Synchronisation and Fixed timed AI in suckler cows
Nationally only 15% of maiden heifers calve at 2 years of age. Recommended weights for beef heifers if calving at 2 years of age 60-65% of mature weight at 13.5-14
months 65-70% of mature weight at 15 months-time of 1st breeding 85-90% of mature weight at 24 months- time of calving
Use of synchronisation and fixed timed AI is gaining much interest abroad; practical, low labour and cost effective protocols are required. Teagasc are doing an on-going synchronisation trial with the primary goals being to: 1. Develop a reliable protocol that relies solely on fixed timed insemination. 2. Develop a system that requires a maximum of 3 handlings. 3. Develop a system that is successful in both cycling and non -cycling cows at any stage of their cycle.
These weights ensure • A high proportion of the heifers are cycling regularly at the start of the breeding season. • Heifers are physically well developed at calving. • Early resumption of heat activity after calving. Recommended target weight at 14 months of age Breed
Target (KG)
ADG birth to 14 months (Kg/day)
Angus X
370
0.77
Hereford X
370
0.77
Simmental X
400
0.85
Limousin X
420
0.88
Charolais X
430
0.90
The following protocol has achieved major success in a large scale trial with conception rates to fixed timed AI of 50% - 70%. Low labour, Cost effective Synchronisation Protocol for cows Days
Date
Synchronisation
Ensure cows are Calved 35 days are Scanned and are in correct BCS
Synchronisation is an excellent way of increasing the number of heifers served to A.I. with minimum heat detection. There are many advantages; all the heifers are served within a short period of time, the repeats are together which facilitates heat detection and a compact group can be presented for scanning.
A.I. heifers when on heat. Will get 1/3 this week.
7th or 8th Dec.
Day 7 or 8
Inject all heifers not bred with PG, usually 2/3 of them
9th-11th or 10th - 12th 18th or 19th 20th -22st or 21st to 23rd
A.I. heifers when on heat. Majority will be on heat 48-72 hours post injection. Be extra vigilant at this time. Day 18 or 19
Inject all heifers not bred with PG. Should be very few heifers. A.I. heifers when on heat or 72 and 96 hours post 2nd PG injection. Watch for all repeats
PG: Prostaglandin-*Estrumate, *Lutalyse, *Enzaprost (*POM prescription only medicines)
Insert PRID or CIDR Inject with GnRH
7
Mon 7th Oct. AM
Remove PRID/CIDR and inject PG and 400 i.u. eCG
10
Thur 10th Oct. AM A.I. and inject GnRH
1. All the cows calved 35 days are A.I.’d on one day at a predetermined time without heat detection. 2. Resumes cyclicity in all non- cycling cows. 3. Repeats are together, facilitating heat detection. 4. 3 and 6 week calving rate is much improved. 5. A compact group of cows can be presented for scanning. 6. Compact calf crop for management and sale.
Introduce a vasectomised bull or Apply scratch cards or crayons Day 1-7
Tues 1st Oct. AM
Advantages of Oestrous Synchronisation and Fixed timed AI
Cost effective Synchronisation Protocol for heifers
1st to 7th Dec.
0
PG Prostaglandin-*Estrumate, *Lutalyse, *Enzaprost. GnRH-*Receptal, *Ovarelin. eCG- *Folligon PMSG, *Synchrostim. (*POM prescription only medicines)
Ensure all the heifers: o Meet the minimum target weights outlined above. o Have a good Body condition Score (BCS), not fat. o Are on a rising plane of nutrition. o Have received all their vaccines prior to the breeding season. o Have been dosed for parasites prior to the breeding season. o Are in a socially stable group; avoid mixing heifers during the breeding season. 23rd Nov.
Procedure
10
Suckler Cow Key reproductive targets Calving Interval
365 Days
Culled annually for being empty
< %5
% Calving to weaning a calf
>95%
80% Calved in
6 weeks
Replacement Rates
16-18%
Age 1st Calving
24 months
How to achieve targets1. Cow must have an easy calving. 2. Cow must start Cycling within 55 days of calving. 3. Accurate heat detection. 4. Achieve high conception rates.
dinarily well, in addition to the cows cycling sooner, the calves are out most of the time resulting in reduced disease issues, less bedding used and heavier calves at weaning - A winner all around. i. Nutrition and BCS BCS is a measure of fat reserves on a 1-5 scale similar to the factory fat scoring system. You can assess it by feeling over the rib, over the loin and around the tail head. The higher the BCS at calving the quicker the cow will resume cycling post calving, a moderate to good BCS of 2.5+ is ideal. Feeding after calving will not compensate for poor BCS at calving. Partum Interval 13 Post (days)
BCS Score at calving Galway
1.75- Low
1. Easy Calving Select proven A.I. sires Established Experts in Bovine Genetics 2. Start cycling by day 55 i. Maternal-Offspring bonding ii. Nutrition
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2.5- Moderate 3.5- Good
FIG1 Maternal-Offspring bonding The effect of the maternal- offspring bond must be reduced to ensure that cows will resume cycling early post calving. The easiest way to do this is to separate the calves from the cows from day 30, allowing them restricted access only. For the autumn calving cows that are housed, a door in the creep area to an outside paddock can be opened to allow the calves out to grass (Fig 1). Allow them restricted access to the cows am and pm. The time to first heat will be reduced by 4 weeks. 80% of cows will exhibit a fertile heat by day 45, however about 10% will not respond. Separation of the cow and calf is especially useful for 1st calvers and late calvers. Herd-owners who have begun this regime find it works extraor-
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1
15
55
ii. Achieving High Ennis Conception Rates a. Accurate heat detection. b. Experienced competent technician with high quality seThurles men. Limerick c. Female factors-get your cow vetted. i. Nutrition around breeding: avoid fluctuations in feed Cashel supply Tralee ii. Feeding after calving will not compensate for poor BCS at calving Mitchelstown iii. Disease-talk to your vet about your herd health, Waterford get all Dungarvan Killarney Mallow vaccinations done pre breeding season iv. Parasites-Liver Fluke and worms-talk 14 to your vet about Cork a dosing programme v. KeepDunmanway them inBandon a socially12 stable group vi. Mineral supplementation Clonakilty
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Help your AI technician To achieve maximum conception rates the following points are worth noting 1. Proper placement of the semen is a very specific procedure and it is one of the main factors influencing success rate, it is crucial that the cow is properly restrained to maximise success. Proper restraint means that side to side and forward and backward movement are minimised. 2. The best time to inseminate a cow is when she is in standing heat and up to 12 hours later. If it is longer than 12 hours since a cow has finished standing heat, the results from AI will be reduced. Avoid delaying the insemination of cows. 3. Helping with cow restraint will greatly improve the AI results. Avoid speaking with the technician as he is inseminating the cow as this is only distracting him from a very precise procedure; speak with the technician as he is walking towards the cow and when he has the cow inseminated!
Call Centre 1850 20 20 50 Head Office 01 4502142 Kylemore Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12
www.progressivegenetics.ie AI Calls
Dairygold: 1850 500 321
Bandon: 023 - 8832828
Kerry/Clare/Galway: 1890 28 1000
Main Office: Ballyvorisheen, Mallow, Co Cork t: (022) 43228 f: (022) 31010 e: info@munsterai.ie w:www.munsterai.ie Established Experts in Bovine Genetics