The Rural Voice, 1986-04, Page 39FARM NEWS
Solve herd
reproductive problems
Dr. David Smith from the
Department of Animal Science at
Cornell University was one of the
guest speakers at a recent dairy
seminar in Walkerton.
His topic was 'Poor Reproduc-
tive Performance: How Much Is
The Operator's Fault?
Accurate records are the key to
identifying and solving herd
reproductive problems. Keeping
such records involves: an accurate
and objective appraisal of the cur-
rent situation, identification of
factors causing the problem, set-
ting reasonable goals, formulating
plans for change, implementing
changes, finally, monitoring the
results.
Heat detection is the number -
one problem facing dairy farmers;
44 per cent of them do not set time
aside regularly each day for heat
detection, and 46 per cent of
farmers always combine heat
detection with other chores. This
results in only 50 to 60 per cent of
the animals being detected in heat.
To improve this situation, 20 to
30 minutes should be set aside each
day to watch cows. Also various
tools should be used to increase
sexual activity, e.g., 'hot cows'
(generally cystic), marker bulls,
testosterone -treated cows, heifers,
or steers.
Factors affecting poor heat
detection include: poor footing
(paved yards, icy conditions), ex-
tremes of temperature, especially
hot humid weather, activity that
occurs mostly at night, short heat
periods, environmental factors
(feet and leg problems), and,
above all, nutritional problems.
Although nutrition and
reproduction go hand in hand,
relatively little is known about the
complex interaction between the
two. Nutrient deficiencies, ex-
cesses, or imbalances are all
capable of altering reproduction.
A long-term approach must be
used, either with replacement
heifers or dry cows, as some
reproductive problems related to
nutrition may develop over a long
period. Likewise, whencorrections
are made, improvements may take
longer than one expects. Patience
is often required. OCH
STARDUST
AVIATION INC.
Bob Jamieson, Owner & Operator
FOR AERIAL
APPLICATIONS
OF
• FERTILIZER
• HERBICIDES
• INSECTICIDES
• FUNGICIDES
• FALLWHEAT SEEDED
WINGHAM, KINCARDINE OR BRUSSELS 519.357.2599