Pregnancy Test Results 2023
Usually, the seasons roll over into one another seamlessly and sometimes the contrast between seasons is drastic. When averaged out over all of our dairy farms the pregnancy results reflect this. Usually the average bounces around 1-2% change per season.
I think everybody can agree that last season was tough and a 3% decrease on the previous season’s pregnancy & conception rates, reflected this.
This season brought different challenges, including disappointing milk prices. Thankfully, it looks like on average repro results weren’t one of these challenges.
Below is a graph comparing the 6 week in calf rate for RVC farms using Infovet.
6-Week-In-Calf Rate
The blue line 67% is our clinic average 6-week-in-calf rate across 47 farms with detailed records, whilst the green line (at 78%) is the target 6-week ICR for herds according to the Dairy NZ InCalf Programme. As you can see there is a lot of variation, with more than 25% difference between some results.
For a cow to get pregnant there are two key points that must happen;
• she must have a heat and be put up for mating (Submission Rate) – see graph left.
• she must hold to that mating (Conception Rate)
Submission Rate & Conception Rate are the two key drivers of the 6 week in calf rate.
The graph (left) shows a summary of 3-week submission rates for MA cows (not heifers) across the district. The average 3-week submission rate was 81% and most conception rates are sitting in the 43-55% range.
With a wide variety of ranges there are farms performing very well despite the season and others that may benefit from a boost in performance. If you are looking to improve your repro results, our large animal vets are all In-Calf trained and can go through your farm specific results to tailor a plan to help lift your repro performance.