A Tighter Calving Pattern Eases Suckler Herd Management Problems

In just two seasons the calving pattern in an Aberdeenshire suckler herd has been tightened up from one where cows calved over an extended period to one that is much more compact so allowing better management and control of the herd.

Farmer John Greig, of Maud, Peterhead wanted to reduce the calving window in his suckler herd. Over the years the calving period had gradually become extended and this was having an effect on the management of the whole farm.

This is a spring calving herd, beginning early February. Over the years, as the calving period gradually extended and other farm enterprises gradually made greater demands on time and energy, the later calving cows received less attention than the earlier ones.

Mr Greig entered into a fertility programme advised by the Group realising that the programme could take a couple of years to have a measurable effect on the herd problem. The plan involved maintaining the normal feeding/mineral regime and introducing Orvec Quick Serve into the ration post calving/pre bulling with access to magnesium liquid or magnesium tubs while grazing or being fed outside. During the housed period a protected suckler cow mineral was available.

Quick Serve started to show results within the first season and there was a significant reduction in the calving window. After only two seasons, 83% of the herd calved within the first 3 cycles, compared to that of 69% previously. Only 1% of the herd was left to calve after 4 cycles compared with 16% before the trial commenced.

Even though the herd size increased by 16% over the trial period, the calving window was still less at the end of the trial than at the beginning.

All calves are finished on the farm with bull calves being kept entire and finished at 12-14 months. Most heifers are finished at approximately 18-22 months.