Underfeeding proves costly for dairy cow fertility results

SIX out of ten inadequately fed cows failed to go in calf to the first service in a Teagasc Moorepark trial which showed that infertility in dairy cows is a continuing major drain on high yielding herds.

The Moorepark research showed how underfeeding in the breeding season can reduce the rate of pregnancy to the first service by up to one-third. Where the supply of grass was adequate, the conception rate increased by 50%.

George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Specialist, said the annual culling rate in many high yielding dairy farms averages 22%, and is one of the biggest cost burdens.