Achieving compact calving - and why it's crucial to an efficient dairy system
Getting cows back in calf quickly and compacting the calving block has been a key goal for West Cork dairy farmer Peadar O'Driscoll. Picture: Denis Minihane.
Breeding kick-started on May 1, with ten cows served on the first day of breeding. My goal is to have a three-week submission rate of 90%, which is vital for me to hit my target six-week calving rate of 90% next spring.
Compact calving is critical to me so I get the most out of all my cows as they will have a longer lactation leading to more milk and milk solids being produced off a grass-based diet. I use tail paint on the cows and scratch cards on maiden heifers to pick up heats.
