TIPS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2013

1.     The high temperatures and resultant moisture deficit have reduced grass growth rates.  This will increase stress on early developmental stage of embryos with increased embryonic mortality.  Ensure diets are supplemented with conserved forage and concentrates to minimise stress.

2.    Ensure heifer calves get no setbacks in target growth rates.  Address stomach worms on a routine basis.

3.     Breeding programmes for grass-based Spring milk production are near an end, cows bred now will calve mid-April onwards.  Cows which experience embryonic mortality beyond day 250 of pregnancy may take up to 9 weeks to return to heat.  An USART scan now will give you the opportunity to get cows bred again before the breeding season finishes.

4.     Identify cows carrying twins by USART scan to enable better body condition score management and less risk to both the pregnancy and the cow.

5.     Plan a break now as the past 18 months have been very tough on most farms.

6.     Many farms need ground re-seeded because of pasture damage over the past 18 months, take the current spell of weather to plan and implement a grass re-seeding programme.

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