Wednesday, 12 September 2012 11:18

Reproductive workshops

Written by Pamela Tipa

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DairyNZ experts will speak at a series of Bay of Plenty workshops on herd reproductive performance during September and October.

The events form part of DairyNZ's work to help boost the region's herd reproduction results – a priority for both dairy farmers and the DairyNZ regional team.

Over the five events, speakers will include DairyNZ scientists Kevin Macdonald and Dr Jane Kay; DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey and Bay of Plenty regional leader Sharon Morrell.

DairyNZ consulting officer Wilma Foster says the events give farmers an opportunity to have their questions answered.

"It's great having members of the DairyNZ research department coming to address the issues of nutrition around mating. There are a lot of fallacies out there and having scientists able to come and talk about these issues with farmers is invaluable."

Wilma says there are strong incentives to focus on getting mating right.

"For dairy farmers, better results mean more cows in calf early, more milk production, more replacement AB heifers, streamlined calf rearing and an easier mating the following season. This is the basis of genetic gain and herd improvement," says Wilma.

"As well as nutrition, we will cover a range of factors affecting reproductive performance, including bull management and the management of weaned calves."

The events will look at options for intervening with non-cycling cows or 'ambulance options'.

Wilma says intervention is undesirable but sometimes necessary.

"Non-cycler strategies include once-a-day milking, preferential feeding and hormonal treatments. We'll be considering profitability and management tips to get the most out of each option. As always, timing is everything," says Wilma.

For more information visit www.dairynz.co.nz/events or phone Natalee Swinyard, events and administration coordinator, on 07 349 6825. All events run from 10.45am-1pm.

Event details:

Tuesday, September 18

Bryan and Tesha Gibson

1188 Tutukau Rd, Reporoa

Supply no. 78941

Guest speaker: Sharon Morrell, DairyNZ Bay of Plenty regional leader

Wednesday, September 19

Andrew and Robyn McLeod

1185 Welcome Bay Rd, Papamoa

Supply no. 21349

Guest speaker: Kevin Macdonald, DairyNZ senior scientist

Thursday, September 20