InCalf
Background:
Dairy Australia has funded InCalf since 1996 when it was first established that 70% of the variation in reproductive efficiency between farms was due to herd management issues for which there were known effective management strategies. The dairy industry has a significant investment since that time to update that research and provide information that better enables dairy farmers to get cows in calf as soon as mating starts.
Project objectives:
InCalf is Dairy Australia’s national project for improving dairy herd fertility with a farm focus on management to get cows in calf as soon as mating starts.
Good management is needed in several areas to get cows in calf as soon as possible after mating starts. To help farmers improve herd fertility irrespective of their farming system, InCalf has resources for each of the key management areas:
Herd fertility can be improved by taking action in any one of these areas - and the effects are additive. Top performing herds operate well in all areas.
Changes to farming systems, for example calving system or use of crossbreeding, can affect reproductive performance. As InCalf’s focus is on improving herd fertility through management practices, farmers considering changing their farming system should discuss their individual circumstances with an adviser.
Project scope:
InCalf 2010-12 includes an industry review of current concerns about fertility management with development of a plan for future collective action, and the first year of actioning that plan.
Outcomes/benefits:
Increased fertility rates helps improve farm profitability. InCalf is proposing activities in 2 areas in 2011-2012:
- Develop a clear, consistent and authoritative position on herd fertility
- Increase the take-up of InCalf fertility practices by increasing the project's profile, and getting farmers, advisors and other stakeholders more connected with the project's elements
More information:
For more information, contact Mick Blake, Dairy Australia Animal Performance Manager.