By Chris Balemi, founder and managing director of Agvance Nutrition.
Farmers are in a critical window now to ensure optimal fertility and high in-calf rates in their dairy herds. Once lactation begins, we are aiming to get our cows to peak milk as quickly as possible and it is important this is well supported with good nutrition so that cycling and fertility do not suffer. Finding the balance between peak milk and fertility can be done, and it involves more than just feeding and breeding management.
Many farmers ease off mineral supplementation as mating approaches and become very complacent mid-season once cows have been mated and are well into lactation. Mineral deficiencies can directly impact the health of the cow, particularly fertility and reproduction, at any time of the season.
Conception is just the beginning – maintaining the pregnancy needs to be the goal. Mineral composition and liver health play key roles throughout the season, making sure your cows are ready for mating and that a healthy pregnancy is maintained through to the next calving.
Minerals such as selenium, copper, cobalt, iodine, manganese and magnesium all play an important role in a cow’s reproductive health and correct forms and ratios are critical in supporting fertility.
Selenium, for example, is critical for good immune function and overall health, which impacts fertility. Copper influences enzyme systems related to fertility and energy metabolism. Selenium and iodine support thyroid function, and cobalt supports good digestive health.
These all come together to support metabolism and reproductive cycles. Cows need to receive a balanced mineral supplement alongside quality nutrition. Regular blood tests will help monitor mineral levels and signal any necessary supplement adjustments.
A cow’s powerhouse is her liver – without healthy liver function, she’ll struggle at every step, with potentially fatal results. Central to many bodily functions, the liver supports detoxification, metabolism, and nutrient storage.
Proper liver function drives the cow’s ability to metabolise energy efficiently. During early lactation, the liver works overtime to manage energy demands. High-energy diets, including high-quality pasture and feeds, are essential.
Incorporating specific types of bypass fat in the diet can boost energy density without overloading the liver. Practical steps farmers can take to support a healthy liver include ensuring that the cow is eating well and maintaining healthy body condition, while monitoring liver health through regular vet checks and blood tests to catch any potential issues early on.
Body condition scoring (BCS) is a practical method for assessing whether cows are at an ideal weight and health status. A BCS of 5.0-5.5 is generally recommended for cows at the start of mating.
Cows in this range have enough body fat reserves to support the demands of lactation and pregnancy. Energy density in their diet is crucial – ensure cows have access to high-quality pasture and supplementary feeds.
Peak milk production places significant energy demands on cows, making it all the more important to provide balanced nutrition to maintain their body condition.
Planned feeding that will put condition on cows during periods when the cow is still lactating, yet past the peak of lactation, works well. This ensures the fat is stored below the skin (adipose fat) and not around the organs (visceral fat).
Adipose fat acts as a natural energy reserve and can be readily mobilised, whereas visceral fat, when mobilised, tends to clog the system and is particularly detrimental to liver function (fatty liver disease). Proper BCS management is critical and leads to better reproductive performance and overall herd health.
Correct mineral levels, healthy liver, and good body condition work together to put cows in a strong position for successful mating. Adequate mineral levels ensure all physiological processes related to reproduction are functioning correctly. Healthy liver function supports efficient energy metabolism, which is essential for maintaining body condition and supporting reproductive cycles.
By focusing on high-quality pasture and feed and including bypass fats, you can provide the necessary energy to support peak milk production and pregnancy. When these elements are managed effectively, cows are more likely to have good fertility, be actively cycling, and be ready for mating.
