Focus for 100

The cycle begins again with the arrival of new calves. The next 100 days are not only the busiest period on spring-calving farms but also the most important. The fertility cycle is the cornerstone of any spring-calving system, and these 100 days encompass the period between calving and returning to being in calf again. During this time, there are critical considerations such as production, silage, grass, and the weather, to name but a few. At Alltech, we have created a programme called ‘Focus for 100’. Having worked with farmers for over 40 years, delivering on-farm advice, we understand that there are many parameters to get right during this period. When everything goes smoothly, the results can be fantastic. However, when one or two elements fall out of sync, things can go wrong very quickly. Below are some of the main parameters to consider.

Body condition score

Calving cows in the right condition and minimising losses in early lactation are key. Milk yield itself does not cause issues in early lactation – intake is the issue. If we can ensure the cow eats enough, everything else will take care of itself. Aim to design the diet for cows at peak milk yield, providing the necessary silage, grass, and concentrates. Many farms tend to underfeed concentrates during early lactation, supported by the fact that cows produce fantastic milk solids. However, the true value of correct, targeted nutrition becomes evident after six weeks (mid-March).

Immunity

A healthy cow and calf are essential. A solid dry-cow programme is the starting point, as the majority of metabolic issues and culling reasons occur around calving. Ensuring cows’ immunity is robust through proper nutrition and management is crucial. One well-researched approach is the appropriate use of mineral nutrition. Feeding a high-quality dry-cow mineral and then a post-calving mineral at the correct rate is essential. Our research into organic forms of copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium has demonstrated positive effects on metabolic issues, milk yield, somatic cell count (SCC), fertility, and age at calving. It is important to consult your supplier for the right mineral programme for your farming system.

Rumen health

The cow’s rumen undergoes significant changes over the coming weeks, shifting from consuming 11kg of dry matter to 20kg, from no concentrates to over 8kg, and from grass silage to fresh grass and back again, with varying dry matter and quality. Ensuring the rumen functions effectively in this dynamic environment is vital. While we cannot control the system or the weather, we can protect the rumen from peaks and troughs by including good levels of fibre – both digestible (e.g. pulps) and effective (e.g. straw). Using a yeast supplement in concentrates is also important for rumen protection. Our research has shown that yeast can improve milk yield, fat, and protein percentages, as well as positively impact fertility, highlighting the importance of rumen health in early lactation.

Expert advice

It is essential to speak with your nutritionist or advisor about these points. While you cannot know everything about every aspect of farming, there are experts who specialise in these areas and work on them daily. You can contact our nutrition team at 059 910 1320.