Further Developments in Reproduction Work
The DRDC has funded an ongoing program into research, development and extension of programs to improve the reproductive performance of the Australian Dairy herd. This year, Dr Jock McMillan, formally a researcher at Ruakura in New Zealand, was appointed at the University of Melbourne with funding from DRDC to head a research team.To facilitate the effective use of funds, a project management committee was set up to oversee this program and assist with prioritising areas of most importance. I was appointed to this board which has met on several occasions this year. It is also represented by researchers, farmers and John Morton, the coordinator of the National Dairy Herd Fertility Project (NDHFP).
To priortise areas of importance, the collective input from committee members using estimates of the likely improvement in such parameters as conception rate or not in calf percentage has been backed up by use of data from the NDHFP much of which was collected from our local farmers. Once these areas have been elucidated it is planned to develop extension or research programs to begin to improve performance of the national herd. In the case of research, this may involve some on farm trial work such as use of CIDRs prior to mating start date to increase the submission rate. Extension work may involve a program for farmers to monitor performance and set targets.
The areas which the project management committee has identified as high priority are:
- Repeat breeder cows.
- Use of efficient synchronising programs to improve submission rate and decrease not in calf rate.
- Develop an extension program to improve the uptake of already well recognised areas of importance eg. growing heifers well.
- Improve conception rate in cows not calving in the first six weeks.
- Reduce the prevalence of missed heats in herds with a priority to labour saving.
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