Why Induce?
Inducing cows to calve early is a very valuable management tool for the seasonal calving farmer, but it should not be used as a substitute for good management.
The aim of inducing cows should be to shift late calving young cows in the current year to become early calving cows the following year. The benefits of inductions are not seen until subsequent years when the cow calves to AI and milks for a full lactation.
Old cows present a significant risk of death or complications following induction. We don't recommend inducing cows after their 3rd lactation. Younger cows are more likely to respond favourably following induction and conceive early the following year.
Inductions are of great benefit when the calving pattern is being tightened, when herd numbers are being increased or after there have been problems with submission rate or conception rate.
Once a herd is at a constant state, the influx of early calving heifers each year will keep the calving pattern constant.
If you find your calving pattern slipping, the solution will not be inducing a large percentage of cows every year but looking to the following areas;
- Having adequate numbers (20 - 25 % of herd) of well grown, early calving heifers every year.
- Identifying and treating non cycling cows early. See the Non Cycling Cows page for more information.
- Using heat detection aids throughout the AI period.
- Using professional AI technicians.
- Having adequate numbers (1 bull / 30 empty cows) of fit and healthy bulls that have been vaccinated for vibrio.