Why synchronise heats?
Synchronisation programs have been widely promoted to increase the reproductive efficiency of dairy herds and to facilitate the use of artificial insemination in milking cows and maiden heifers.
The aim of a synchronisation program is to have as many cows joined at one time as possible.
- Improve heat detection.
- The large number of cows on heat at one time means that some of the less sexually active cows are more inclined to show signs of heat. The period of intense heat detection can be reduced.
- Ease of calving management.
- The tighter calving pattern reduces the number of days required for close observation of springers.
- Extended interval from calving to joining.
- An early calving date will give an extra 5 to 10 days prior to the start of mating increasing submission rates and conception rates.
- Labour costs.
- If cows can be joined quickly and do not need to be joined again, the amount of time that can be dedicated to joining can be reduced.
- Early lactation milk production.
- More cows are calved down early, and a greater volume of milk can be sent at the start of the season. We can expect that synchronised cows may get an extra 5 to 10 days lactation. This is equivalent to an extra $20 to $50 dollars per cow at the start of the season.
- Increased number of replacement heifers.
- A successful synchronisation program may result in extra calves born to AI and hence extra replacement heifers. The heifers can be raised in batches of uniform age. The cost of purchasing replacement heifers is reduced as is the risk of introducing disease.
- Decreased need for induction.
- Calving induction can cost up to $100 per cow induced when we take into account the reduced milk production, the lost calf, increased time to clean and get back in calf, as well as the increased risk of illness. If pregnancy rates can be increased in the early joining, significant savings are made.
- Early detection of non-cycling cows.
- Non-cycling cows can be detected early in the AI period and treated at this time.