Plan now for spring calving success
First lactation heifers and high yielding cows can be given a bit of help to get back in
calf this autumn by using GnRH. It’s effective when used at insemination, particularly
on farms where conception rates are below 40%, as a holding injection.
But it also has a key role to play in maintaining a pregnancy when injected at day 11
after service. The only licensed product which does this is Receptal® which helps to
boost the signal sent by the embryo to the dam, supports the corpus luteum and
maintains a pregnancy.
With this year’s weather patterns affecting the amount and quality of grazing on many
farms throughout summer, it could be that some high yielding cows have been on
poorer diets. As a result, follicle development and quality will be adversely affected
which, in turn, will determine whether a cow becomes pregnant or not. Sometimes,
the result is smaller follicles, in the worst case scenario, no ovulation, or it may just
be that heats are of very low intensity. An injection at service with Receptal, may
help to induce ovulation in "delayed ovulation" cases.
Where grazing quality is still poor going into autumn, cows will need buffer feeding.
The most dietary-challenged cows may also benefit from an injection of Receptal on
day 11 following service – on average a 10% boost in pregnancy rate may be
achieved.
To discuss the possible role of Receptal in your herd further, contact the practice.