Everyone knows that it is harder to catch cows in heat in
hot weather, and that even if you do, as many as 60% of conceptions begun in
this kind of heat do not survive to term.
What options exist?
(1)
Sprinklers over feed alleys
allow cows a chance to cool down body temps and maintain normal
feed intake. (2)
Increased access to drinking water
allows cows to rehydrate; if grazing, get the water tanks right out
where cows are grazing. (3) Exhaust stale air away from stalls
where cows are lying down, a bigger electric bill for fans may still be cheaper
than lost pregnancies and delays.
Higher conception semen: the #1 SCR progeny-proven Holstein sire
(+4.7) is currently available here:
99HO 6145 Askew-James Barry (aAa 4-2-3-6-1-5) marketed through International Protein
Sires.
He is from the “Bootmaker Mandy” cow line, sired by
“Shottle”. April data: (86% Rel)
“balanced”
+393m
+08% +36bf +01%
+15pr 2.71 SCS 6% ce
+2.04 Type +1.86 Udders
+1.46 Feet & legs
If
expectations of conception are really low, consider this
option: We have low cost Jersey
semen:
179JE 026 Just A Few Jude Easton (aAa 3-5-4-2-1-6) which has proved extremely potent in
cross - breeding on Holsteins as well as pure breeding on Jerseys. Save your higher cost sexed semen when
breeding heifers for calving ease until cooler weather—use this potent
Jersey bull who maintains size now when the heat is going to influence
conception rates in the best of conditions.
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