FARMERS' PROBLEMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22878, 5 November 1937, Page 18

FARMERS' PROBLEMS

THE MATING SEASON TIMING CALVING DATE • f HIGH PRODUCTION TROUBLE BY n.A.S. The present season is important for dairy farmers in that the production, next year, depends upon tlio successful mating now of the dairy herd. The difficulty of getting cows in calf—a trouble which was unknown a decade or two ago—is now giving concern to dairy farmers in most districts. That which should bo a perfectly natural function, has become something of a problem. The ideal state would bo one where the dairyman determined the best date on which to have his cows come in, and then worked back 011 the breeding table, and mate his cows at the perfect time. In actual practice, however, thousands of cows go to the bull too early. This practice arises from a fear that returning cows will otherwise delay the herd's coming in until too late next spring. With good cause, there is a fear of having late calvers, and even worse, dry cows.

The ideal calving date is determined by local conditions, chief of which is ciimato and by the provision of spring feed on the individual farm. As a general rule late calving cows are not such high producers as are early calvers. When they como to profit the first spring growth is past and they also are not given the length of milking season in which to achieve big outputs. On some farips up to twenty per cent of the cows como in by July 1, but July—August calving is the normal practice. Unless the feed provision is very ample, or the district is an exceptionally early one, too early calving is not advisable. It should bo tho aim to have the cows come in so that they reach flush production, unchecked, simultaneous!j' with the pastures reaching their first flush. Nature's Laws A dairy cow calving in perfect condition, and well fed thereafter, will reach her full production in 4-6 weeks. Good dairy pastures will be mostly at their first flush by September 20-25. Therefore, if the whole herd could be in by five weeks before that date, by August 15, then the "timing" would bo excellent. Allowing that 110 cows came back, this calving could be achieved between mid-Julv and mid-August, by serving tho whole herd between October 5 and November 5. Man may make his time-tables, but in doing so he must observe Nature's laws. As regards the reproduction of bovines these may be briefly recounted: The period from service to calving is approximately nine and one third months. The oestrum or " heat" period, is of twenty-four hours duration. Prior to this there is the prooestrum period—when the cow is "coining on heat " —also of twenty-four hours duration. The period of "return," failing conception is at intervals of three to four weeks and at from four to six weeks after calving. The shortness of the oestrum period, and the interval of return, are of paramount concern to dairymen. The former is of especial consenuenco where bullcontrol is exercised, for it necessitates constant vigilance 011 the farmer's part. Unless' this is maintained, opportunities will be lost and calving eventually delayed, by 3-4 weeks. Mention has been made of bull-con-trol. On most well-managed farms this is now practised. The bull is kept apart from the herd and is provided with his cows only under supervision. The practice fs adopted to conserve his vitality and thus to combat temporary sterility. Evidence that no great bother, or excess attention is incurred in following this practice was recently furnished me. A farmer who milks a herd of 90 cows, with only ono assistant, consistently practises control. He has the bull brought into a small yard adjacent to his milking shed at milking times. Any cow in season is served once only, after milking, and returned thereafter to the herd. Where Troubles Arise The difficulty of getting cows in calf rises as does their production. With herds producing 200-250 lbs; outterfat, little trouble is experienced. As higher production is attained, so does the problem assume greater proportions, and at an even faster rate. This is due to the exhaustion of the vitality of these heavy producers; The unnaturally long and heavy period of production leaves the cow without reserves of strength and stores of nutriment. As Nature's first concern is survival, the urge to reproduce does not occur until these reserves have been built up. It can therefore be seen how essential it is to feed these heavy producers not only liberally, but on the correct food.

Two prime causes of sterility are malnutrition and lack of exercise. The former does not mean underfeeding only, but also feeding liberally on the wrong food. The latter usually affects bulls and the former, cows. Tho underfeeding in their case is not actual starvation, but tho supplying of food, apparently ample and nutritious, that yet lacks certain vital elements.

Bulls, in many instances, suffer from too good a supply of too readily obtained, and their fertility is damaged by a lazy life. They get insufficient exercise to keep fit. It is 110 wonder that on many farms they suffer from lack of vigour and become sterile. Ono authority gave tho curt advice to " exercise the brute."

Another factor in maintaining the bull's health is to see that ho is not overfed. The ideal condition is hard and muscular. With the cows, the aim should bo to have the, herd in pood healthy condition. The greatest risk to be guarded against with them is mineral deficiency. One readily available _ safeguard against this is the provision of mineral lick, provided in loose form and in ample quantity.