Watch our previous webinar Nutritional tools for reproduction Part 2 by clicking through to Vimeo and signing in.
Watch the webinar recording here
Webinar summary: Nutritional tools for reproduction – Part 2
In this webinar, we focus on practical nutritional strategies to support cow reproductive performance, particularly during mating. Key areas covered include balancing energy levels, improving appetite, managing mineral intake, and leveraging milk data to identify issues affecting cow health and productivity.
In this webinar:
1. Energy balance
- Ensuring cows maintain a positive energy balance during mating to prevent condition loss.
- Monitoring BHOB levels and adjusting feed to keep appetite aligned with production needs.
2. Milk components and data analysis
- Using milk fat, protein percentages, and wearable data to monitor cow health.
- Milk urea nitrogen levels and protein-to-fat ratios help identify rumen stability and feed adequacy.
3. Mineral and trace element management
- Emphasis on calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus levels for optimal immune and reproductive health.
- Regular blood and herbage testing to align mineral supplementation with pasture changes.
4. Appetite and rumen function
- Appetite is driven by both physical (feed density) and hormonal factors, and is critical for energy and protein intake.
- High-quality protein sources improve gluconeogenesis, supporting appetite and early conception rates.
5. Rumen stability
- Stable rumen performance is essential to prevent oxidative stress on the liver, affecting milk production and cow health.
6. Supplemental tools
- Use of starch and soluble sugars to maintain microbial health in the rumen.
- Strategic inclusion of bypass protein, calcium, and other supplements to fill dietary gaps.
7. Trace minerals for reproduction
- Importance of manganese, chromium, iodine, and selenium for hormonal support and immune health.
For more detailed information, you can download the slide deck and watch the webinar recording.