Early embryo absorption is fast becoming one of the biggest challenges facing Irish dairy farmers. It manifests itself in cows, confirmed to have been in-calf in early summer, coming back into heat a few weeks later.
Within a year-round milking system, this may not be much of an issue. However, in the highly seasonal milk production systems that predominate in Ireland, early embryo absorption is a source of considerable cost for those farmers significantly impacted by the problem.
Yes, later calving cows can be subsequently sold on. But this only pushes the problem a little way down the pipe, as farmers will need a greater number of calved heifers coming through the system than they would have initially budgeted for – plus more replacements lead to more costs incurred by the business as a whole.
So what causes this problem to arise in the first place?
Farmers, and no doubt many vets, will immediately think that a health-related issue, such as IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis) or Leptospirosis, is coming into play. And in a lot of instances, this may well be the case.
However, there is now a growing body of evidence to confirm that early embryo absorption is associated, to a significant extent, with extremely high levels of nitrogen (N), in the form of urea, circulating in animals’ blood near the time of conception.
Adding to the problem may well be specific trace mineral deficiencies.
Prevention through nutrition
Preventing the problem from rearing its head in the first place requires farmers to maintain their cows on a balanced plane of nutrition, one that ensures body condition score (BCS) levels are maintained, while trace mineral and vitamin levels are maximised.
One man who buys totally into this approach is Donal Cronin, who milks 126 Holstein Friesian cows near Freemount, in Co. Cork.
He explained:
“I have had a problem with early embryo loss in the past. The issue would always arise while the cows were on their second grazing cycle.
“By that stage, the cows would have access to extremely lush grass. In addition, grass testing confirmed that both protein and free nitrogen levels in the forage could rise to extremely high levels at that stage of the year.
“Trace mineral deficiencies are also an issue on the farm. The soil availability levels of copper (Cu), iodine (I) and selenium (S) are well below where they should be.
“Blood samples taken by my vet have also confirmed that the cows can be deficient in a number of these trace elements,” he added.
“This issue was further confirmed on the back of milk samples taken and subsequently analysed by Kerry Agribusiness on my behalf.
“Taking all these factors into consideration, I wanted to feed the cows a ration that would address these challenges during the breeding season,” he continued.
“Based on the extensive advice given to me, I started feeding the Bloom Elite Propak Fertility ration two years ago – and I haven’t looked back since.”
Diet and feed
“I start feeding the nuts in the parlour at the end of the first week of April, that’s three weeks before the start of the breeding season,” explained Donal.
He is quick to confirm that, since switching to Propak Fertility, his cows have performed well from all perspectives. He continued:
“It is a high energy ration that helps maintain body condition score and milk output.
“The inclusion of an ammonia binder, additional minerals and trace elements are acting to boost the general health of the cows. Fertility performance has improved significantly across the herd while early embryo loss is no longer an issue.”
But the proof of these matters is always in the eating. Donal confirmed that his vet has taken blood samples in order to check plasma trace element levels, since he made the switch to the new ration.
He commented:
“The results have confirmed that blood trace mineral concentrations are improving. Copper levels were of particular concern to me. However, the most recent blood tests have confirmed that these are back to where they should be.”
The right ingredients
The inclusion of the bespoke total replacement fertility booster mineral which includes elevated levels of organic copper and selenium, as well as vitamin E, iodine and Phosphorus (P) encourages heat and stronger bulling activity while maintaining health and immunity.
Research has proven that organic forms of these minerals lead to better absorption, storage and utilisation by the cow.
Trials carried out at University College Dublin (UCD) show cows returning to first service 6.6 days faster, having a 7.5% increase in conception rates and 4.9 fewer days between calving and ovulation; Bioplex copper and zinc, and Sel-Plex have been incorporated with this aim.
Grazed grass high in rumen degradable protein can lead to high levels of rumen ammonia. The inclusion of De-Odorase (a natural yucca extract), has been shown to reduce rumen ammonia levels, therefore reducing blood and milk urea levels helping to prevent issues with fertility. This can be attributed to the statement often heard on farms that ‘cows are bulling, but not holding’.
New to the Propak fertility is the inclusion of the rumen buffer and breakthrough magnesium source Mag12, this allows a more flexible feeding rate while providing adequate sources of magnesium to prevent grass tetany and reducing scouring associated with traditional Cal-Mag.
Furthermore, Mag12 works in conjunction with proven live yeast Yea-Sacc to stabilize rumen pH and prevent the drop in milk solid percentages associated with this time of year.
The Elite Propak Fertility diet has been specifically formulated to boost cow fertility. It is a top-of-the-range, high energy, 14% protein feed, specifically formulated to maintain milk output in terms of yields and solids, while also boosting the reproductive performance of your herd.
More information
For more information on the Bloom Elite Propak Fertility range or any nutritional queries, please contact your local Kerry Agribusiness sales liaison manager, or call Kerry Agribusiness Mill on (066) 97 64466.
Or visit their website, here.
