Podcast episode 190 discussed practical feeding practices on suckler cow farms. In this episode, PD Dr. Andreas Steinwidder with Johann Häusler from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein about the main causes of fertility problems and metabolic disorders – and how farms can counteract them.
A must-have for anyone who wants to keep their herd healthy and productive in the long term.
Tip: Be sure to listen to the latest podcast episode with Johann Häusler – where valuable tips on feeding on a suckler cow farm were given!
Further links:
Seasonal calving in suckler cow husbandry
New ÖAG information - Fertility and health care in suckler cow farming
Crossbred animals as mother cows - Podcast 49
Crossbreeding in suckler cows - effects of breed or crossbreeding on suckler cow and calf
Suckler cow - adjust weaning date to the feed base!
Pictures
Podcast summary: Fertility and metabolism in suckler cows – the most important findings
Note: This summary provides a concise overview of the podcast's key content. For a comprehensive understanding of the connections, additional practical tips, and expert explanations, we recommend listening to the podcast or watching the video.
Fertility as the basis for economic success in suckler cow farming
In suckler cow operations, the calf is the most important source of income. The goal should therefore be to achieve the most regular calving possible, with an interval of approximately 365 days. Fertility is influenced by several factors – particularly feeding, body condition, animal health, heat detection, genetics, and husbandry.
Heat detection and breeding
Especially in suckler cows, estrus can be subtle and easily overlooked. The herd should therefore be carefully observed at least twice a day . A bull can aid in estrus detection, as he can perceive even weak signs of heat. Using a bull can shorten the calving interval, but it incurs additional costs and management effort and carries safety risks. For small herds, rented bulls or bull partnerships can be an alternative. The bull's semen quality should be checked regularly. With heifers, care must be taken to ensure they are not bred too early.
Feeding and body condition
Adequate and consistent feeding is crucial for fertility. Both under- and overfeeding can cause problems. The following are particularly important:
- adequate supply of minerals and trace elements,
- Adequate protein intake – even an excess can impair fertility.
- Avoidance of abrupt changes in diet,
- Good feed hygiene and no use of moldy or spoiled feed.
Overly fat cows have a higher risk of difficult births, uterine infections, and subsequent fertility problems. Conversely, underweight cows lack sufficient energy for reproduction. The goal, therefore, is optimal body condition around calving.
Check carefully after calving
The period after calving is particularly important. After difficult calvings, cows should be closely monitored. The discharge should be clear to reddish. Yellowish or brownish discharge can indicate a uterine infection and should be investigated promptly. The expulsion of the placenta should also be checked. In suckler cow husbandry, it can happen that the cow eats the placenta, making it difficult to determine whether it has been completely expelled.
Observe the animal
Metabolic disorders can significantly impair fertility. For example, suckler cows can develop subclinical ketosis if their energy supply is insufficient. Possible consequences include increased depletion of body reserves, metabolic stress, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of ovarian cysts. Rapid changes in feed can also trigger metabolic problems such as acidosis or diarrhea. When changing pastures, it is also important to ensure adequate magnesium intake, as magnesium deficiency or grass tetany can occur.
Genetics must be a good fit for the farm
The appropriate genetics depend on the feed base, farm conditions, marketing, and the farm manager's goals. Large, heavy cows, for example, have higher maintenance requirements and can be problematic with limited feed. Suitable genetics can help reduce metabolic problems. Crossbred animals from dairy and beef cattle herds can also contribute interesting traits for beef cattle farming.
Biosecurity in animal purchases
Newly purchased animals can introduce diseases into the herd and thus also endanger fertility. Therefore, the origin and health status of the animals be checked. Separate housing and observation of the purchased animals is advisable before they come into contact with the existing herd.
The most important adjustment levers
- Heat detection: Observe the herd regularly and attentively.
- Occupancy: Ensure optimal timing
- Bull: Weighing the advantages of heat detection against the costs and risks
- Physical condition: neither over- nor under-conditioning
- Feeding: according to need and without abrupt changes
- Minerals and vitamins: Check the supply, especially in older feed.
- Feed hygiene: Do not use moldy or spoiled feed.
- Calving: Observe cows closely after giving birth
- Metabolism: Preventing ketosis, acidosis, and magnesium deficiency
- Genetics: adapting to feed base, farm and marketing
- Biosecurity: Separate and control purchases whenever possible.
Key message of the podcast: Ensuring fertility in suckler cow farming
Fertility is the result of overall herd management. Feeding, body condition, heat detection, genetics, calving, metabolism, and animal health are all interconnected. Therefore, it is crucial to identify potential problems early and take preventative action – rather than reacting only when fertility is already compromised.
