Pre-Breeding Scanning Service by ReproVet Ireland
At ReproVet Ireland, led by vet Cathal Ó Sé, we offer a comprehensive pre-breeding scanning service to ensure the reproductive health and efficiency of your herd. With advanced ultrasound technology, we accurately assess a cow’s readiness for breeding and address any reproductive disorders detected during the examination.
Benefits of Pre-Breeding Scanning
- Enhanced Six-Week Calving Rate: Achieving a high six-week calving rate is crucial for farm profitability. For every percentage point increase in the six-week calving rate, there’s an associated profit gain per cow. For example, increasing the six-week calving rate from 58% to 90% can result in an annual profit increase of €26,400 for a 100-cow herd.
- Improved Herd Fertility: Early detection and treatment of reproductive disorders enhance overall herd fertility and cow welfare, leading to better reproductive efficiency.
- Cost Savings: Addressing reproductive issues before the breeding season increases the number of opportunities available for a cow to become pregnant in a seasonal calving system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I scan all my cows?
Not necessarily. A targeted approach is preferable, by performing pre-breeding heat detection or using any on-farm health monitors to identify cows that are most at risk of reproductive disease. These identified cows should then be drafted and presented for pre-breeding examinations.
Which cows should receive a pre-breeding scan?
Cows that have experienced:
- Calving difficulties
- Retained afterbirth
- Illness in the days or weeks post-calving (e.g., milk fever, displaced abomasum, ketosis)
- Absence of observed heat activity
Identifying and addressing reproductive issues in these cows before the breeding season is essential for maintaining a compact calving pattern and maximising farm profitability.