Why we target 24 months age at calving
Liz Newman discusses the importance of targeting 24 months as the age at first calving. It's not a short term solution for quick financial gain, targeting 24 months means better health and longevity for your cows...
Health and Longevity
Advanced Heifer 24 targets calving in at 24 months, (the current UK average is 28 months) and our customers are really starting to see the benefits. Calving at this age means we are much more likely to have a healthy cow, which will stay in the herd longer and produce more milk. Customers are therefore seeing a better return on investment than those which calve in at an older age.
Calving to conception days are 20 days less in those with an AFC of 24 months compared to 28 months.
Financial Savings
The UK average AFC is currently 28 months. On a 100 cow herd with a replacement rate of 35% this would require 43 heifers born per year, where as if this was reduced to 24 months only 37 would be needed. You would also expect replacement rate to reduce with heifers coming in younger as they will have better longevity. At a cost of £1500 per heifer, 6 less heifers needed would result in a saving of £9000 per 100 cows.
Liz is working with farms all over the UK to target 24 months, if this is something you'd like to acheive, do get in contact with her through our office - 015242 63139.
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