DairyNZ introduces strategies to help New Zealand farmers manage Body Condition Score (BCS) in their herds. By maintaining optimal BCS, farmers can improve reproductive performance and milk production, ensuring better overall herd health and productivity. Key techniques include adjusting feeding practices, staggered dry-off periods, and part-season once-a-day milking to support weight gain and efficient milk production.
DairyNZ, a prominent organization in New Zealand dedicated to supporting dairy farmers, has introduced key strategies to help farmers manage the Body Condition Score (BCS) of their herds. The initiative aims to enhance reproductive performance and overall milk production by maintaining an optimal BCS range, specifically targeting New Zealand’s diverse dairy farms.
BCS management plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of dairy farming, particularly in regions like New Zealand where the variability in herd metabolism, milk production, and intake affects cows differently. Achieving an ideal BCS of 5.0 for mixed-age cows and 5.5 for first and second calvers is vital for maximizing both individual animal health and herd productivity. The greatest challenge, however, lies in keeping the BCS range as small as possible within herds, particularly at calving.
DairyNZ emphasizes the importance of achieving target BCS levels before calving through strategies like drying-off low-producing fat cows early. These cows, which contribute little to milk production, can be moved to less productive areas on the farm, allowing for better resource allocation to more productive animals. Additionally, ensuring that heifers are on track for weight and BCS monitoring every four to six weeks is recommended.
Younger cows, especially first and second calvers, require more time to reach their target BCS due to their slower weight gain and lower intake capacities. Giving these cows extra time during the dry period allows them to compete better when reintroduced into the herd. Splitting dry herds based on BCS and time to calving is another effective technique to ensure targeted feeding and to prevent younger cows from being outcompeted by older, dominant cows.
Staggered dry-off decisions based on BCS also prove essential in balancing feed availability and weight gain. In low-input systems, cows with a BCS of 4.5 or above only require 50-60 days dry, while those with a BCS of 4.0 or below may need 80-90 days dry. The BCS Dry-Off Calculator, provided by DairyNZ, offers farmers a valuable tool to calculate dry-off dates to reach their target BCS at calving.
Another key practice is part-season once-a-day (OAD) milking, which helps cows, especially first calvers, avoid losing weight and maintain their BCS during lactation. Early adoption of OAD milking allows for greater weight gain and extended milking periods, optimizing herd health and milk production.
By implementing these strategies, DairyNZ aims to assist farmers in maintaining a healthy and productive herd, ultimately contributing to the success of dairy farming across New Zealand.
