21 February 2014

2 minute read

Europe

The days will look at methods to monitor fertility and heat detection, breeding decisions and NMR’s milk pregnancy test service, all demonstrated through on-farm case studies.

Charlotte Johnston, livestock specialist with the RASE said: “Precision farming is changing the way we manage cows, allowing us to monitor animals more closely, leading to improved health, welfare and performance.”

“Deciding how to implement precision techniques to improve herd fertility is an important decision with various factors to consider, which will be discussed in detail on these training days.”

Laurence Loxam, NMR Field Business Manager for Scotland and Cumbria, says: "With the outlook for the UK dairy sector remaining buoyant, the rewards for improved milk yield are there for the taking. Fertility is an essential element in this process, and we're delighted to play our part in the chain."

The events will run on:

• Monday 10th March, Low Sizergh Farm, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8DZ
• Tuesday 18th March, Baddiley Hulse, Baddiley, Nantwich, CW5 8BS
• Wednesday 19th March, Wolsty Hall Farm, Silloth, Cumbria, CA7 4LW

The events are FREE for farmers to attend with a £15 charge for industry. For more information or to register please contact Charlotte Johnston: [email protected] / 07779572598. Or visit www.rase.org.uk/events

Draft programme:

• 10am – Arrival, tea and coffee
• 10.30am – Improvements in fertility to date – Karen Bond, NMR.
• 11am – Monitoring/ recording fertility – Amy Fawcett, DairyCo
• 11.30am – Other methods to improve fertility – breeding decisions for batch calving (Low Sizergh) and synchronisation (Baddiley Hulse and Wolsty Hall)
• 12pm – Lunch
• 1pm – Milk Pregnancy Test Service - Justin Frankfort, NMR.
• 1.30pm – Heat detection - Andy Paine, NMR.
• 2pm – Farm tour
• 3pm – Close

TheCattleSite News Desk