Fertility work is a large part of the practice schedule. Visits can be arranged on a routine basis: usually fortnightly or monthly depending on the herd size and the calving pattern. We encourage dairy clients to use our free Interherd bureau as this allows us to select the list of cows that need attention and also to monitor the results.
A member of our lay staff will input the data and will also visit the farm with the dedicated veterinary surgeon to keep the records up to date and to pass any drugs or instruments that the vet requires. In this way we can build up a good relationship with the client and understand the farmer's needs.
During the visit we will examine recently calved cows (to check for any signs of metritis). “Whites” are a very common cause of infertility. We will also see any cows that have not been seen bulling and carry out pregnancy diagnoses. These examinations are usually carried out using one of the 6 ultrasonic scanners.
Using the Interherd programme we can analyse the data and make recommendations to improve calving to conception intervals.
Bull and Ram evaluation
The bull or the ram is half of the equation in any fertility issue but is often over looked.
Prior to using either a bull or a ram we would recommend that these animals are examined. We would initially examine and palpate the external genitalia and the internal organs in the bull. We are able to electro-ejaculate both bulls and rams and therefore examine the semen.
