Scanning is well underway now. Of the 135 spring-calving herds scanned and in our systems for analysis so far, the average 6-week in-calf rate is 71% this is a similar result to this time last year. As usual, there has been a huge range in 6-week in-calf rate across the practice from 46% to 87% so far, remember the industry target is 78%.

Remember at the end of the scanning season last year our Anexa-wide average 6-week in-calf rate was 73%, which is the best average 6-week in-calf rate our business has ever had since we started tracking the results 20 years ago!
It is too early to give an average empty (or not-in-calf) rate, for most herds the final scan for empty rates is only being completed as this newsletter is being prepared, however those herd owners that have opted for a 9-10 week mating have already completed their final pregnancy scan.

The results vary from farm to farm, and there are farms this season that have made big gains in performance, and some that have dropped back. The reasons for the changes in performance are many and will be individual to every farm. Good herd reproductive performance requires on-going attention. It requires focus and hard work, and we understand that it can be hard to stay motivated. Progressing to a higher in-calf rate will require extra effort. Doing the same as you’ve always done won’t improve the situation, and sometimes the season does throw you a curveball. It is important to sit down with your vet to figure out why you got the result you did so that you can work towards change for 2021 nice and early.