By Ndumiso Tshuma
Beef producers have been urged to adopt key strategies to improve conception rates in their herds. Higher pregnancy success not only enhances productivity but also contributes to overall herd health.
Nqobani Manyabi, an animal specialist at EL Ganado Consultancy, noted that nutrition iplays a huge role in achieving higher conception rates.
โIt is crucial that cows receive a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Providing high-quality forage and supplementing with essential minerals and vitamins can significantly improve reproductive efficiency. Monitoring body condition scores (BCS) is also essential,โ he said.
Manyabi warned that cows that are either too thin or overweight may struggle with fertility.
โRegularly assessing BCS and adjusting feed accordingly helps maintain optimal conditions for breeding. In addition to nutrition management, conducting breeding soundness examinations (BSE) on bulls before the breeding season is vital,โ he added.
Ensuring bulls are fertile and free from breeding issues is critical, he said.
โSub-fertile bulls should be culled to improve overall herd fertility. A proper mating ratio is also importantโ typically one bull for every 25 cows, though this may vary depending on factors such as age, breed, and farm system,โ Manyabi explained.
To further boost conception rates, he recommended implementing a controlled breeding season.
โThis involves separating cows from bulls and reintroducing them at a specific time. Concentrating breeding efforts within a set period significantly increases the likelihood of successful pregnancies,โ he said.
Manyabi also stressed the importance of a comprehensive herd health programme, which should include regular vaccinations, parasite control, and overall herd management.
โHealthy cows are more likely to conceive and produce viable calves. Routine veterinary check-ups and consistent health monitoring are crucial in preventing and managing fertility-related issues,โ he said.
He urged producers to regularly assess their herdโs reproductive performance. โKeeping accurate records of breeding dates, conception rates, and calving intervals allows ranchers to make informed adjustments to their breeding programmes,โ he noted.
Measuring conception ratesโthe percentage of bred animals that conceiveโis a key indicator of reproductive success, he said.
โA high conception rate reflects effective breeding practices and strong herd management,โ Manyabi concluded.
