24/7 After Hours Clinic
06 758 4006
Farm Focus

Farm Focus – Spring 2025

Part 1: CIDRs & Non-Cycling Cows

Why Use CIDRs?

In an ideal world, every cow would cycle strongly before mating. But in reality, 20–25% of New Zealand cows don’t show a heat before mating begins. That’s where CIDRs come in.

CIDRs give more days in milk, more replacement calves, and a better chance for non-cycling cows to get back in calf early. On many farms, CIDRs are used so non-cycling cows can be mated on days 1 and 2 of mating, giving them multiple chances at AB before the bull arrives.

Profitability of Using CIDRs Early

The earlier CIDRs are used (around 9 days before planned start of mating), the greater the return.

  • In a herd of 500 cows with 100 non-cyclers, around 48% can be expected to get in calf to 1st service with CIDRs.

  • At 1.6kgMS per day and an $10 payout, that means 21 extra days in milk and an additional income of $16,128.

  • After CIDR costs, that leaves a profit of around $9,800 — before even counting the value of more keeper calves.

What If I Wait?

Some farmers prefer to “wait and see” who comes on heat in the first 3 weeks. But the numbers show that waiting costs profit:

  • Waiting means you miss out on those earlier days in milk.

  • Even if 80% of non-cyclers come in naturally, you still make more profit by using CIDRs early.

Key Considerations

  • Earlier calvings mean more feed demand and more calves in the shed earlier.

  • CIDRs won’t fix true fertility problems — they help fertile cows conceive sooner.

  • Using CIDRs late in the mating period won’t return a profit.

Talk to your vet team about the best timing and numbers for your herd.

Part 2: Trace Elements & Fertility

Why Trace Elements Matter

Trace elements have a major influence on herd fertility. A deficiency in copper, selenium, manganese, or zinc can quietly reduce in-calf rates and milk production. Because soil levels, rainfall, and supplements vary farm to farm, testing is the only way to know what your cows really need.

Testing Recommendations

  • Blood test 10 cows per herd.

  • Choose a variety of ages and body conditions for the best picture.

  • Test several weeks pre-mating to allow time for supplementation.

Multimin as a Supplement Option

Multimin is an injectable supplement containing copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc (with a copper-free option also available). Trial results showed:

  • An increase of 3.3% in in-calf rate.

  • Conception dates moved forward by 3 days.

One of our farmers saw a dramatic improvement in young stock fertility after using Multimin — and a much happier scanning day!

Ask our vets whether Multimin could benefit your herd this season.

Part 3: Mastitis & Vaccination Essentials

Mastitis Trends This Season

We’ve seen a variety of mastitis cases recently — from tight udders before calving to stubborn high SCC problems. Our Mastaplex machine has shown that most bacteria are still best treated with penicillin (Intracillin).

Smarter Mastitis Treatment

  • Collect a clean milk sample and use anti-inflammatories like Ketomax first.

  • We can run the sample in-clinic, usually with results back the next day.

  • If immediate testing isn’t possible, freeze the sample and start treatment.

Vaccination Updates

Vaccinations remain a cornerstone of herd health:

  • Calves: Clostridial (10-in-1, 6-in-1, or Coglavax), leptospirosis, BVD and salmonella.

  • Adults: Don’t overlook clostridial disease — sudden death cases are preventable with vaccination. Two doses 4–6 weeks apart initially, then an annual booster.

Why Vaccinate?

If you’ve had unexplained deaths or high mastitis pressure, talk to us about testing and vaccination options.

Back To Top