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August dairy calvings hit 10 year high
Monday, 30 November 2020
By Felicity Rusk
During the third quarter of this year, GB births to dairy dams totalled 428,000 head, according to the latest data from BCMS. This is a 1.0% (4,400 head) increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
The majority of the rise came in August alone, which recorded an increase of 3.8% (5,700 head) compared to the previous year. This makes it the highest August since the series began (2011). September also recorded a small increase on the year, at 0.4% (600 head), while July births fell by 1.7% (2,000 head) on the year.
The latest data continues the trend that we have seen in recent years, with a higher proportion of calvings in February/March and in August/September. This may be due to producers tightening up their calving window or a small shift away from an all-year round calving system to a block calving system.
Last winter was notable milder than average. As such, cows served during this period were likely in good condition, particularly following ample grass growth throughout the previous summer and relatively lower feed costs. This likely supported fertility rates.
However, grass growth throughout the 2020 growing season was unsteady, due to the oscillating weather conditions. According to our Forage for Knowledge farms, average grass growth throughout the season averaged 12.7t DM/ha – the lowest reported average since 2014. Furthermore, feed costs have also risen compared to last year. With a higher proportion of the milking herd due to reach peak lactation in the coming winter, managing feed requirements and cow condition is going to be a key priority for many producers.
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