When to re-breed?

[cassierousseau]

My Dexter just had her first calf about 6 weeks ago and came into her first heat earlier this week. I'm wondering, how long after calving do you usually wait to re-breed? She's in very good condition, but don't want to do it too soon.

[G. Seddon]

When do you want her to calve? In central VA, we try to calve in March-April or October-November in order to avoid the stress of summer heat and winter cold. I imagine your climate will somewhat dictate breeding/calving times.

[Ronney]

Originally Posted by G. Seddon

When do you want her to calve? In central VA, we try to calve in March-April or October-November in order to avoid the stress of summer heat and winter cold. I imagine your climate will somewhat dictate breeding/calving times.

And that's a very good guidline. And running parallel with that, when is the best feed available (I'm looking at this from the grassland farmers point of view). If she calved 6 weeks ago this will put you in late April - is this good seasonally for you? If so, put her back to the bull early July to aim for a calving at the same time next year.

Cheers,
Ronnie

[willow_girl]

90 days is the standard "voluntary waiting period" in the dairy industry, but with a family cow, I'd schedule the calving with your convenience in mind!

[tinknal]

Originally Posted by Ronney

And that's a very good guidline. And running parallel with that, when is the best feed available (I'm looking at this from the grassland farmers point of view). If she calved 6 weeks ago this will put you in late April - is this good seasonally for you? If so, put her back to the bull early July to aim for a calving at the same time next year.

Cheers,
Ronnie

I agree with Ronnie. Calve 2-3 months before grazing season to take maximum advantage of your grass.

Nothing wrong with a fall calf either. It will be feeder calf size by grazing time and will really be able to take advantage of good grazing.

[genebo]

Use Gale's guideline to choose when you want the next calf, then rebreed about 82 days after birth from then on. That should get you calves with the same birthday.

My cows run with the bull, and they just naturally seem to have calves with the same birthday.

[sammyd]

60+or- days