Block calving: the practice of synchronising calving seasons
During block calving, dairy farmers experience an intense yet efficient period by coordinating the calving season within a short window. We take a look at the benefits of block calving and how smaXtec supports dairy farms with it.
In some regions, block calving is predominant when it comes to the reproduction management on dairy farms. Block calving involves synchronising the calving period of the dairy herd within a condensed timeframe, typically lasting several weeks to a few months. Unlike year-round calving, which spreads births throughout the year, block calving concentrates calving on defined blocks. This is a particularly stressful and labour-intensive time as there usually are numerous newborn calves each day.
Advantages of block calving
In general, block calving aligns with natural breeding cycles and seasonal variations in feed availability, optimising pasture use and reducing labour intensity. It allows farmers to focus resources on managing cows during critical phases such as calving, lactation, and breeding, leading to improved herd health and reproductive figures.
Besides advantages in the management of the cows, block calving can also have a positive impact on the profitability of the farm since the efficient management during the critical phase of calving can maximise milk yields and actively contributes to long-term financial sustainability.
There are a number of factors like bad weather, pasture quality and growth that significantly impact the calving process. These factors play a decisive part in how smoothly the calving and the subsequent start in the lactation are. Hence, it is invaluable to know precisely when a cow is about to calve. The constant monitoring provided by the unique smaXtec health management system makes this a reality for farmers: Reliable calving alerts for each individual cow approximately 15 hours before calving.
Timely calving alerts for improved efficiency
Utilizing smaXtec provides significant benefits for dairy farmers. With smaXtec, farmers can monitor their herds around the clock no matter where they are, and gain valuable insights that ensure smoother calving processes and healthier cows.
During the intensive period of block calving, the smaXtec system’s calving alerts and health monitoring are particularly beneficial, as the system sends timely alerts directly to the smartphone or PC. These alerts allow farmers to know precisely when a cow is about to calve, facilitating better preparation and reducing calf losses. This is also particularly helpful in pasture farming as farmers have enough time to prepare and bring the cows close to the barn, which makes it easier to find the calves afterwards.
Proactive health management for increased productivity
Moreover, smaXtec enables farmers to monitor the crucial period after calving, as the health management system continuously measures important parameters like inner body temperature, water intake and drinking cycles, rumination and activity and detects health issues early. This proactive monitoring enables timely interventions if necessary and helps prevent metabolic issues such as milk fever before they become severe, improving overall cow health and productivity.
By ensuring consistent and accurate health monitoring during block calving, smaXtec helps farmers manage their time more effectively and respond to issues proactively. The system not only supports better animal welfare but also enhances the overall profitability of the farm by reducing health-related setbacks and optimising the calving management.
