All cows should be tailed painted a minimum of 3 weeks before planned start of mating... why?
1) Non cyclers are identified early and can then be put on a CIDR programme at the beginning of mating ensuring maximum return from the programme (reduced empty rates, better 6 week in calf rates, more days in milk)
2) Opportunity to bring cows forward to cycle in the first week of mating with timed PG injections - also known as Why Wait Programme
For those of you now using electronic means of heat detection such as ear tags and collars the same strategy still applies it is more a question of checking the data available. We have undergone some training in the systems so if you are struggling to make effective use of yours let us know