SURVEY OF DAIRY HERDS IN THE MOSS VALE DISTRICT OF NEW SOUTH WALES: Fertility of Herds

The fertility of the dairy herds of the Moss Vale district of New South Wales varied considerably during 1963, 1964 and 1965, both within and between years. "Herd problems" occurred in 40% of the herd seasons. The monthly average first service non-return rate ranged from 49.7 to 64.7% and the annual rate from 55.0 to 66.0%. Brucellosis and vibriosis, but not trichomoniasis or male infertility, appeared to contribute to the lowered fertility, but these were not responsible for all the problems. It appears that a major environmental factor, possibly nutritional, was depressing the fertility of herds in this district.     

A SURVEY OF DYSTOCIA IN BEEF CATTLE IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND

Data relating to dystocia were obtained for 22% of beef herds in the Roma region of southern Queensland. In 1973 dystocia incidence in 23,129 maiden heifers was 12%; 4% of heifers and 7% of calves died. Thirty-five per cent of the 444 herds surveyed had more than a 10% incidence of dystocia, and 10% had more than a 30% incidence of dystocia. Only 6% of herds had no dystocia. Among the 73% of producers considering dystocia a problem in most years, 14% regarded it as a major problem. The incidence of dystocia in heifers was significantly higher in Poll Hereford than Hereford herds, which in turn were higher than other breeds of cattle. Poll Hereford and Hereford owners were the most concerned about dystocia but did not supervise calving more frequently. Dystocia and attitude were also examined in relation to degree of supervision at calving and size of the breeding herd.