The first step is understanding where your herd currently stands. Reviewing submission rate, conception rate and six-week in-calf rate with your vet or fertility adviser helps identify where performance slipped last year. A herd dropping from 55% to 45% six-week in-calf rate may add 10–20 extra days open across the herd, increasing feed costs, delaying calving pattern and reducing overall profitability.

Body condition remains one of the strongest indicators of future fertility. Cows should be monitored from late lactation through drying off and into early lactation, targeting a body condition score of 2.75–3.0 at calving. Cows that calve too thin, or lose more than 0.5 BCS after calving, often cycle later, show weaker heats and conceive less readily. Severe body condition loss can reduce conception to first service by 10–15 percentage points.

Disease prevention must also sit at the heart of any fertility plan. A single metritis case can add 15–30 days open. Lameness commonly delays conception by 7–20 days, while mastitis around breeding can reduce conception rates by up to 20%. Each extra day open may cost £3–£5 per cow per day in lost efficiency, meaning small health problems can quickly become major financial drains.

Housing and cow comfort matter more than many realise. Overstocking fresh cows by even 10–15% can reduce dry matter intake enough to increase ketosis risk, with knock-on effects on fertility. Cows need clean lying areas, secure non-slip flooring, good ventilation and low-stress handling. Comfortable cows eat better, rest better and cycle better.

Heat detection remains fundamental, particularly in housed autumn-calving systems. Observation periods should be planned rather than incidental, and technology such as collars or activity monitors can significantly improve submission rates when used alongside good stockmanship.

Small management decisions made during summer can produce major fertility gains next season. Healthy transition cows become fertile cows, and fertile cows drive profitable autumn-calving systems.