InCalf
Topics
3 min read
The InCalf programme helps to assess and enhance a herd's reproductive performance. It offers a range of tools and resources designed to boost herd fertility and heat detection, assisting farmers in getting cows back in calf more efficiently. The InCalf Foundations training course is a two-day interactive programme that shows participants how to use these resources, leading to better reproductive outcomes. By integrating Fertility Focus reports, the InCalf book, and the guidance of trained InCalf advisers, farmers can achieve a notable improvement in their herd's reproductive performance. There's an emphasis on understanding the economics of reproductive performance and leveraging these tools for business growth.
InCalf programme
The InCalf programme is designed to help dairy farmers assess and improve their herd reproductive performance.
InCalf is a learning package of tools and resources aimed at improving herd fertility and heat detection, helping farmers get their cows back in calf earlier, and reducing empties.
Farmers will get the most out of InCalf through an integrated approach, combining their Fertility Focus reports with information from the InCalf book and support from InCalf-trained advisers working with InCalf tools.
Herd fertility is complex, requiring a range of expertise to better diagnose areas to improve and to implement chosen management options. As part of the InCalf programme, dairy farmers can work with trained InCalf advisers to gain value in terms of measured performance improvement.
Key InCalf resources
InCalf book
PDF
Guide
10.6 MB
The InCalf 4-step continuous improvement process.
for making better herd reproductive management
decisions.
InCalf - Reproduction gap calculator
XLS
Guide
488 KB
Estimate the value of your herd's reproductive 'gap'.
InCalf - Reproduction calendar
PDF
Animal
147 KB
A calendar of relevant seasonal messages linking to different parts of the ‘herd fertility cake’.
InCalf - Fertility focus user guide
PDF
Guide
1.4 MB
This guide explains how Fertility Focus Report results are calculated and should be interpreted.
InCalf Foundations training course
The InCalf Foundations training course teaches participants how to use InCalf's innovative resources and tools to help improve the reproductive performance of dairy herds.
- A two-day interactive training course
- Demonstrates the use of the new resources and tools
- InCalf process
- Involves plenty of interaction and discussion
- Includes how InCalf's on-farm process, resources and tools may fit your business and add value to your farmer products and services.
What you'll get from this course
- An understanding of the economics of reproductive performance within a herd
- The very latest information on dairy herd reproductive management
- Opportunities to communicate and network with other advisers in the region
- New ways to add value to your business's existing dairy farmer products/services, by incorporating the new InCalf on-farm process and tools
- Possible new business opportunities to create new dairy farm products/services.
Registrations for InCalf training
There are currently no planned InCalf training events. Please register your interest in training so you can be contacted by email when the next event is scheduled.
Herd assessment pack
The tools and resources shown below support the InCalf Reproduction Calculator. They provide more information and help you step through the calculations.
InCalf - Economic benefit model
PDF
Template
135 KB
Economic benefits models relevant to Step 3 in the Herd Assessment Pack tools.
InCalf - Economics of reproductive performance tool
PDF
Template
233 KB
This is a gap calculator tool. It compares your level of overall reproductive performance to targets and estimates the scope for increasing operating profit through improved reproductive performance.
InCalf - Heifer rearing tool
PDF
Animal
710 KB
This gap calculator assesses the growth of a given group of heifers versus liveweight-for-age targets, and its impact on reproductive performance and milksolids production.
InCalf - Calving pattern tool
PDF
Template
455 KB
This is a gap calculator tool. It assesses your herd’s calving pattern and its impact on herd reproductive performance.
InCalf - Body condition at calving gap calculator
PDF
Template
402 KB
This is an InCalf gap calculator tool. It measures the difference between the herd’s actual and desired body condition (BCS) profile at calving and assesses the likely impact of this difference on herd reproductive performance and milksolids production.
InCalf - Body condition loss in early lactation tool
PDF
Template
295 KB
This is a gap calculator tool. It measures the difference between the herd’s actual and desired body condition (BCS) loss in early lactation, i.e. between calving and mating, and assesses the likely impact of this on herd reproductive performance.
InCalf - Individual cow calving health tool
PDF
Template
463 KB
This is a gap calculator tool. It assesses the numbers of cows affected by common health problems at and after calving and their impact on herd reproductive performance.
InCalf - Non-cycling tool
PDF
Template
570 KB
This is a gap calculator tool. It assesses the likely impact of your non-cycling rate on your herd’s overall reproductive performance.
InCalf - Heat detection gap tool
PDF
Template
427 KB
This is a gap assessment tool. It assesses heat detection efficiency and the likely benefit of improving heat detection on your herd’s overall reproductive performance.
InCalf - Bull management practices tool
PDF
Template
414 KB
This is a tool to assess bull management practices on the farm and the risk that they may reduce herd reproductive performance.
InCalf - Length of mating period calculator
PDF
Template
334 KB
This gap calculator tool assesses the impact on herd reproductive performance of extending or reducing the length of the mating period.
