For suckler herds, the pre-bulling period is one of the most critical nutritional windows of the year. A cow’s fertility performance is not determined solely by what happens when the bull goes out, it is shaped by the nutritional management in the weeks leading up to bulling.
Following calving, cows face a significant metabolic challenge. They are expected to recover from calving, produce milk for a growing calf, maintain body condition, and return to cycling within a relatively short time frame. If energy intake is insufficient during this period, cows can quickly fall into negative energy balance, which can lower conception rates. Even where cows appear fit enough externally, underlying energy deficits can still impact fertility performance.
Energy is therefore one of the biggest drivers of reproductive success pre-bulling. Adequate energy supply supports ovarian function, encourages stronger and more visible heats, and helps improve conception rates while supporting embryo survival in the critical early stages after service. High-performing cows, younger cows still growing, or cows rearing stronger calves can be particularly vulnerable to energy shortages if forage quality or grass availability is limited.
Protein quality is equally important. Fertility is not simply about feeding more protein, but ensuring the correct balance of rumen degradable protein and digestible undegradable protein (DUP). Quality bypass protein helps support metabolic processes, hormone production, and overall reproductive performance.
Trace minerals also play a vital role in fertility performance, yet deficiencies can often go unnoticed until scanning results disappoint. Copper plays an essential role in reproductive hormone function and overall fertility, with deficiencies linked to poor cycling activity and reduced conception rates. Selenium is critical for antioxidant protection, immune function, and reproductive performance, helping support embryo viability during those crucial early stages after conception. Zinc supports tissue repair, immune resilience, and reproductive hormone pathways, while manganese is involved in ovarian function, egg development, and conception. Biotin, while commonly associated with hoof health, also supports metabolic efficiency and overall cow robustness during nutritionally demanding periods.
Magnesium should not be overlooked, particularly where cows are transitioning onto grass or grazing lush covers. Insufficient magnesium can increase the risk of grass staggers, but magnesium also plays an important role in metabolic and nerve function, making it particularly important at times of increased demand.
Supporting Fertility with Energiser Excel Roll
Davidsons Energiser Excel Roll has been specifically formulated to support suckler cows at critical stages, including the pre-bulling period, by delivering targeted energy, protein and mineral nutrition to help maximise reproductive performance.
Built around a high energy triple starch formulation of maize, barley and wheat, Energiser Excel Roll provides a balanced energy supply to support cows through this demanding period. With maize as the top ingredient, the ration delivers valuable bypass starch, helping provide sustained energy beyond the rumen and supporting improved energy balance at a time when fertility performance is highly dependent on energy availability.
A 16% crude protein from quality raw materials, including high quality soya, ensures excellent levels of digestible undegradable protein (DUP), supporting fertility, metabolic performance, and overall cow productivity.
To further increase energy density, Megalac is included, helping boost energy intake without increasing rumen acid load, particularly valuable where cows need additional condition or are milking strongly.
A key strength of Energiser Excel Roll is its Performance Mineral Package, designed specifically to support reproductive performance and overall metabolic health. The inclusion of copper, selenium, zinc, manganese and biotin helps address the trace mineral requirements that are so often overlooked but can have a direct impact on fertility outcomes. Copper supports reproductive hormone activity and immune competence, selenium plays a key role in antioxidant defence and embryo survival, zinc contributes to fertility, tissue repair and immune resilience, while manganese is fundamental for ovarian activity and conception. Biotin complements this by supporting metabolic efficiency and structural health, helping cows remain robust through demanding production periods.
The ration also includes Levucell SC Titan live yeast, supporting rumen stability, fibre digestion, nutrient utilisation and overall feed efficiency, ensuring cows get the maximum benefit from both forage and concentrate intake.
For herds where fertility performance, tighter calving patterns, and maximising cows in-calf are a priority, reviewing nutrition before the bull goes out can be one of the most cost-effective management decisions made all year.
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