Twin calf %

[whatnow]

Whilst we haven’t finished calving yet, we currently have 15% twins. Seems a lot to me. Wondering if others were seeing more twins than usual or just us, or what might explain an increase?

 

[JSmith]

What breed are they? Is it a new bull, I had an gus bull once, had 7 sets of twins out of 20 heifers, all big barstewards as well, he didn’t get another chance, not had same since

 

[whatnow]

What breed are they? Is it a new bull, I had an gus bull once, had 7 sets of twins out of 20 heifers, all big barstewards as well, he didn’t get another chance, not had same since

No. Not a new bull. We’ve always had a few twins and I expect the % will drop as calving continues but was surprised at how many so far
The cows are Simmentals and I think they’re more inclined to throwing twins?

 

[Old Tup]

Sims definitely are prone to twins....what was the food supply like when they were bulled?
As ever, plenty of food, good body condition and ninety odd days after last calving all will contribute to a higher percentage.

 

[Levelsman]

Whilst we haven’t finished calving yet, we currently have 15% twins. Seems a lot to me. Wondering if others were seeing more twins than usual or just us, or what might explain an increase?

BCMS computer will throw a wobbly when registering!
Best do it over the phone

 

[whatnow]

BCMS computer will throw a wobbly when registering!
Best do it over the phone

Take the warning! Take the warning ! Makes me laugh

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

What breed are they? Is it a new bull, I had an gus bull once, had 7 sets of twins out of 20 heifers, all big barstewards as well, he didn’t get another chance, not had same since

Not the bulls fault blame the heifers- twins that is not the size of calf

 

[Andrew]

We’re more like 1.5% twins.

But we only have about 4 Sims and it’s normally Sims that have the twins.... so you could say 50% of that herd?

Edit: Seems to be hereditary too? We have one old cow who gives twins every year. Her daughter is having twins as well.

 

[Old Tup]

BCMS computer will throw a wobbly when registering!
Best do it over the phone

No they don’t, just ask you are you sure....done plenty of them

 

[whatnow]

Sims definitely are prone to twins....what was the food supply like when they were bulled?
As ever, plenty of food, good body condition and ninety odd days after last calving all will contribute to a higher percentage.

Don’t think food supply or quality was different from previous years- if anything they ran a bit shorter this year with a few more cows and a drier summer....
they did have a fertility’boosting’ mineral lick though I’ll reserve judgment on it’s input until they’ve finished calving

 

[Spartacus]

17 calved so far out of 45, no twins. Out in April last year with no grass but silage in front of them with a bit supplementary feeding.

 

[Werzle]

1.5 - 2% here but a few years ago five out of the first seven cows to calve had twins which had me worried, i didnt have anymore after thankfully. I put it down to overdoing the minerals at bulling time and cows being very well.

 

[Becs]

We find it’s always the old cows that throw twins.

 

[Optimus]

Always find the autumn calvers have more twins.

Have one cow that didn't have a calf till 4 an a half.should of sent her down the road.first 3 calvings went 3,2,2 so she made up for it.