Using a voluntary waiting period (VWP)

A voluntary waiting period (VWP) can be used to manage the timing of the breeding cycle

Rosemary Stone avatar
Written by Rosemary Stone
Updated over a week ago

A voluntary waiting period (VWP) is the interval of time between:

  • the animal's birthdate and their first insemination opportunity

  • the animal's calving date and the next insemination opportunity

If an animal is in her voluntary waiting period, a farmer may decide not to breed a cow, even if she is on heat. You can use the VWP to prevent a young animal or an animal which has recently calved from being inseminated, by removing her from the draft list.

Using a VWP can:

  • assist with selecting cows for insemination.

  • provide benefits for animal health and welfare.

  • optimise the chances of an animal becoming pregnant.

Notes:

  • In order for the VWP to be calculated, the animal's date of birth must be recorded in the database.

  • Each time an animal calves, this must be marked as an event so that the VWP is calculated correctly.

By default, animals in their VWP period will be included in the draft list for insemination. When you view the draft list, the VWP will be displayed.

You can:

  • Configure drafting so that animals within their VWP are automatically excluded from the draft list.

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