Iodine is critical for dairy cow reproduction, helping regulate metabolism, promote oestrogen production, and improve overall in-calf rates during the mating period.
Why is Iodine important for Mating
Hormone Production: Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland to produce hormones that control energy, metabolism, and reproductive cycles. It directly aids the production of oestrogen, which is needed for strong heats.
Risks of Deficiency: Low iodine levels before mating can lead to non-cycling (anoestrus) cows, reduced submission rates, lower conception rates, and foetal abnormalities.
Dietary Challenges: Standard pasture often lacks sufficient trace elements. Feeding brassicas, kale, turnips, or other goitrogenic (interfering with thyroid function) crops can further deplete or block iodine uptake in dairy herds.
Supplementation Guidelines
Timing: Supplementation typically begins around 100 days pre-mating and continues through the end of the mating period.
Dosage: Standard daily requirements range from 0.3 mL to 0.7 mL per cow/day of 2.5% stock iodine, increasing to around 1 mL/cow/day during cold, wet weather or when feeding brassica crops.
Delivery: Iodine can be supplied via free-choice minerals- such as salt licks, mixed into feed, dosed through water troughs, or administered via specific veterinary solutions. You can review DairyNZ for general trace element frameworks.
Contact us for further supplementation and product guidance, or just for a yarn if you have any questions.
Iodine isn’t always at the top of our list when it comes to trace element management in dairy reproduction but may be the thing your herd needs to get that extra few percent in calf.
