Heat Detection
Integration of synch programs and estrus detection
Less than 45% of cows are pregnant after the first service, and a significantly smaller percentage are pregnant after the second service. Establishing a robust synchronization protocol is important to ensure that cows are inseminated in a timely manner.
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Penn State dairy reproduction drill down tool now available online
The Penn State Reproduction Drill-Down Tool provides a systematic approach to critically analyze the major factors affecting heat detection rate and conception rate so that problem areas can be highlighted and discussed.
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DCRC annual meeting to feature roundtable on activity monitoring technology
The 2011 DCRC Annual Meeting will include a unique technology session highlighting the industry’s advancements in activity monitoring systems and their benefit to dairy cattle reproduction.
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Using kamars to accurately detect estrus
Kamars can be an excellent tool to help detect estrus in cows and heifers if you know how to properly place them on the animal and accurately read the results.
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An economic comparison of reproductive programs
Suboptimal reproductive performance leads to extended days open, increased culling due to reproductive failure, and decreased milk yield. Many factors influence the reproductive and productive performance of dairy herds, consequently, profitability. Choosing the most effective reproductive protocol for a given herd is a critical managerial decision.
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Enhancing the fertility of lactating dairy cows
Infertility of the lactating dairy cow continues to be a critical problem limiting profitability and sustainability of dairy farms. Reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows is dependent upon service rate (or estrus detection rate), fertility of the service sire, and maternal fertility.
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Student’s device monitors dairy cows for efficient breeding
The San Luis Obispo Tribune reports a dairy science student at Cal Poly has used a device to monitor a cow’s health and increase pregnancy rates.
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Help to sort through synchronization protocols
It can be a challenge to keep the various synchronization protocols straight in your mind, let alone successfully implement them on your dairy.
To help you and your management team more effectively manage your farm’s reproductive performance, a group of dairy reproductive experts have created a dairy synchronization protocol fact sheet. The two-page document outlines established synchronization protocols, making it an excellent resource tool for your reproductive toolbox.
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Use behavior to determine stage of estrous cycle
Researchers in Norway recently completed a study evaluating behavior associated with standing estrus in lactating dairy cows, in addition to the behavioral changes during a complete estrous cycle. The research was reported in the March 2011 Journal of Dairy Science.
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Analyze the economics of your dairy’s reproductive program
Quickly, what is the cost-benefit of improving your 21-day pregnancy rate from 15 percent to 20 percent? Not many farmers can accurately answer that off the top of their head.
But that information can be critical to your profitability. To help calculate the right response for your farm, check out the “Dairy Reproductive Economic Analysis” tool from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
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New strategies for heifer reproduction
A significant aspect of proper heifer rearing is good reproductive management. At the 2010 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council Annual Meeting in St. Paul, Minn., Ricardo Chebel, assistant professor at the University of Minnesota explored new strategies available for reproductive management of dairy heifers.
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