Reproductive Management
Assessing ultrasound’s impact on dairy cattle reproduction
Technology continues to revolutionize the way tasks are completed on the dairy, including your ability to get cows bred. One tool that has grown in use is ultrasound. Learn more about how this tool has enhanced dairy reproductive programs.
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Troubleshooting common reproductive challenges
Managing reproductive challenges on-farm can often leave producers feeling like detectives.
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Treating dairy cow infertility with intrafollicular insemination
Low fertility in dairy cattle has prompted new research evaluating intrafollicular insemination (IFI) as an alternative to common artificial insemination (A.I.) practices. IFI is based on direct introduction of sperm to a pre-ovulatory follicle.
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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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Time to review sire selection criteria
Updated genetic evaluations for dairy cattle were released in early April, 2011. Now is the time to review selection criteria for service sires.
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Transition heat stress
Heat stress on dairy cows is always a concern. It can be extra discomforting to cows “in transition” during those three or so weeks ahead of calving.
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Reproduction analysis: Can you afford to skip it?
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” That statement has clear application in any business and shows the management team if they are moving towards or away from their goals.
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Still manually tracking cows in synch programs?
If you still manage your herd’s dairy records by hand, be aware that computers can make your job easier.
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Resistance to heat stress is under genetic control
One of the major factors limiting optimal production and profitability in Florida is heat stress. During the summer, cows experience declines in milk yield of 15 to 20 percent and reduction in conception rate to values as low as 10 percent.
Recent research supported by the Southeast Milk Inc. Dairy Checkoff Program indicates that a cow’s ability to regulate its body temperature and prevent the negative effects of heat stress on cow function is determined in part by its genetics. What that means is that it should be possible to select cows genetically that are more resistance to the effects of heat stress.
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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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