Reproductive Technologies
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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Reproductive protocol proves effective in increasing heifer conception rates
To examine the effectiveness of synchronization protocols in heifers, research at the University of Florida compared the effectiveness of different timed-A.I. protocols in Holstein heifers.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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Genetic progress forges ahead
The modern dairy cow is a remarkable feat of genetic progress. Check out this podcast for more of University of Wisconsin Extension Dairy Geneticist Kent Weigel’s perspective on how dairy genetics work on the farm, new genetic technologies and what the genetic future holds.
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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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