Reproductive management in dairy herds

  • James Ferguson Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center, PA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/ct.v12.9694
Keywords: Cattle, reproductive management, pregnancy rate

Abstract

Reproduction influences farm profitability. Cows should become pregnant between 55 and 115 days postcalving to optimize milk production, calves born per year and minimize culls for reproductive failure. Pregnancy rate, heat (estrus) detection rate times conception, is the critical driver of reproductive efficiency. Economic returns associated with reproduction are optimal when pregnancy rate is > 25%. To achieve a pregnancy rate > 25%, conception rate needs to be > 33% and first insemination heat detection needs to be > 70%. Herd managers should select a voluntary wait period between 50 - 70 days that optimizes conception rate and use a management program to control first insemination intensity. Pregnancy examination should be scheduled to control days between inseminations.

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Published
2020-09-01
How to Cite
Ferguson J. (2020). Reproductive management in dairy herds. Clinical Theriogenology, 12(3), 309-322. https://doi.org/10.58292/ct.v12.9694
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 3 (2020): September
Section
Papers
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