Reproduction

Reproductive performance; disorders; management; genetics; calving; AI

Opportunity for Improvement in Reproductive Performance

The opportunity exists to improve reproductive performance as measured by days to last breeding, calving interval, and 21-day pregnancy rate.

Confusion concerning the diagnosis, cause and treatment of cystic ovarian disorders

Progress is be made to understand more about this condition and treatment strategies have improved but diagnosis of the type of cysts is still a challenge. However, culling chronically cystic cows, developing a strategy to avoid over conditioned dry cows and providing balanced transition cow ration will certainly help minimize periparturient problems so that the incidence of cystic ovaries remains low.

Mortality and early-lactation cull rates in Pennsylvania dairy herds

Evidence has been accumulating that lactating cow mortality rates have increased more than 2 fold since 1980.

Genomic Genetic Evaluations Have Arrived

Genomic sire evaluations were released for the first time in January. Many people believe this will have the largest impact on genetic improvement programs since the advent of frozen semen.

Phytoestrogens: Something to be Aware of, But Don’t Overreact!

On occasion we receive inquires about the effect of phytoestrogens on reproductive performance of cattle. There have been a few reports from nutrition consultants and veterinarians working with well managed herds which experienced a sudden decline in reproductive performance for no obvious reason but when forages suspected to have high concentrations of phytoestrogens were removed from the ration performance improved. It is difficult to find well controlled studies which document how widespread this condition might be. However there are some good review articles describing the effect of phytoestrogens on sheep and cattle.

More Evidence Comparing Natural Service to Artificial Insemination

Achieving a high accurate heat detection rate (HDR) is a major challenge to dairy producers.

Inter-service Interval a Major Gap Contributing to Low 21-Day Pregnancy Rates

With the significant increase in adoption of resynchronization programs more routine determination of pregnancy status is being used.

Efficacy of a New Post-thaw Method for Altering the Sex Ratio

The Heifer-Plus™ kit has become commercially available for treating bovine semen immediately post-thaw to alter the sex ratio of offspring.

Costs and Risks Associated with Natural Service Sires

In light of the recent tragic death of a Pennsylvania dairy producer by a herd bull I feel it is important to review once again the costs and risks of having a bull on the premises.

Rate of Stillbirths and the Effect on Dam Survival and Reproductive Performance

Stillbirth is a major issue within the dairy industry.

Comparison of Sex-sorted Semen with Conventional Semen in the Reproductive Performance of Dairy Heifers

Based on a large data set of first services (16,587), J.M. DeJarnette and coworkers at Select Sires, Inc. compared the reproductive performance of Holstein heifers inseminated with sex-sorted semen (SS) vs. conventional non-sorted semen (CS).

Marginal Value of Improved Pregnancy Rate

The key performance indicator for reproductive performance is 21-day Pregnancy Rate (PR).

Reproductive Management Practices Used on Large Dairy Herds

Achieving and maintaining a profitable 21-day pregnancy rate is a major challenge on any size dairy operation.

Estrous Synchronization Systems for Managing Reproduction during Periods of Heat Stress

Prolonged periods of hot humid weather adversely affect reproductive performance.

Minimize the Adverse Affect of the Dog Days of Summer on Reproduction

Dairy cows are at risk of becoming heat stressed more than most animals because with genetic selection for milk yield the cow has a high internal heat production.

Trends in Age at First Calving and Calving Intervals

Identify Open Cows Early to Reduce the Interservice Interval

Failure to observe and record heats for those cows that failed to conceive to the initial breeding frequently results in long interservice intervals.

Improving Submission Rates for Insemination Following Summer Heat Stress

The heat and humidity this summer has severely affected reproductive performance. Lower pregnancy rates should be expected because of higher rate of fertilization failure and embryonic death.

Reduced Expression of Estrus In High Producing Cows – Why?

There is no simple answer.

Sexed Semen Has Arrived

After years of rumors that sex semen is just around the corner, it has arrived and is commercially available.