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Timing of insemination depends on method of heat detection

June 11, 2014
Ray Nebel
Heat detection is often cited as the most costly component and, undoubtedly, the major limiting factor to the success of A.I. programs on many dairy farms. Incorrect detection of estrus is related to loss of income due to extended calving intervals, milk loss, increased veterinary cost, increased heifer-rearing cost and slowed genetic progress. To achieve excellent heat detection, many factors have to be taken into account.
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Presynching for profit

May 28, 2014
Peggy Coffeen
This article was #24 of the Top 25 most well-read articles on www.progressivedairy.com in 2014. It was published in the May 29, 2014 Extra e-newsletter. Michigan State University’s Dr. Richard Pursley promoted an adaptation to Presynch protocols that could increase the chance of pregnancy. By switching from a Presynch-14 to a Presynch-10 or Presynch-11 protocol, improvements can be realized due to enhanced levels of progesterone – the limiting factor in dairy cow fertility.
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Improving your herd’s genetics using sexed semen

May 23, 2014
Robert Fourdraine
With the use of sexed semen firmly established in the dairy industry, dairy farms have been presented with an opportunity to improve herd-level genetics through heavier culling of animals with lower genetic values, selling more offspring for commercial purposes or changing the way they manage their herd inventory by potentially using beef semen on cows with lower genetic value. After several years of sexed semen use, what do the numbers tell us?
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Activity monitors can assist with herd management decisions

May 23, 2014
Glaucio Lopes
Estrus detection has always been one of the most important topics to discuss when implementing an A.I. program in a dairy herd. With the changes physiologically correlated with the modern, high-producing dairy cow, visual observation of estrus has become more challenging. Cows are presenting this behavior during a shorter time interval, with less intensity and with less standing events as milk production increases.
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Technology aids heifer reproductive performance

May 23, 2014
Shane St Cyr
Heifers are generally the most fertile animals on a dairy. Research shows that the mean U.S. conception rate for dairy heifers is 57 percent, so it’s not unusual for dairy heifer reproductive performance to be taken for granted while focusing on the lactating herd.
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Sire selection vs. mating

May 23, 2014
Nate Zwald
A dairyman recently asked, “What is the true value of a mating program?” This common question certainly deserves some attention. Many producers around the world employ a mating program within their herd and have done so for many years.
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Genomics: How far have we come, how far can we go?

May 23, 2014
Donald E. Sanders
Recent scientific developments have opened up unprecedented opportunities to improve dairy cattle genetics … and production. A friend and dairy client of mine, who has a noted, high genetic merit purebred herd, excitedly told me that these advances have turned the purebred dairy cow and genetics business upside-down. And, he believes, small-farm purebred operations will be less likely to fit into the future of genetic stock for the bull stud industry.
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Webtools

Web tool: Calf Math calculates herd's heifer needs

April 28, 2014
Peggy Coffeen
How many replacement heifers does your dairy really need? Do the math with Calf Math. This free-to-use web tool from Genex Cooperative calculates heifer needs based on a herd’s targeted cull rate and growth rate, with adjustable parameters to fit the individual dairy. Genex’s Kristi Fiedler, associate vice president of U.S. technical services, discusses how and why to use this online estimator.
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