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Read the latest from several genetics companies and the changes to their genetic offerings and current lineups of dairy sires, following the release of the USDA dairy sire evaluations in December 2012. Visit each company’s websites for complete listings of their sire lineups.
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Reproduction is economically important to a dairy herd. If cows don’t reproduce, they won’t become milk producers. Dr. José Santos, a professor at the University of Florida, delved into this vital factor as he reported on research that identified biological impediments to reproductive efficiency and strategies to improve reproduction during a workshop at the Vita Plus Dairy Summit Dec. 5 in Merrillville, Indiana.
Inbreeding continues to receive increasing attention on progressive dairy operations – and appropriately so. As profit margins continue to narrow, dairy producers are looking for alternative ways to sustain maximum profits while minimizing their inputs.
Neonatal calf loss within 48 hours of calving is re-emerging as a major issue for producers.
Recent studies show an increase in calf losses, particularly in heifers, in dairy industries internationally. The problem is particularly important in Holsteins as they are the most widely used dairy breed globally.
Cow comfort plays a critical role in your herd’s reproductive management. Comfortable cows are less stressed, making them healthier, which drives up pregnancy rates. That’s why when you focus on cow comfort, your returns are more than just happier cows … Comfortable cows are profitable cows.
Your herd grouping strategy can have an influence on reproductive performance, with transition cow strategies rightfully getting the most attention. These cows are your herd’s most important group. A good transition cow grouping strategy should promote dry matter intake (DMI) and reduce stress as much as possible.
Read the latest from several genetics companies and the changes to their genetic offerings and current lineups of dairy sires, following the release of the USDA dairy sire evaluations in August. Visit each company’s websites for complete listings of their sire lineups.
Select a link below to jump directly to a specific section:
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What do cell phones, iPods and heat detection have in common?
The same technology that changes the screen on your iPod or Smart Phone when you move your phone from horizontal to vertical is the same technology helping to detect heat in dairy cattle.
That technology is known as the accelerometer and it is the most recent electronic system to be marketed to dairy farmers for the purpose of monitoring physical activity with estrous behavior.
For several years, California dairyman Greg Hooker has been aligning his 4,500-cow dairy operation for what he says is a “large shift” in heifer rearing – a focus on quality and not quantity.
“In the past, we’ve gotten as many heifers as we can, kept as many alive as we can, raised as many as we can. And if you didn’t need them, then you could sell them,” Hooker says. “The ability to sell springers for a profit – long-term – isn’t necessarily there anymore.”
To maintain a profitable business model and maximize productivity, producers need to be highly efficient with available resources. In today’s dairy industry, high genetic potential in heifers is one of the most rewarding resource investments.
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