The doubling of milk production per cow in the U.S. in the last 50 years did not happen by chance. Research data since the use of A.I. in dairy herds enrolled in the Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) program clearly shows that selection for genetic merit for milk yield and the positive environment for feeding and husbandry are about equally responsible for this improvement in milk production.

World Wide Sires 2009 With the release of the April 2009 genetic evaluations, World Wide Sires adds 15 new Holstein bulls to our line-up, sired by 10 different sire fathers.

Synchronization and artificial insemination (A.I.) are effective tools to build a better herd. However they are only as effective as the planning and implementation put into both of those programs.

In the old days, we expected to get a 50 to 55 percent conception rate (1.9 to 2 services per conception) with milking cows. We have done a great job of breeding high-producing Holsteins. Unfortunately, the modern high-producing Holstein is not highly fertile, and the conception rate in many high-producing herds is 40 percent (2.5 services per conception) or lower.

A healthy calving program is an integral part of a strong dairy business. Especially now that milk prices are low, losing calves or missing conceptions will take a toll on your bottom line. Dyecrest Dairy on the Front Range of Colorado has had great success in keeping their registered herd full of replacements. Dairy owner Terry Dye has entrusted the A.I. and calving aspect of the dairy to his daughter, Amanda Dye, for the past 20 years.

It is not uncommon to hear about conception rates being around 20 percent, especially on large dairies.

Getting cows pregnant has multiple financial benefits, including another lactation and additional replacement heifers.

Although many years of research and use have proven rBST (Posilac) safe to the cow and the consumer, as well as effective in increasing the efficiency of milk production (increase milk yield 10 to 15 percent), an effort to remove this efficacious biotechnology from the dairy farmer’s repertoire is ongoing and gaining traction.

With the emergence and wide acceptance of sexed semen, producers are finding their own unique application of this latest technology.