Last November marked the 20th anniversary of the first publication on Ovsynch by J.R. Pursley, M.O. Mee and M.C. Wiltbank. It has been cited in 1,161 journal articles since. That article, in Theriogenology, introduced the idea that ovulation could be synchronized in an eight-hour period to potentially allow for acceptable fertility following fixed-time A.I. in dairy cows.

Researchers have developed many management protocols and technologies that can be used to increase efficiencies of production on the dairy. One of these tools is advanced reproductive technologies.

It has been estimated that economic losses related to heat stress in production animals could account for as much as $900 million annually. With this type of financial loss, it is not surprising that dairy producers and their consultants are continually trying to incorporate strategies and management techniques to minimize the negative effects of heat stress.

Reproductive efficiency on a dairy is an important factor in overall profitability, and a sizable amount of labor is involved in the synchronization or estrus detection and insemination of cows and heifers. That is why an open cow at pregnancy check is so frustrating.

Proper calf selection is crucial for your 4-H dairy career. Creating your desired calf through strategic breeding is an approach to consider when choosing your show heifer.

At the 2016 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, Jonathan Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy and Dr. Chad Dechow from Penn State University teamed up to discuss the impact of genomics on commercial dairy herds.

These protocol sheets were assembled by members of the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC).

Things aren’t just black and white at Majestic Crossing Dairy. For brothers Dean and Darren Strauss, a three-way crossbreeding program has added colors to their barn, components to their milk and cash to their bottom line.

A recently released paper (PDF, 105KB) from the University of Minnesota’s extensive, ongoing crossbreeding study indicates first-lactation cows resulting from a two-breed cross can rival their Holstein herd mates in milk production and outperform them in other key areas.

As the dairy industry continues to make strides in efficiency, producers across the country are showing it is possible to achieve a 30 percent pregnancy rate with a 30,000-pound herd average.