Robert Fourdraine

Monitoring transition cow management using fresh cow data

The Fresh Cow Index provides a single measurement at the start of each lactation, making it easier to evaluate management changes and combine with other fresh cow data to explore areas for improvement.

March 19, 2026

Robert Fourdraine

There are many single measurements that you can use to monitor your transition cow program, like gestation length, dry period length, calving ease, abortions, etc. However, combining all these into a single easy-to-understand measure will save time and will be easier to track over time. The new Fresh Cow Index (FCI) was developed to determine if your herd transition cow management program is successful.

Record calf and heifer info to boost success

Recording calf and heifer health events, growth, genetics and reasons for culling and utilizing this data can improve long-term calf and heifer management.

December 9, 2022

Robert Fourdraine

Typically, the majority of data recorded on a dairy are events and performance data related to the animals in the milking herd.

Managing impacts of length of dry cow period performance in subsequent lactation

Data shows that short or long dry periods can have a significant negative impact on subsequent lactation production, reproduction and SCC.

September 3, 2022

Robert Fourdraine

An effective transition cow program is a critical element in managing a dairy farm. Over the past 10 years, dairy farms are paying closer attention to how cows are managed during the transition period.

How does age at first calving affect the bottom line?

May 8, 2022

Robert Fourdraine

Data show that earlier calving may result in less milk produced during the first lactation. However, by the time the cow reaches her third lactation, production levels are almost the same.

Maximize returns from your beef x dairy breeding program in 2022

December 31, 2021

Robert Fourdraine

Sorted semen has enabled important changes in how producers manage replacement programs while optimizing overall genetic progress. Increased use of sorted dairy semen can achieve more female calves to replace existing cows or to expand the herd without significantly impacting conception rates.

Managing udder health is key to minimize production losses

October 7, 2021

Robert Fourdraine

As management and genetics improve, the average bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) may decline. Bulk tank SCC is a combination of the milk of all cows, so high-SCC cows are diluted by low-SCC cows.

Using genetic data to make decisions for the future

October 16, 2015

Robert Fourdraine

Precision agriculture has become a common term in agriculture. It was originally associated with crop farming and found its roots with the use of harvest equipment that had the ability to measure crop yields by location.

Paying attention to age at first calving is worth your time

August 24, 2015

Robert Fourdraine

Optimal age at first calving has been debated for many years. There are many factors that can influence when a heifer calves for the very first time. Having a good heifer-raising program, coupled with an effective breeding program, are key elements.

Better transition cow management enhances reproduction

April 17, 2015

Robert Fourdraine

Paying attention to transition cow management pays obvious dividends through improved health, increased production and lower culling rates.

Maximize profits, find losses early with milk pregnancy test

February 24, 2015

Robert Fourdraine

An effective cow and heifer breeding program is key to maximizing your long-term profitability. Extended calving intervals can quickly lead to lower overall production and higher reproductive culling rates, which is why it is important to identify open cows as swiftly and accurately as possible. Adding a milk-based pregnancy test to the pregnancy checking protocol may be the tool to do just that.

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Robert Fourdraine

ARTICLES

Monitoring transition cow management using fresh cow data

Record calf and heifer info to boost success

Managing impacts of length of dry cow period performance in subsequent lactation

How does age at first calving affect the bottom line?

Maximize returns from your beef x dairy breeding program in 2022

Managing udder health is key to minimize production losses

Using genetic data to make decisions for the future

Paying attention to age at first calving is worth your time

Better transition cow management enhances reproduction

Maximize profits, find losses early with milk pregnancy test

Class III-IV gap widens to largest spread since 2020

Stay informed about New World screwworm

Data-driven work done right

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