Repro Technology

Maximizing heifer reproduction in a changing dairy landscape

douglas.duhatschek@parnell.com — Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

There is a need for a more intentional and strategic approach to heifer management, particularly in reproduction. With fewer animals in the pipeline, mistakes such as delayed breeding or missed opportunities can have a greater impact on herd performance and profitability.

Real Producer Exchange Episode 4: Skylar Gericke

walt.cooley@agproud.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 08:16:39 -0400

Ohio native Skylar Gericke quickly learned how brutal Arizona summers can be on conception rates and getting cows pregnant. He did his best to get cows bred, and when he was done for the day, he started noticing other improvement areas on the dairy.

Creating pregnancies in the heat: Dickman and Sons Dairy

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

How does a dairy that regularly sees temperatures over 110°F create pregnancies? Keeping cows cool. For Dickman and Sons Dairy, it really is that simple.

Planning your herd’s genetic future: 4 points to consider

gpowers@genex.coop — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Although the industry has achieved rapid genetic advancement, with today’s competitive market, return on investment (ROI) is imperative. Here are several steps to consider when planning your herd’s genetic future for the best possible return on investment.

The role of trace minerals in embryo transfer pregnancies

louderdvm@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Open. It is a word no veterinarian enjoys saying during the herd check. While researchers continue to look for ways to improve the outcomes of live births, improving the trace mineral status of the cow may be a promising way to reduce hearing that dreaded word: open.

Impact of automated milking systems on dairy reproduction

dmeihak@lely.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

While automated milking systems are widely recognized for their capacity to increase milk yield and enhance cow welfare, their sophisticated data collection capabilities offer substantial advantages for optimizing reproductive management in dairy cattle.

Across the country: Using sort gates to improve reproduction

matti@agproud.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Technology continues to push the envelope when it comes to reproductive efficiency. Automated monitoring systems and sort gates have proven to be productive investments for dairy farms across the country.

Why pick one when you can have them all? Using composite breeds

jlutz@genex.coop — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

With fertility rates on the rise and data guiding every decision, beef-on-dairy matings – especially with composite sires – are helping dairies optimize both efficiency and profitability.

Creating an 'Olympic athlete': Cedar Ridge Dairy's journey with genetics

matti@agproud.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When Chace Fullmer was handed the reins of a 1,000-cow dairy at the age of 20, he was excited to build a life as a dairy farmer. Almost 20 years later, Fullmer has added 1,500 cows, built a new rotary parlor and maternity facility, improved the genetic value of his herd through genomic testing and adjusted his approach to dairy farming.

Joining forces for repro success: Technology and synchronization protocols

todd.bilby@merck.com — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We now know that a successful repro program can seamlessly leverage monitoring technology while joining forces with synchronization protocols. In tandem with the tremendous strides of genetics, we are pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Let’s discuss the research and on-farm experiences leading to even greater reproductive advancements.

Three ways animal monitoring systems unlock hidden value in your reproduction program

donald.gilberg@gea.com — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Animal monitoring systems are a time-tested and proven solution. Plus, they hold the key to unlocking other hidden values that bring more dollars to your bottom line.

Embryo quality plays a critical role in bovine fertility success

jeremy.howard@simplot.com — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Dairies that rely on embryo transfer often achieve success rates similar to artificial insemination (A.I.). Plus, in times of heat stress, pregnancies resulting from embryo transfer may exceed those of A.I., with some dairies reporting pregnancy rates as much as 10 or more percentage points higher for embryos. Yet, positive outcomes are not possible without a commitment to quality – of embryos and transfer techniques.

Managing impactful variables of ovum pickup: 4 things that drive success

kara.schmidt@vytelle.com — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Dr. Joe Mancino, reproductive services veterinarian at Vytelle, has been specializing in ovum pickup (OPU) for six years. Throughout his career, Mancino has experienced a wide array of working conditions across the country that have shaped his perspective and enabled him to identify the four key components that lead to a successful OPU.

‘In the game to make milk’ – Embryo program furthers genetic potential at Swisslane Farms

matti@agproud.com — Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Following a simple philosophy of structure and dedication, Swisslane Farms' reproductive team can balance Double Ovsynch, embryo transfer and beef-on-dairy with the goal to make as much milk as possible.

How to optimize automated reproduction tools in your herd

nancy.charlton@delaval.com — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Regardless of how a producer chooses to breed – either naturally or with synchronization protocols using fertility pharmaceuticals – their goals must involve an approach that maximizes cow health.

3 things you need to know about enrolling heifers in an IVF program

kara.schmidt@vytelle.com — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Enrolling heifers in an IVF program is extremely advantageous for genetic advancement in any operation. Even small numbers of viable pregnancies from a prepubertal heifer can give a producer the competitive genetic edge that every dairy farmer is aiming to achieve.

[Podcast] HerdFlex® beef embryos: Partner Perspective

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Interest in beef-on-dairy remains at an all-time high. In fact, it’s estimated that the industry will produce 3.22 million beef-on-dairy calves in 2024. Incorporating full beef embryos into a dairy’s reproductive program is one way producers are taking advantage of this growing trend. HerdFlex beef embryos from Simplot Animal Sciences are available through Select Sires, offering a team approach to help producers achieve their goals.

A focus on ‘quality over quantity’ at Doll’s Dairy Inc.

kimmi@agproud.com — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

A goal to get an extra lactation out of their cows improved more than herd longevity at Doll’s Dairy Inc. in Pocahontas, Illinois. It also provided additional opportunities to diversify the farm’s revenue streams, including selling beef-on-dairy calves and excess heifer calves.

Revolutionizing reproduction: The role of ultrasound technology on U.S. dairies

menriquez@genex.coop — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:56:01 -0500

The evolution of ultrasound machines, coupled with farmer-friendly training programs, has made ultrasound technology more accessible than ever before.

Managing donors and recipients: The key to successful embryo production and performance

kara.schmidt@vytelle.com — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Advanced reproductive technologies are exciting and effective, making it easy to jump right in when there are elite genetics that you want to replicate quickly. However, it’s important to pause and understand how to create success from start to finish.

Evaluating fertility in the wake of embryo transfer

asha.miles@usda.gov — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Of the many reasons a cow may leave the milking herd, culling for reproductive problems is one of the most common. Commercial embryo transfer (ET) is one technology making waves in reproductive management and how we evaluate fertility.

Beef embryo success starts with a commitment to thrive, not dairy size

jeremy.howard@simplot.com — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Beef embryos offer value and flexible solutions for dairies seeking to add new revenue streams and diversification opportunities. But does it work as well for dairies of different sizes?

Cloning: How it works and what it could do for your herd

diane.broek@transova.com — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Cloning allows you to produce an identical twin from a rockstar animal, just born at a later place and time. It allows a producer to reap the benefits of that “once in a lifetime” animal more than once in a lifetime.

[Podcast] Increase workflow efficiency and time management with sample based pregnancy testing

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0400

Learn from Steve Maddox, owner of Maddox Dairy, and Dr. Greg Goodell, owner of The Dairy Authority, as they discuss the workflow and efficiency benefits of sample based pregnancy testing with IDEXX’s Charles Perotti. Speaking from the producer’s perspective and from veterinarians’ this episode demonstrates how IDEXX Alertys™ sample based testing can increase access and reduce lock up times, with long term sustainable benefits to veterinarians and cow comfort.

Accelerating genetic selection and maximizing IVF investment in dairy herds

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 19:13:10 -0500

As dairy farmers aim to accelerate the genetic progress of their herds, in vitro fertilization (IVF) leads the way in efficiency of quick genetic improvement, allowing producers to capitalize on their best genetics, and shorten generation intervals, while not disrupting the reproduction program of their herd. Rather than just milking the same cow, IVF allows for transformative differentiation in a herd without the need to liquidate and start over. Simply put, an average milking shed can progress genetics monumentally with one positive IVF mating.

Insider tip: Don’t overspend on sexed semen

mandy@thecattlesource.com — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 17:19:16 -0500

Your sexed semen costs might be higher than they should be, but not because your A.I. sales representative is deceiving you. Many dairies overspend on the volume of sexed semen purchased.

Don’t fumble at the one-yard line: 5 tips for recipient management

skruse@boviteq.com — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:00:01 -0400

When an IVF program is established, the first focus goes to donors – elite female genetics that will elevate the entire herd. Clear decisions are made about how those donors will be managed, fed, stimulated, collected and monitored.

Repro technology with less animal handling and stress

taylor.grussing@vytelle.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:00:01 -0400

When reproductive technologies became available, dairy producers quickly embraced them, including artificial insemination (A.I.) and embryo transfer (ET). Today, producers remain engaged and readily utilize these technologies to create the newest, best genetics as quickly as possible to advance herd progress.

Reproductive strategies for dairy herd improvement – MOET or OPU-IVF?

lkimble@selectsires.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:01:46 -0400

Producers can capitalize on available reproductive technologies to breed efficient, profitable cows. Multiple ovulation-embryo transfer (MOET) and ovum pickup and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) are two such technologies that offer producers the ability to obtain offspring from high-net-merit females and bulls to achieve faster genetic progress.

Three ways IVF technology helps dairies remain competitive

michael.bishop@vytelle.com — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 14:00:01 -0500

As dairies seek to mitigate financial risk, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is moving to the forefront as a tool to capitalize on the best genetics in their herds through timely pregnancies, shorter calving intervals and reduced days open.