Repro Management

Why early lameness detection matters for reproductive performance

arnold.harbers@nedap.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Mildly lame cows, or those just starting to decline, often go unnoticed. This hidden group is where the real losses begin to accumulate, especially when it comes to reproduction.

From the experts: A genetic planning guide for dairy producers

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Progressive Dairy interviewed genetic experts from across the industry with one goal in mind: to arm you with the knowledge and questions needed to make an effective genetic plan.

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.

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.

Gestation calculations: A better management lever than ‘days carried calf’

pjackson@bovisync.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

”Days carried calf” (DCC) is a familiar number – easy to filter and easy to build protocols around – but it can also be misleading. The issue is that DCC typically assumes a single fixed gestation length (often 280 days), while real-world gestation length shifts meaningfully with breed, parity, season/month, twinning, calf sex and sire genetics.

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.

Progressive mating strategies drive genetic progress: Results from recent study

lb5624@psu.edu — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Herds that genotyped and used all semen types had heifers with more than a $100 advantage in net merit than those that used all semen types but did not genotype heifers.

Celebrating breeding efforts with Evergreen Dairy Resort

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Outside of the farming community of Antigo, Wisconsin, Evergreen Dairy Resort has been operating for nearly 20 years, growing significantly and improving the dairy’s breeding efforts along the way.

Genomics, meticulousness help repro shine at Blue Star Dairy Farms

matti@agproud.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

“Building a better herd gives you more options,” says Dean Meinholz, herdsman at Blue Star Dairy Farms in DeForest and Arlington, Wisconsin. Dean is referring to the decision made eight years ago to genomic test the Holstein herd – creating more flexibility with incoming heifers and additional revenue with beef-on-dairy calves.

From days to dollars: How beef gestation length impacts your dairy

lkimble@selectsires.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500

With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens.

Adjust the voluntary waiting period to fit your reproduction needs

paula.molinari@genex.coop — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Determining the appropriate voluntary waiting period (VWP) is a critical component of any reproductive program. The optimal VWP may vary depending on the lactation number, season and the farm’s breeding strategy, and it is a fine line between maximizing fertility and ensuring timely conception.

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.

The economics of breeding for more dairy replacements: Striking the right balance

vcabrera@wisc.edu — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This article outlines the economic outcomes of alternative breeding strategies that combine sexed, beef and conventional semen. Using both short-term decision support tools and long-term simulation models, we explored how reproductive performance and semen use strategies interact to shape profitability on dairy farms.

Have we overlooked heifer fertility?

douglas.duhatschek@parnell.com — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Do you extend the same level of discipline and innovation applied to cows to your heifer program? Has your trend in heifer fertility improved over time?

Striking a balance: Genetic superiority vs. age

jziegler@selectsires.com — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The days of just making dairy replacement females as fast and furious as possible have taken a back seat to making just enough of the “right” replacement heifers to minimize rising raising costs and maintaining the proper heifer inventories for replacing milking cows that leave the herd.

Marketing opportunities for beef-on-dairy calves

jeremy.howard@simplot.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Beef prices remain strong, proving strong incentives for dairy producers to stay bullish on beef-on-dairy investments. Just as there’s no single way to run a dairy farm, the same goes for getting involved in the beef-on-dairy market. Here are some factors to ruminate on.

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.

Health events in dairy cattle: Prevent them all for optimal repro

axb779@psu.edu — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Health events are undesirable events in dairy farms and, in my opinion, are one of the biggest challenges the dairy industry has been facing. Although the incidence of some specific diseases – such as milk fever or clinical ketosis – has decreased in the last 20 years or so, the overall percentage of animals experiencing one or more diseases in the first 60 days after calving hasn’t changed.

Benchmarking for fertility: 3 reproductive KPIs every dairy should watch

rsmith@virtusnutrition.com — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

During my 20-plus years of analyzing dairy reproductive records, my mantra has always been "Benchmark against yourself, not your neighbor." Of course, there’s value in both, but my belief has always been that you’ll make the greatest gains by keeping your focus on your own results and figuring out how to improve them versus focusing on comparisons.

Fertility-focused management at Schleis Farms

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Sometimes thinking outside the box can pay off in ways you don’t anticipate. Agriculture is usually a high-risk, high-reward venture, and for Ryan Schleis of Schleis Farms, switching a Holstein herd to Fleckvieh was an investment he was willing to make in exchange for higher fertility.

Reproductive road map: Leveraging data as your dairy’s GPS

robert.heintz@vas.com — Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Managing your reproduction program is complex, with many moving parts, but your herd management software can simplify the process. Just as a GPS helps you reach your destination without unnecessary detours, utilizing your herd management software to its fullest potential enables you to achieve your goals without costly missteps or delays.

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.

Proving the payoff

cardoso2@illinois.edu — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Transition cows are prone to inflammation, hypocalcemia and metabolic disorders that can lead to lower chances of getting pregnant and long-term consequences on the health and productivity of the cow – all of which can take away from a dairy producer’s bottom line.

Beyond heat detection: Combining technology and synchronization for reproductive success

glaucio.lopes@merck.com — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Researchers are exploring advanced methods that combine activity monitoring technology with fertility programs to take reproductive outcomes to an even higher level. One approach is called targeted reproductive management (TRM), and here's what it could mean for your herd.

Best practices for managing heifer reproduction

pweber@genex.coop — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Your heifers are the future of your herd, and getting them to an ideal weight at the proper age is important to the future success of your business. Following simple protocols to get them bred at the ideal time will pay significant future dividends.

Use voluntary waiting period data to set cows up for success

steven.pavelski@nedap.com — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

With proper intervention and nutrition or management adjustments, cows can return to cyclicity, increasing the likelihood of positive pregnancy outcomes following the voluntary waiting period.

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.

Planning for reproductive success: Five strategies to carry in your toolbox

ksmith@selectsires.com — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

With the growing trend of using beef semen in dairy herds to produce high-value beef-on-dairy calves, the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities. There is a critical need for internal herd expansion as dairy replacements become scarce.