https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us gdodd@uoguelph.ca Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs. Researchers across the University of Guelph, Lactanet and Semex are investigating how heat stress impacts fertility in Canadian dairy cattle, helping producers better manage reproduction as climate conditions continue to shift. Fertility losses can increase days open, reduce lifetime milk production and raise herd replacement costs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63364 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63364-how-rising-temperatures-are-affecting-dairy-cow-fertility-in-canada matti@agproud.com “When it comes to genetic selection for fertility, it’s not easy. It is quite slow compared to more straightforward traits like milk production or fat or protein content. This is a complex thing,” said Christine Baes at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. “When it comes to genetic selection for fertility, it’s not easy. It is quite slow compared to more straightforward traits like milk production or fat or protein content. This is a complex thing,” said Christine Baes at the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63309 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63309-redefining-fertility-traits-are-we-using-the-best-tools-available hsweett@lactanet.ca Genetics provide a strong foundation for positioning herds to benefit from evolving milk pricing structures. While fat and protein have both shown gains of the past 30 years, the growing gap between them highlights the need for greater emphasis on protein in selection and breeding decisions. Genetics provide a strong foundation for positioning herds to benefit from evolving milk pricing structures. While fat and protein have both shown gains of the past 30 years, the growing gap between them highlights the need for greater emphasis on protein in selection and breeding decisions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63073 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63073-the-role-of-genetics-in-meeting-evolving-market-demands 63073-sweett-1.jpg More than 120 producers and industry stakeholders sat in on Lactanet’s first open industry session of 2026 to learn of the organization’s directions relating to genetics and evaluations. Five presentations provided updates and research highlights geared to streamlining reporting processes and identifying quality- and trait-related trends within the industry. More than 120 producers and industry stakeholders sat in on Lactanet’s first open industry session of 2026 to learn of the organization’s directions relating to genetics and evaluations. Five presentations provided updates and research highlights geared to streamlining reporting processes and identifying quality- and trait-related trends within the industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63097 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:37:48 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63097-progressive-events-lactanet-addresses-changes-for-2026-at-february-open-industry-session Reproductive efficiency is critical for the profitability of dairy herds. It is as simple as cows need to calve to produce milk. However, having consistent and high pregnancy rates continues to be a challenge. Reproductive efficiency is critical for the profitability of dairy herds. It is as simple as cows need to calve to produce milk. However, having consistent and high pregnancy rates continues to be a challenge.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62816 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62816-improving-dairy-herd-fertility-genomics-and-beyond 62816-wallace-dixon.jpg lkimble@selectsires.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62634 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62634-from-days-to-dollars-how-beef-gestation-length-impacts-your-dairy 62634-Kimble-1.jpg matti@agproud.com Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans. Brian Van Doormaal has served the dairy industry for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement in December 2025, Progressive Dairy asked Van Doormaal a few questions about his career and future plans.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62676 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62676-3-open-minutes-with-recently-retired-lactanet-chief-services-officer-brian-van-doormaal 62676-mcbride-1.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It discusses how lung ultrasonography is improving our understanding and management of respiratory disease in young calves, and the effect of voluntary waiting period length on milk yield, fertility and culling in high-yielding, second-parity cows. This column brings you information regarding some of the research being done around the world and published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It discusses how lung ultrasonography is improving our understanding and management of respiratory disease in young calves, and the effect of voluntary waiting period length on milk yield, fertility and culling in high-yielding, second-parity cows.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62545 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62545-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-lung-ultrasonography-in-dairy-calves-and-effect-of-vwp-length-on-second-parity-cows matti@agproud.com Many of us in the dairy industry endure the late nights, early mornings, less-than-ideal weather circumstances, faulty equipment and other inconveniences for one reason – the love of cows. The same certainly could be said for Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Lynmark Farms, who earned the third-ever Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society (CMSS) Master Breeder award in 2025. Many of us in the dairy industry endure the late nights, early mornings, less-than-ideal weather circumstances, faulty equipment and other inconveniences for one reason – the love of cows. The same certainly could be said for Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Lynmark Farms, who earned the third-ever Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society (CMSS) Master Breeder award in 2025.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62003 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62003-for-the-love-of-cows-lynmark-farms 62003-mcbride-tim-irene.jpg douglas.duhatschek@parnell.com 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? 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?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61827 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61827-have-we-overlooked-heifer-fertility 61827-doornink-2836.jpg hsweett@lactanet.ca As dairy producers seek to maximize both genetic progress and economic return, the strategic use of beef semen has become a common herd management strategy across North America. As dairy producers seek to maximize both genetic progress and economic return, the strategic use of beef semen has become a common herd management strategy across North America. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61855 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61855-beyond-the-calf-beef-on-dairy-and-the-management-of-transition-cows jlutz@genex.coop 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61455 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61455-why-pick-one-when-you-can-have-them-all-using-composite-breeds 61455-lutz-stabilizer-img2.jpg shari.vandepol@cattleytics.com Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now. Using the best tools available to get the most out of your breeding program is key – and we know that artificial intelligence (AI) is helping us make smarter, more data-driven decisions that ultimately improve the health, fertility and productivity of our herds. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things to come, and things that groups like ours are working on now.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61372 Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61372-ai-for-ai-6-ai-based-benefits-for-breeding-programs matti@agproud.com Voluntary waiting periods (VWP) can vary based on the type of operation, management style, herd size and more. Sometimes, VWP can be based on the individuality of each animal. At Isaac Dairy in Steinbach, Manitoba, this strategy aids in overall profitability, creates more space in the dry cow pen, helps select replacement animals and contributes to a sustainable operation. Voluntary waiting periods (VWP) can vary based on the type of operation, management style, herd size and more. Sometimes, VWP can be based on the individuality of each animal. At Isaac Dairy in Steinbach, Manitoba, this strategy aids in overall profitability, creates more space in the dry cow pen, helps select replacement animals and contributes to a sustainable operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61464 Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61464-isaac-dairy-tailors-lactation-length-to-needs-of-cows 61464.MCBRIDE-ISSAC-1.jpg rellerbrock@selectsires.com Dairy producers face many challenges. Animal health, nutrition, milk markets and personnel management cause many farmers to lose sleep. Maintenance and management of a semen tank is a factor that every dairy producer can control. Dairy producers face many challenges. Animal health, nutrition, milk markets and personnel management cause many farmers to lose sleep. Maintenance and management of a semen tank is a factor that every dairy producer can control.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61284 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61284-management-tips-to-keep-semen-tanks-in-tip-top-shape 61284-ellerbrock-1.jpg ivandenberg@genex.coop Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics? Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60907 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60907-defining-precision-dairy-genetics-in-2025 ongentherschroeder@landolakes.com As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express. As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60696 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60696-making-the-most-of-your-beef-on-dairy-genetics-with-proper-nutrition 60696-genther-schroeder-calf.jpg devries@ufl.edu Which traits make an efficient dairy cow? To answer that question, it is useful to carefully think about what a very efficient dairy cow looks like. One definition of an efficient dairy cow is cow that maximizes milk production while maintaining good health and fertility, thereby optimizing profitability for the producer. Which traits make an efficient dairy cow? To answer that question, it is useful to carefully think about what a very efficient dairy cow looks like. One definition of an efficient dairy cow is cow that maximizes milk production while maintaining good health and fertility, thereby optimizing profitability for the producer.  

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60792 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60792-which-traits-make-an-efficient-dairy-cow 60792-devries-cow-dixon.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com This article from researchers from the University of Guelph is a literature review discussing insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with different processes related to reproductive function. This article from researchers from the University of Guelph is a literature review discussing insights and knowledge gaps linking health disorders with different processes related to reproductive function.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60662 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60662-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-fresh-cow-health-impact-on-reproductive-function-and-teat-sealant-excretion-postpartum News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. matti@agproud.com “Today we have a third of the number of cows we had in 1960, and we’re producing more milk,” said Christine Baes of the University of Guelph during her keynote presentation at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting. “That’s a pretty good sustainability story, but when you Google ‘sustainability and dairy cows,’ you see headlines about cow flatulence. Why is that?” “Today we have a third of the number of cows we had in 1960, and we’re producing more milk,” said Christine Baes of the University of Guelph during her keynote presentation at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council annual meeting. “That’s a pretty good sustainability story, but when you Google ‘sustainability and dairy cows,’ you see headlines about cow flatulence. Why is that?”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60695 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60695-changing-headlines-effort-by-canadian-dairy-industry-to-create-resilient-cows 60695-mcbride-5926-2.jpg lora@agproud.com The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that took place Nov. 1-10 did not disappoint. Showcasing some of the best of the best dairy cattle in North America, three dairy breed associations took to the main stage for dairy enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate in downtown Toronto, Ontario. The 102nd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that took place Nov. 1-10 did not disappoint. Showcasing some of the best of the best dairy cattle in North America, three dairy breed associations took to the main stage for dairy enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60719 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60719-progressive-events-highlights-from-the-102nd-royal-agricultural-winter-fair 60719-bender-holstein.jpg matti@agproud.com As with any legacy, it started with one cow. After the purchase of Fernhame PBL Penelope, Don and Wendy Chalack would soon acquire a dairy and buy 25 more cows, developing a business that would produce more than a dozen All-Canadian and All-American nominees, acquire three Master Breeder shields and become a household name in the North American registered dairy cattle industry. As with any legacy, it started with one cow. After the purchase of Fernhame PBL Penelope, Don and Wendy Chalack would soon acquire a dairy and buy 25 more cows, developing a business that would produce more than a dozen All-Canadian and All-American nominees, acquire three Master Breeder shields and become a household name in the North American registered dairy cattle industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60409 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60409-daily-dedication-leads-to-excellence-at-wendon-holsteins 60409-mcbride-2689.jpg rachel.budd@metzgervet.com Most dairy farms follow a regular herd health schedule with a veterinarian, commonly using ultrasound every two weeks (or weekly, for the largest herds) to diagnose pregnant cows. However, with the introduction of more accessible, affordable and impactful options, it may be time to reconsider some common assumptions. Most dairy farms follow a regular herd health schedule with a veterinarian, commonly using ultrasound every two weeks (or weekly, for the largest herds) to diagnose pregnant cows. However, with the introduction of more accessible, affordable and impactful options, it may be time to reconsider some common assumptions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60174 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60174-which-pregnancy-test-is-right-for-your-operation 60174-budd-1.jpg amadurei@uoguelph.ca As global demand for dairy products continues to rise, the pressure to produce high-yielding cows has been increasing. However, this pursuit often brings with it a significant challenge: the historical trade-off between high milk production and reproductive efficiency. As global demand for dairy products continues to rise, the pressure to produce high-yielding cows has been increasing. However, this pursuit often brings with it a significant challenge: the historical trade-off between high milk production and reproductive efficiency.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60172 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60172-optimizing-dairy-cattle-genetics-can-we-breed-for-cows-with-high-milk-yield-and-good-fertility jenn@agproud.com Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year. Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60069 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60069-larmer-named-world-dairy-expo-international-person-of-the-year 60069-coyne-larmer-1.jpg ksmith@selectsires.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59911 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59911-planning-for-reproductive-success-five-strategies-to-carry-in-your-toolbox 59911-smith-DSC00167.jpg nancy.charlton@delaval.com 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59953 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59953-how-to-optimize-automated-reproduction-tools-in-your-herd 59953-charlton-calf.jpg Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. Glenn and Ashley Beckett, owners and operators of Beckridge Holsteins, share the five indispensable components they rely on for their success in and out of the barn. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59740 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59740-5-things-we-cant-do-without-with-glenn-and-ashley-beckett-of-beckridge-holsteins 59740-ohirko-1.jpg pedro.nogueira@trouwnutrition.com Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. Explore how fluctuations in daily milk yield can indicate disease resilience in Holstein cattle, potentially transforming breeding practices for better health and productivity. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59762 Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59762-research-review-from-the-journal-of-dairy-science-health-traits-and-adaptations-of-immune-function-in-calves ca-fr-social-35.jpg amadurei@uoguelph.ca Using automated activity monitoring with genomic data might be an opportunity for the dairy industry to improve reproductive performance, optimize herd management practices and increase profitability. This concept has been described as targeted reproductive management. Using automated activity monitoring with genomic data might be an opportunity for the dairy industry to improve reproductive performance, optimize herd management practices and increase profitability. This concept has been described as targeted reproductive management.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59616 Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59616-genomic-daughter-pregnancy-rate-and-the-association-with-resumption-of-estrous-behaviour-in-holstein-cattle ca-fr-social-41.jpg