https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us 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 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 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 louderdvm@gmail.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62245 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62245-the-role-of-trace-minerals-in-embryo-transfer-pregnancies dmeihak@lely.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62213 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62213-impact-of-automated-milking-systems-on-dairy-reproduction kimberly.davenport@wsu.edu The placenta isn’t just a passive support system; it is an active, highly regulated organ that can make or break a pregnancy. The better we understand how it works, the better we can care for our cows and make smarter breeding decisions. The placenta isn’t just a passive support system; it is an active, highly regulated organ that can make or break a pregnancy. The better we understand how it works, the better we can care for our cows and make smarter breeding decisions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61964 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61964-why-the-placenta-might-hold-the-key-to-better-breeding-outcomes 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 axb779@psu.edu 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61699 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61699-health-events-in-dairy-cattle-prevent-them-all-for-optimal-repro 61699-barragan-9560.jpg rsmith@virtusnutrition.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61582 Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61582-benchmarking-for-fertility-3-reproductive-kpis-every-dairy-should-watch raegan.jacobsbell@transova.com Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation. Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61443 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61443-adding-value-to-your-dairy-operation-with-reproductive-technologies 61443-feldner-1.jpg 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 todd.bilby@merck.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61255 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61255-joining-forces-for-repro-success-technology-and-synchronization-protocols donald.gilberg@gea.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60727 Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60727-three-ways-animal-monitoring-systems-unlock-hidden-value-in-your-reproduction-program 60727-gilberg-cow.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 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) brought producers, academia and industry experts together for discussions, presentations and panels Nov. 12-14 at the 2024 annual meeting in Arlington, Texas. Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) brought producers, academia and industry experts together for discussions, presentations and panels Nov. 12-14 at the 2024 annual meeting in Arlington, Texas. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60676 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60676-progressive-events-pushing-for-reproductive-progress-at-2024-dcrc-annual-meeting 60676-mcbride-1.jpg pweber@genex.coop 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60027 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60027-best-practices-for-managing-heifer-reproduction Business_tech_2_-_Getty.jpeg Shot of a farmer using a digital tablet on his farm 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 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 angie.rowson@vaxxinova.com Learn common pathogenic and nonpathogenic causes of late-term abortions and how dairy producers, their herd veterinarian and veterinary diagnostic laboratories can work together to help find the cause of late-term abortions. Learn common pathogenic and nonpathogenic causes of late-term abortions and how dairy producers, their herd veterinarian and veterinary diagnostic laboratories can work together to help find the cause of late-term abortions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59806 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59806-investigating-causes-of-late-term-abortions alvaro@dellait.com The voluntary waiting period (VWP) is a designated interval between calving and the first postpartum insemination, typically lasting between 50 to 80 days depending on the farm's management strategy. The effectiveness of an extended VWP remains debated, making it essential to assess its efficacy in delivering benefits and identifying any unforeseen challenges. The voluntary waiting period (VWP) is a designated interval between calving and the first postpartum insemination, typically lasting between 50 to 80 days depending on the farm's management strategy. The effectiveness of an extended VWP remains debated, making it essential to assess its efficacy in delivering benefits and identifying any unforeseen challenges.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59915 Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59915-maximizing-fertility-by-managing-the-voluntary-waiting-period 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 matti@agproud.com What do speedskating and dairy farming have in common besides ice (insert Alberta winters) and hard work? One Holstein breeder: Rolf Van Benthem. What do speedskating and dairy farming have in common besides ice (insert Alberta winters) and hard work? One Holstein breeder: Rolf Van Benthem.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59617 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59617-commitment-to-the-canadian-cow-van-benthem-dairy 59617-mcbride-benthem-1.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation. Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59569 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59569-creating-the-ideal-cow-for-your-herd 59569-trennepohl-cow.jpg kara.schmidt@vytelle.com 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. 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. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59197 Wed, 27 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59197-3-things-you-need-to-know-about-enrolling-heifers-in-an-ivf-program 59197-schmidt-img1.jpg