socialmedian: Dairy - Dairy Cow Breeding: a Constant Challenge

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Dairy - Dairy Cow Breeding: a Constant Challenge

Source: University of Delaware Kent County Agricultural Extension

Nov 08, 2009

Summary

Dairy cow breeding is a constant challenge in high producting Holstein herds. The following is an article on the subject.

In the old days we expected to get a 50-55% conception rate (1.9 to 2.0 services/conception) with milking cows. We have done a great job of breeding high producing Holsteins. Unfortunately, the modern high producing Holstein is not highly fertile, and the conception rate in many high producing herds is 40% (2.5 services/conception) or lower.

Fertility is influenced by many factors, and the overall fertility achieved is determined by multiplying the efficiency level of those factors together, not adding. For example, the A.I. industry uses the following "Fertility Equation" to demonstrate how various factors can influence the success of an A.I. program.

The percentage of cows or heifers which become pregnant during a given period of time can be calculated by multiplying the following four factors: A = Cows accurately detected in heat and inseminated(%) B = Fertility level of the herd (%) C = Semen fertility level (%) D = Inseminator efficiency ...Read the full article

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