ThIs year’s 11th annual Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) award winners prove that constant improvement is a must

Often we fail to take time to sit back and contemplate progress . . . to compare where we are with where we were

A record 128 herds were nominated from 18 U.S. states and Canadian provinces for this year’s ninth annual Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council awards competition

One of the most important economic factors that determines a milking herd’s profitability is the average days in milk (DIM). That parameter obviously depends on getting the cow pregnant early in...

Poor heat detection rates, under 50 percent in U.S. dairy herds, are a major factor limiting reproductive efficiency. Even so, detection of behavioral estrus plays an important role in overall reproduction

At our most recent Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council meeting, the University of Guelph’s Stephen LeBlanc gave an excellent presentation highlighting the importance of monitoring ketosis in transitio

Twins double the trouble. Pregnant with twins," I announced as I scanned cow 13478. Sam dutifully entered the information in his handheld device, but the slump of his shoulders was more dramatic than if...

This year's Dairy Cattle Reproduction Councils award winners have a great deal of insight to share on how they get cows safe in calf

Additional questions from roundtable article: "Excellent cow care leads to repro success" November 2014 Issue, page 735. Breeding - Who breeds? Dutchland Dairy: Crosby Krischel and Dave Duitscher breed...

But simple practices can help calves survive and thrive, even after a difficult birth. Do you know how many calves you lost as a result of dystocia last year?

Tight window: seasonal calving's lynch pin To take advantage of peak pasture growth, graziers must closely monitor reproductive performance. These same principles can benefit all dairy producers. Compact...

Breeding for enhanced immune responsiveness improves the health of your herd. It's now possible with the patented High Immune Response (HIR) system

Another year has arrived in our dairy industry. What will it bring? More rain when needed? Better milk prices? Greater success in your dairy business? A new year is always a time to look back and reflect...

by Mark Hardesty, D.V.M. The author is a partner in Maria Stein Animal Clinic, Maria Stein, Ohio. Normal calving progress is just 70 minutes long. If you do need to intervene, 30 minutes of pulling is...

Heifer timed A.I. may benefit average heat detectors by Jeff Stevenson The author is a professor of animal sciences at Kansas State University, Manhattan. At the 2009 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council...

The tally is between $304 and $354 per case. Incidence rates can run 20 percent or higher

Multiple options to consider when breeding heifers. One of your greatest assets should be your heifer population. Raising quality heifers starts with proper sire selection, good dry cow and late-gestation...

Welcome to A.I. breeding 101 - a virtual college class held here today! We have come a long way since the 1970s when fixed-time A.I. was first attempted in our industry. In those days, prostaglandin F2?...

The top reproductive physiologists from around the world met in New Orleans this past summer to share advances in managing reproduction in dairy cows

We often think the relationship between milk production and fertility is a relatively recent concern. But, in fact, it has been debated for quite some time