Have you ever paused to marvel at the tools you have at your fingertips, especially when it comes to reproduction on the dairy? Where would we be without artificial insemination (AI), sexed semen or embryo transfer (ET)? With each innovation, reproductive metrics surpass milestones we once thought impossible.
In some cases, you can continue to improve without making drastic changes to the processes you already have in place. Targeted Reproductive Management (TRM) leverages the individualized insights provided through cow monitoring technology like SenseHub® Dairy to complement the proven effectiveness of your existing estrus synchronization programs so your herd doesn’t miss a beat.
How does Targeted Reproductive Management work?
TRM uses the data available through electronic monitoring to understand the fertility of individual cows and then determine which reproductive protocol best fits their current needs to boost your bottom line. The end goal is the same — ensuring each cow is pregnant in a timely, efficient manner — but the method of getting there differs a bit for each group.
TRM depends on activity and rumination monitoring data to detect estrus during early postpartum. Gathering data throughout the reproductive cycle of the cow establishes baselines and allows for early intervention in any potential health challenges that could impact estrus and fertility.
The first step of TRM is utilizing activity monitoring technology such as SenseHub Dairy collars or ear tags to identify signs of estrus during the voluntary waiting period (VWP) after calving. When it is time for breeding, cows are assigned to protocols based on the estrus signs they exhibited during the VWP. If a strong heat was detected, cows are bred on the next estrus with the aid of monitoring technology.
Even with monitoring technology and more traditional estrus detection tools, researchers estimate that we miss 30% of cows in heat.1 This is where the strength of utilizing multiple reproductive strategies through TRM comes into play. Cows that either did not show signs of estrus or showed weak signs of estrus during the VWP are automatically enrolled in a fertility program. Programs such as Double Ovsynch use a combination of strategically timed reproductive hormones such as ESTRUMATE® (cloprostenol injection) and FERTAGYL® (gonadorelin) to submit cows into AI in a timely manner.
What about cows that don’t settle after the first breeding? Any cows in the technology-based estrus detection protocol that remain open are eventually found not pregnant during the herd check and enrolled in an estrus synchronization program. Cows from either group that fail to conceive on the first service are reinseminated using a combination of heat detection and reproduction tools.
Benefits of a TRM approach
Regardless of the method used, your goal is to maximize the reproductive performance of your herd. One of the major benefits of TRM for dairy producers is the ability to use reproductive hormones strategically when they have the best chance of success. In one study, researchers were able to decrease the overall use of reproductive hormones by 57% using TRM while increasing the likelihood of pregnancy at 305 days in milk among second and greater lactation cows that did not show strong signs of estrus early postpartum. Conversely, the same study found that first lactation cows benefitted more from a Double-Ovsynch protocol utilizing reproductive hormones.2
TRM can help you identify which cows are the most likely candidates for estrus synchronization programs, so you can delegate labor and resources to get those cows bred earlier and more efficiently. With the aid of tools like SenseHub Dairy, you can take it a step further to dive into whether the cows failing to express estrus, especially those that possess more genetic potential for your herd, have hidden health challenges or are good candidates for culling.
The more assertive decision making that comes with a TRM approach can yield fewer interventions and less time spent in headlocks, so cows spend more time eating, drinking and resting. Data-driven alerts delivered directly to your device can give precise insemination guidance for cows in the monitoring group, so you know exactly which cows need attention and when.
TRM strikes a balance between the conservative use of reproductive hormones and the integration of monitoring technology. Both are valuable and essential tools to move your reproductive efficiency in the right direction. When thoughtfully combined, they can tighten your performance while elevating animal care and reducing dependence on reproductive hormones.
Consult with your veterinarian on the best reproductive protocols to use on your dairy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ESTRUMATE®: Do not administer ESTRUMATE to a pregnant cow unless abortion is desired. Severe localized post-injection clostridial infections have been reported; in rare instances infection has led to death. Women of childbearing age, asthmatics, and persons with respiratory problems should exercise extreme caution when handling ESTRUMATE. ESTRUMATE is readily absorbed through the skin and can cause abortion and/or bronchospasms; direct contact with the skin should be avoided, and accidental spillage on the skin should be washed off immediately with soap and water. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.
FERTAGYL®: Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children. For complete safety information, refer to the product label.
SenseHub® Dairy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease in animals. For the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of disease in animals, you should consult your veterinarian. The accuracy of the data collected and presented through this product is not intended to match that of medical devices or scientific measurement devices.
References
1 Valenza A, Giordano JO, Lopes G, Jr, Vincenti L, Amundson MC, Fricke PM. Assessment of an accelerometer system for detection of estrus and treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone at the time of insemination in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2025;95(12):7115-7127. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-5639.
2 Gonzalez TD, Factor L, Mirzaei A, Montevecchio AB, Casaro S, Merenda VR, Prim JG, Galvão KN, Bisinotto RS, Chebel RC. Targeted reproductive management for lactating Holstein cows: Reducing the reliance on exogenous reproductive hormones. J Dairy Sci 2023;106(8):5788-5804. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22666.
Company Description:
With identification, monitoring and biopharma products fully integrated in one portfolio, Merck Animal Health offers the only true full-solution approach in the dairy industry. Which means you get the tools you need to eliminate guesswork, solve specific problems, let cows be cows and put more milk in the tank. It’s the way you want to work, working better than ever before. Learn more about this unique approach to dairy at M-Power-Dairy.com.
