Economical Evaluation of Reproductive Herd Health Programs

Abstract

Reproductive efficiency increases in importance as milk production per cow and size of herds increase on dairy farms. As farms become more intensified, dairymen need to be more aware of management practices that may affect reproductive efficiency. There is usually less time spent on individual animal reproductive performance as the amount of time for managerial decisions increases with larger herds. However, good reproductive practices still require management awareness of individual animal performance. If the optimum calving interval of 12.5 months or less is to be achieved, then dairymen need to recognize the importance of sound reproductive management programs. Dairymen should attempt to improve or maintain reproductive efficiency at desired levels under modern management practices in order to fulfill the potential for optimum milk production and net returns per cow.