Solving the Number One Cause of Poor Reproductive Performance

Abstract

Perhaps no area of the management program frustrates both dairyman and veterinarian alike more than reproduction. Both understand the critical importance of a sound reproduction program. As veterinarians we are trained primarily to diagnose, treat and hopefully prevent infectious disease problems. In today's modern dairy climate, where every effort is made to maximize productivity and profitability, we are increasingly faced with PRODUCTION disease problems.

In this discussion, we will attempt to dramatically demonstrate the critical relationship that exists between energy status of the herd and reproductive performance. The discussion will address three areas: 1) Establish the energy-fertility relationship; 2) Identify DHIA record parameters that serve as indicators of the energy status, to both diagnose energy deficiency and predict the direction of future reproductive performance; and 3) Demonstrate the use of DHIA record analysis in correcting impaired fertility by establishing improved energy status of the herd. It is the graphic analysis of reproductive performance correlated to herd productivity that can clearly demonstrate to the dairy producer the importance of spending additional money to establish a more energy dense ration.