The Ovsynch Breeding Program for Dairy Cows
A Review and Economic Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol35no1p13-22Keywords:
cows, dairy cows, ovulation, production economics, reproductive performance, synchronizaiton, breeding programmesAbstract
Heat detection is the single biggest impediment to improved reproductive performance in many dairy herds. Recently, a program for synchronization of ovulation ("Ovsynch") has been developed, which allows for breeding by scheduled artificial insemination. This paper reviews the literature on synchronization of ovulation in lactating dairy cows, and evaluates the economic impact of using the Ovsynch program. Ovsynch offers a method to reliably achieve timely pregnancies without heat detection initially. It increases the rate of insemination and allows control over time to first breeding, while having minimal impact on conception rate. In herds with poor or average heat detection, Ovsynch is economically beneficial as a first line reproductive management program for the herd.