Evaluating herd reproductive status using the dairyCHAMP program

Abstract

We must use reproductive records to select the cows which should be examined by veterinarians. They may be at risk or fail to meet targets. The DairyCHAMP program allows this to be done for predetermined categories of cows, but we set the intervals used in their selection. Thus, expert palpators may select for pregnancy diagnosis at 30 days and occasional palpators may set the selection for 49 days.

We need to monitor herd performance by comparing reproductive indices to herd targets to identify opportunities to improve herd production efficiency. Many indices of reproductive performance have been described, so it may be difficult and confusing to decide which indices to use and how to use them. The DairyCHAMP program provides calculated indices which are derived in an epidemiologically correct and consistent manner to allow herd performance to be reliably monitored and evaluated.

This paper highlights some features of the DairyCHAMP program in the evaluation of reproductive performance in dairy herds. It considers reproductive indices and their use to monitor herd reproductive performance to keep herds profitable.