Jan. 7, 2008
NEW YORK - Each dairy operation has its own set of unique
challenges, but almost every dairyman in the country can agree on one concern:
reproduction. When cows don’t maintain healthy pregnancies, money invested
in animal health products, veterinary visits and artificial insemination (AI)
goes to waste.
In fact, says Dr. Fred Moreira, a Pfizer Animal Health veterinarian with a
Ph.D. in reproduction, the U.S. dairy industry as a whole is struggling with
the issue of reproduction. In the last 50 years, pregnancy rates in the United
Stations have declined steadily.1
Solutions to reproductive problems on the dairy often come in the form of
knowledgeable people who can identify signs of reproductive issues and
leverage reproductive technologies to the dairy’s benefit. Careful records
analysis and routine monitoring of data are an intrinsic part of that process
and lead to a comprehensive and successful reproductive management program.
There are several reasons dairy cows experience reproductive problems,
including:
Poor or inefficient heat detection. Dairy cattle are
traditionally inseminated after estrus detection. However, the U.S. average
rate of heat detection is less than 50 percent. In addition, inseminations may
not be timed properly in many cases. Ensure that employees have sufficient
time and training to perform accurate heat detection. Also, consider
leveraging timed insemination technologies to improve service rates.
Environmental challenges. There are unmistakable
environmental reasons cows don’t get pregnant. During summer heat stress,
cows will have increased embryonic losses. Other factors impacting fertility
and pregnancy include poor nutrition, body condition score (BCS) and the age
of the cow.
Cow health events. Events that compromise the overall health
of the cow, like retained placenta, metritis, and mastitis, can negatively
impact fertility. When employees understand how to appropriately handle such
animal health events, sick cows can be handled quickly and efficiently to
address the problem.
Anovular cows. Approximately 25 percent of U.S. dairy cows
are anovular at the end of the voluntary waiting period. Anovular cows have a
significant impact on heat detection rates, conception rates and timed
insemination programs.
By working with a veterinarian to incorporate the best management practices
and consistent protocols to ensure the overall health of fresh cows –
including a comprehensive vaccination program, good environmental management
and sound nutrition – producers can best prepare their cows for favorable
reproductive outcomes and improve conception rates. Utilize all resources
available, including AI technicians, animal health consultants and other
trusted advisors in a well-coordinated team approach to improve reproduction
on the dairy.
Synchronization and resynchronization programs can also improve conception
rates. In the case of undetected or poorly timed detected estrus, producers
benefit greatly from using a timed insemination program. Keep in mind that
vigilant compliance to a timed AI protocol is the key to success. As always,
all protocols and programs should be designed and executed under a
veterinarian’s guidance.
By understanding what the signs of reproductive problems are and how to
appropriately address the issues, dairymen are adhering to the three tenets of
Pfizer’s Dairy Wellness Plan: the overall health of the cow, the economic
health of the dairy and the proper use of products.
Pfizer Animal Health, a business of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in animal health, committed to providing high-quality, innovative health products, including pharmaceuticals and biologicals, for livestock and companion animals. For additional information on Pfizer cattle vaccines and other cattle health products, visit www.pfizerah.com.
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