A.I. & BREEDING

Across the dairy industry, every successful, profitable producer has a strong interest in reproductive efficiency. However, reproductive goals, protocols and procedures are different on every farm and are most often based on tradition, cost, labour availability and reproductive performance.

Technological advancement is transforming our society at a breathtaking pace. Several formerly utopian technologies have become democratized in recent years and are now essential for the survival of businesses.

That semen tank sitting in the corner of the barn office or vet room generally goes unnoticed except for the times you are pulling out a dose of semen from one of your favourite sires.

From stud to straw, and all the way to the milking string, a recent bus tour in the U.S. Midwest showcased each step of the process of creating elite genetics.

Twinning rates are on the rise for high-production cows, and you don’t have to look hard or long to see that is bad news, says Paul Fricke, professor of dairy science at the University of Wisconsin.

The rapid rate of genetic progress may leave some dairy producers questioning the risks and rewards of inbreeding and how to manage it at a herd level.