A.I. & BREEDING

As I’m writing this on a bright, sunny day in October, with the temperature outside a pleasant 18ºC, it pains me to realize the cold-weather season is once again right around the corner.

Operating a business without a plan is like going on a road trip without directions. A wanderlust attitude might lead to some interesting paths, but it will not get you to your destination quickly or efficiently.

Estrus detection in dairy cattle is one of the biggest issues in the dairy industry, contributing to an annual loss of $300 million in the dairy industry for failed estrus detection due to prolonged calving intervals and days open, losses in milk production, increased veterinary costs, etc.

A heifer doesn’t generate revenue for the farm until she starts putting milk in the bulk tank. Up until she begins her first lactation, estimates are that the average heifer costs $2.50 per day to raise.

Holstein Canada recently awarded a second Master Breeder shield to a man who has had a great impact on the industry in Canada and around the world. Albert Cormier grew up on a dairy farm in Prince Edward Island, where he developed a keen interest in breeding Holstein cattle.

The following data represents statistics and trends in Canadian dairy cattle breeding.