By Doumalin, L., Production Laitiere Moderne, 1996
Description
Results of a survey carried out by the dairy herd testing authority in the Vendee region of France, covering 60 farms and 2585 cows, indicated that the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) fell by 3% between 1990 and 1995, to reach 57%, while the average calving interval increased by 10 days to 388 days. Methods of improving the reproductive performance of dairy herds through improvements to feeding, herd management techniques and animal health are discussed. An energy deficit in winter rations can result in a decrease of ›10% in conception rate at AI. The protein content of milk can be used as an indicator of how well the energy requirements of cows are met; if a marked decrease is observed between 1st and 2nd test results, then there is a significant energy deficit. Fertility of cows is known to be significantly reduced whenever there is an imbalance in levels of energy and degradable nitrogen in feeds. It is considered that the majority of farmers should spend more time observing their cows for signs of oestrus or health problems. The more efficient the detection of oestrus in cows, the better the conception rate is likely to be. Insemination should, however, be delayed if cows show any signs of ill-health (including mastitis or lameness). Poor herd management and feeding practices account for about 90% of reproductive disorders, but sanitary problems, when they occur, can have serious and costly effects. Recommendations regarding the optimum timing of AI, depending on the condition of cows, are presented in a table
Results of a survey carried out by the dairy herd testing authority in the Vendee region of France, covering 60 farms and 2585 cows, indicated that the conception rate at 1st artificial insemination (AI) fell by 3% between 1990 and 1995, to reach 57%, while the average calving interval increased by 10 days to 388 days. Methods of improving the reproductive performance of dairy herds through improvements to feeding, herd management techniques and animal health are discussed. An energy deficit in winter rations can result in a decrease of ›10% in conception rate at AI. The protein content of milk can be used as an indicator of how well the energy requirements of cows are met; if a marked decrease is observed between 1st and 2nd test results, then there is a significant energy deficit. Fertility of cows is known to be significantly reduced whenever there is an imbalance in levels of energy and degradable nitrogen in feeds. It is considered that the majority of farmers should spend more time observing their cows for signs of oestrus or health problems. The more efficient the detection of oestrus in cows, the better the conception rate is likely to be. Insemination should, however, be delayed if cows show any signs of ill-health (including mastitis or lameness). Poor herd management and feeding practices account for about 90% of reproductive disorders, but sanitary problems, when they occur, can have serious and costly effects. Recommendations regarding the optimum timing of AI, depending on the condition of cows, are presented in a table
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