The birthing process in cattle consists of three stages: cervix dilation, calf delivery, and placenta delivery, each requiring monitoring for potential intervention.

Understanding calf presentation during delivery is crucial for safe assistance; examine for anterior or posterior positions and seek veterinary help if needed.

Abnormal calving presentations in cattle require careful examination and manipulation to ensure safe delivery.

Properly using snares and chains is essential for safely assisting in calf delivery, ensuring correct application to avoid harm.

Today, we can form our own pyramid of characteristics for high performing dairy herd reproductive management. During a recap of the 2024 Reproduction Roadshow, Dr. Paul Fricke, Dairy Cattle Reproduction Specialist for UW-Madison and Division of Extension, introduced his building blocks for top reproductive performance and how achieving each step opens more opportunities to use additional reproductive technologies.

Proper semen handling requires being comfortable with a liquid nitrogen tank so you can work quickly and effectively to avoid damaging frozen semen.

Why do cows that face a common challenge (Stress) respond differently to it (Strain), and how do managers capitalize on this?

Advances in activity monitoring technology have taken electronic estrus (heat) detection from concept to reality on more dairy farms today. This is of significance because estrus detection has historically been a challenging task.

Synchronization protocols evolve rapidly as newer procedures are tested and improvements are made. To help veterinarians and industry professionals deal with rapid change and make informed decisions related to synchronization protocols, the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) has created synchronization protocol sheets for dairy cows and dairy heifers.

Over the past two decades, a reproduction revolution has occurred in the dairy industry. Twenty years ago, the 21-day pregnancy rate in U.S. dairy herds averaged about 14% with conception rates rarely exceeding 40%. In 1998, the annualized 21-day pregnancy rate goal was 20%, which few herds could achieve.

Estrus detection, commonly referred to as heat detection, is one of the most important reproductive management tasks performed on the farm. Simply put, if cows are not identified in estrus they will not be bred by Artificial Insemination (AI) and have no chance of becoming pregnant. Estrus detection accuracy is also critical.