▶️ Watch: Calving Assistance-Birthing Process in Cattle (1 of 4)
The birthing process in cattle consists of three stages: cervix dilation, calf delivery, and placenta delivery, each requiring monitoring for potential intervention.
Reproduction and Genetics
Optimizing fertility on dairy farms is necessary and challenging on today’s dairy farms.
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Visit Dr. Paul Fricke’s: Extension Program in Dairy Cattle Reproduction
The goal of Dr. Paul Fricke’s extension program is to improve 21-day pregnancy rates by applying knowledge gained through scientific research to develop practical management strategies and assess new reproductive technologies, and to disseminate that information throughout Wisconsin, the U.S. and the world.
Articles
▶️ Watch: Calving Assistance-Normal Presentation in Cattle (2 of 4)
Understanding calf presentation during delivery is crucial for safe assistance; examine for anterior or posterior positions and seek veterinary help if needed.
▶️ Watch: Calving Assistance-Abnormal Calving Presentations in Cattle (3 of 4)
Abnormal calving presentations in cattle require careful examination and manipulation to ensure safe delivery.
▶️ Watch: Calving Assistance-Using Snares and Chains When Assisting Cattle in the Birthing Process (4 of 4)
Properly using snares and chains is essential for safely assisting in calf delivery, ensuring correct application to avoid harm.
Build Your Foundation on High Fertility
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 for improved fertility in bovines and other livestock
Proper semen handling requires being comfortable with a liquid nitrogen tank so you can work quickly and effectively to avoid damaging frozen semen.
Dairy Cow Stress and Strain: Impacts on Reproduction
Why do cows that face a common challenge (Stress) respond differently to it (Strain), and how do managers capitalize on this?
Activity Monitoring Technology for Reproductive Management of Dairy Cows
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.
▶️ Watch: Selection of dairy cows for consistent performance under predictable conditions
Kent Weigel, Professor and Chair of the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Division of Extension, presents on current research on the day-to-day consistency of dry matter intake, milk yield, and the genetics behind it.
Quick Reference: Reading Dairy Sire Proofs
Advances in dairy genetic research have created an ever-increasing amount of information for dairy farmers to take into consideration for sire selection. Dairy sire proofs contain a mix of numbers, acronyms, and other terminology. This reference guide covers common sire proof information and what it means.
It’s Proof Time! How You Can Decode Dairy Sire Summaries
The Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding releases updated dairy sire summaries in April, August, and December. The science of sire summaries has changed in recent years. More traits, especially for health, longevity, and efficiency can now be evaluated and included for selection.
Synchronization protocols and compliance for dairy cattle reproduction
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.
