Dairy Worker Module 2: Reproductive Skills
Dairy Worker Module 2: Reproductive Skills
Learn the basics of cow reproduction, and safe, efficient reproductive management practices, including hormone treatments and artificial insemination.
What will I learn in this course?
Dairy farm workers will learn how to:
- Identify important parts of the cow reproductive system
- Describe the estrous cycle of cows
- Recognize estrus or heat behavior in cows/ heifers
- Work with estrous synchronization and timed AI protocols for both cows and heifers
- Understand the importance of pregnancy detection and methods that can be used to do so
- Perform reproductive protocols safely
- Understand the importance of protocol compliance
Overview
The reproduction modules are designed to teach employees the general information they need to enhance your herds reproduction. The intent of these modules is for employees to watch the videos of interest to them and their tasks on the farm. The modules are stand alone and do not need to be viewed in a specific order.
Reproductive Modules
Anatomy and Physiology
Employee engagement improves when workers are not only instructed on what the task is, but also the why behind it. The Reproductive Skills – Anatomy and Physiology module will provide an overview of female dairy cow anatomy, the hormones involved, and the purpose each hormone serves.
Bulls
While not all farms have a bull, there are some that do. Providing employees with proper knowledge regarding bull health is important to ensuring your bull is fertile and ready to breed your cows/ heifers.
Cow Synchronization
While there is no single right way to manage dairy herd reproduction, all farms must have a plan to 1) submit cow for first AI in a timely manner, and 2) identify non-pregnant cows to return to service. The
Heat Detection and Heat Detection Aids
Heat detection is important for a successful AI program. This module will teach you the basics of heat detection and the various aids you can use.
Heat Stress
Along with decreased milk production, heat stress can also negatively affect reproduction on the dairy farm. Watch this module to learn what heat stress is and how to minimize it.
Heifer Reproduction Management
The goal of heifer reproduction management is to raise heifers to reach a desired age and body weight early so they initiate puberty, establish pregnancy, and calve easily at a minimal cost without sacrificing animal health or welfare.
Heifer Synchronization
Heifer synchronization requires slightly different protocols than used when synchronizing a cow.
Pregnancy Detection
The goal of a timely pregnancy diagnosis is to identify non-pregnant cows so that they may be returned to AI service.
Synchronization Compliance
Synchronization protocols have changed as we have learned more about the effects of different drugs on the cow/ heifer reproductive system.
