Select Sires

Start Now to Avoid Summer Breeding Problems
Transcript of Select Sires' Reproductive Moment Program
on DairyLine Radio, Which Aired April 24, 2003
with Mel DeJarnette, reproductive specialist,
Select Sires Inc.

As the weather is starting to warm up, the attention of many dairy producers is shifting from the cows to the crops. Once the soil is warm and dry enough for planting, all other priorities go on hold. Yet it’s important to remember that by the time the spring planting is done, summer and summertime breeding problems will immediately follow. Although there are numerous modifications we can make in the management program to minimize the negative effects of summer heat on reproductive efficiency, the best cure I can recommend is to get cows pregnant now, in the spring, before hot weather gets here. With the high demands placed on available labor during these next few busy months, this will require some creative scheduling and planning. If you are not already on a systematic breeding program such as Ovsynch or Target breeding, now would be an excellent time to start one. These programs use estrus synchronization to confine the majority of our heat detection and A.I. labor into a one to three day period once every two to three weeks. Because you know you’ll have less time available for visual detection, increased use of estrous detection aids such as tail-chalk or KAMARs® Heatmount™ Detectors will help you catch cows in heat; especially those that come in heat between the synchronized breeding periods. If you have more questions on systematic breeding programs or estrous detections aids, contact your veterinarian or local Select Sires Reproductive Solutions™ specialist.

®KAMAR is a registered trademark of Kamar Inc., Steamboat Springs, Colo.
™Heatmount is a trademark of Kamar Inc., Steamboat Springs, Colo.
™Reproductive Solutions is a trademark of Select Sires Inc.

Copyright 1996-2003 Select Sires Inc. Last updated 28-Apr-2003.

Select Sires Inc., 11740 U.S. 42 North, Plain City, Ohio 43064 / Phone: (614) 873-4683 Fax: (614) 873-5751