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Summer Breeding Preparation
Transcript of Select Sires' Reproductive Moment Program
on DairyLine Radio Which Aired May 19, 2005
With Mel DeJarnette,
Reproductive Solutions Specialist™,
Select Sires Inc.

Mel, today’s topic is preparation for summer. Whether it is an el niño year or la niña year, summer usually means a reduction in conception rates.

You bet, Bill. As the weather is beginning to warm up, the attention of the dairy producer is beginning to shift from the cows to the crops. Once again, as the soil starts to warm and get dry enough for planting, it seems like all the other priorities go on hold. It is still important to remember that by the time we are done with spring planting, summer and summertime breeding problems are going to be upon us. Although there are numerous modifications we can make to the management program to help minimize the negative effects of summer heat on reproductive efficiency, the best cure I can recommend is to get the cows pregnant now, in the spring, before the hot weather gets here. With the high demands placed on our available labor during the next few busy months, this is going to require some creative scheduling and planning.

If you are not already on a systematic breeding program, such as Ovsynch or targeted breeding, now would be an excellent time to get started. These programs use estrus synchronization to confine the majority of our heat detection and A.I. labor into about a one to three day period, once every two or three weeks. Because we have less time available for visual heat detection, if we can increase the use of estrus-detection aids, such as tail chalk or KAMAR® during this period, it will also help us to catch cows in heat. This is especially true for those that come into heat between the synchronized breeding periods. If you have questions on systematic breeding programs or estrus-detection aids, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian or your local Select Sires Reproductive Solutions™ specialist, they will be glad to help out.

Thanks Mel. Mel DeJarnette, Reproductive Solutions Specialist at Select Sires Inc.

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





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