Nutrition, Genetics & Management: The Keys to Successful Reproduction

A successful reproduction program is an absolute necessity on today’s modern dairy operations. At least 8-9% of the milking herd should become pregnant each month in order to provide a steady supply of fresh cows and calves for future herd replacements.

The secret to a successful dairy operation is based on three basic things: nutrition, genetics and management. Nutrition and genetics are well defined, but management is very subjective and not well defined. It is often said that what works on one dairy may not work on another. However, the basic management protocols are the same.

The skill level of some dairy workers, mainly middle and lower level managers, is inadequate due to a lack of training and education. In recent years bilingual training, through programs such as AltaPreg, has been successful to address this need. However, it is very important to practice uniform management protocols for every stage of farm operation from calf care to lactation.

Unfortunately, in the dairy industry, genetics have become an input commodity instead of a tool for improving profit. The purpose of semen and AI is to generate a successful pregnancy resulting in a high quality replacement down the line. In well managed herds that are using high quality genetics, the improvement in production can be seen per year and per generation. Genetics is a building block that deserves critical attention in improving a dairy’s future success.

The most significant building block of successful dairying is nutrition. Nutrition is the single most critical factor affecting reproduction, but the link is least understood. There is much talk about micro minerals, minerals, quality of protein and energy and they all affect reproduction. Some believe that high production is a cause of poor reproduction. Reliable data from well managed dairies shows no large effect from high production on reproduction; in fact well managed dairies achieve high levels in both areas.

Fifty-five percent of the average dairy’s operating budget is spent on feed. Formulation of balanced rations is often handled by a nutritionist who may or may not be qualified for this all important responsibility. In some instances, the sale of nutritional supplements may conflict with the goals of the dairy. All nutrition formulations are based on NRC tables and no one has any magical formulas to formulate rations.

The main management groups with unique nutritional requirements are:

• Dry Cows
• Close-Up Cows
• Fresh Cows – First 20 Days
• Lactating Cows
• Calves

Dry cows are often the most vulnerable and neglected population on a dairy. A common scenario is for dry cows to be located in a pen without cover and with an inadequate diet. When they get to the close up pen they suddenly become important and receive the best of care. Well managed dairies take good care of their cows at every stage. Overly fat cows will have fatty livers which might result in mortality or poor fertility after they calve.

Close up cows with inadequate intake of energy may develop sub clinical ketosis and fatty livers. The result may be slow uterine involution, resulting in metritis and sub clinical uterine infections. Depressed intakes may also result in displaced abomasums.

Fresh cows, with poor intakes during their first 20 days in milk (DIM), may experience slow uterine involution and lower conception rates. Overcrowding and poor hygiene will intensify the problem. Cows may not start cycling and have late onset of regular heats. This is a common occurrence that results in blame on semen or other factors rather than the true cause, nutrition.

Lactating cows with good intakes will have healthy uteruses and be more likely to become pregnant. Most cows bred before 50 DIM will have lower conception rates due to an elevated level of white blood cells. Large amounts of white blood cells mean that the uterus is still battling an infection and is not yet prepared for another calf. Higher conception rates will be achieved when breeding after 60 DIM.

A sound nutrition program is the cornerstone in a foundation for reproductive success. Failure to put effort into balancing rations will have a direct impact on the reproductive performance of your herd.

Article & case study written By:
Dr. Arun Phatak, AltaPreg Field Fertility Specialist

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Posted Aug 22nd

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