Dairy Reproduction – the Modern Way
April 25, 2009
Being certified organic, we do NOT do the following to breed our cows. We do it the old fashioned way: we watch the cows for “receptive” behavior and breed for grass genetics the first 21 days. After that, we bring in the clean up bulls - 24/7 type of guys and happy in their work.
We just received our April 2009 newsletter from the University of WI – Extension. I thought you’d be interested to read about the current state of reproduction on dairy farms. Before I begin on the protocol, there are a few acronyms that need defining.
GnRH – gonadotropin releasing hormone (common brand names are Cystorellin, Ovacyst, Fertagyl and Factrel)
PGF – prostaglandin (common brand names are Lutalyse, Prostamate and Estrumate)
- The first shot is GnRH. That injection is to cause all cows to ovulate a mature follicle. The article kept out the products Presynch and Resynch to keep it simple, but apparently Presynch was developed to increase response to the first GnRH injection.
- The second shot a week later is PGF. This hormone causes the corpus luteum (CL), which forms on the ovary and produces progesterone, to regress. Progesterone needs to be low in order for the cow to come into heat, ovulate and conceive.
- Two days later another GnRH shot is given to cause a mature follicle to ovulate.
- Wait 12-20 hours to breed the cow.
April 6th Farm Report
April 6, 2009
We are well into calving now. We are up to 68 calves, with a few more girls (38) than boys (28). The milk supply is great and increasing every day. When you come out to the Store, stop by the paddock by the driveway and look over the newest babies. If you time it right, they will be zooming around the paddock, kicking up their heels. Like babies all over, they sleep, eat and play (in that order).
April – May Local Food Events
April 6, 2009
April 18, 9am to 4:30pm Hanwaken Center potluck meeting at Horican Marsh Haven Center exploring the geology, cultural landscape and history along with a broader prepective of human interaction of the Niagara Escarpment. 2010 will be the year of the Niagara Escarpment which will bring forth agri-eco-economic development with locally produced wine, food, fiber and geological awareness. Go to website www.hanwakan.org. then go to meetings.
April 20th, Noon, UW Fox Valley, Dr. John Ikerd, well known author and lecturer on sustainable agricultural economics will have a presentation open to the public. Contact the college for more information.
May 7th, 7pm, Unitarian Universalist Open Fellowship Hall, Fond du lac, Menu on the Future, Study and Discussion series on economic impacts that have accompanied the changes in how we grow and prepare food and consider how individuals can make choices that promote personal and ecological well-being. call 920-921-2675 for more information.
June 7th 1-4pm Lawrence University, Science Hall Atrium, Celebration of Community- Fundraiser for Community Gardens. An afternoon of communty, local food, music, local chefs cook off and more. Win a basket of local goodies.
Coming soon June 2009, Northeast WI Technical College Organic Sustainable Agriculture and Food Education classes available for certification in organic farming of livestock, crops and horticulture, also professional development for educators and businesses. Contact Valerie Dantoin at 920-498-5568.
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