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. 

Posted by Kay | Filed Under Yet Another Good Reason to Eat Organic 

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