Dairy heifer inventories continue to decline as producers use beef semen in their lactating herds, and to a limited extent, in heifer breeding programs, to create beef on dairy calves. With less replacements available, reproductive efficiency is more important than ever and yet heifer pregnancy rates nationwide are less than desirable. An analysis of 400 heifer breeding programs revealed an average pregnancy rate of 30%. Keep in mind that the target for this age group is 40%. Dairy herds across the country achieve excellent conception rates with their lactating herd, often well above 30%, however heifer reproductive rates often fall behind, averaging in the mid to low 20% range. 

Breeding heifers is one of the most manageable programs on a dairy farm, but it demands well-established protocols. Here are three tips to help your herd achieve a much-needed boost in heifer reproductive performance:

1. Consistent and timely movement of heifers.

Focus on consistent and timely movement of heifers into the breeding pen. Regular, preferably weekly, movement ensures a steady flow of heifers ready for breeding.

Monitor heifer growth for breeding eligibility and move heifers into the breeding pen based on weight and height. By monitoring heifer growth throughout development, you can avoid gaps in eligible animals entering the breeding pen, maintaining a constant flow of dairy replacements and helping sustain herd size.

2. Perform regular pregnancy checks.

Regular pregnancy checks and the appropriate relocation of pregnant heifers is crucial. Moving pregnant heifers out of the breeding pen and replacing them with new breeding-eligible groups prevents overcrowding and ensures efficient use of the breeding pen. Effective handling of heifers that have not been inseminated within a set timeframe is essential. Heifers in the breeding pen for more than 28 days without insemination should be identified and managed using specific protocols to address any issues and avoid delays in reproduction.

3. Implement a simple prostaglandin program.

To optimize the reproductive performance of dairy heifers, consider implementing a simple prostaglandin program. A prostaglandin program can help ensure that heifers are in heat shortly after arriving in the breeding pen, improving the timing and efficiency of insemination.

There’s room for improvement, so make it happen!

Schedule a meeting with your management teams today and review your heifer reproductive protocols. Update your strategy by incorporating these three tips and benefit from a boost in reproductive performance. This proactive approach is paramount to maintain the necessary number of replacements to sustain or grow the lactating herd and secure the future productivity of the dairy operation.

September 2024