A different look at pregnancy loss: The lost opportunity for pregnancies from technician inefficiency and inaccuracy

Anibal Ballarotti for Progressive Dairy

It is very well documented that the most important parameter to be evaluated in the modern dairy operation is pregnancy rate (PR). This is defined as the percentage of eligible cows that become pregnant within a given time frame, commonly the 21-day period of the average cow’s estrous cycle.

The 21-day PR is compounded by insemination risk (IR), which represents the percentage of eligible cows inseminated within a time frame, and by conception rate (CR), which is the total number of pregnant animals divided by the total number of inseminated cows with known results. When PR increases in a herd, days in milk (DIM) decreases over time because we have higher milk production per day and more cows within their most profitable portion of lactation. On the other hand, when PR decreases, DIM tends to increase over time. This is because there are more cows producing milk for a longer period, including more time in the least profitable period. This situation can also drive related cost increases, such as veterinary assistance, feeding, and breeding supplies and services.

Common human errors in pregnancy detection

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Use of an air fryer to determine dry matter in forage and diets for dairy cattle

Jorge A. Granados Niño, Juan I. Sánchez Duarte, J. Manuel Espino Martínez, Magali J. López Calderón and Fernando Díaz for Progressive Dairy

Dry matter (DM) can be defined as the remaining portion of a forage or feed after moisture has been removed by forced drying. DM determination is commonly performed in the laboratory, but because it is a very important parameter when making silages, hays, haylage and balancing livestock diets, it is also a common practice on dairy farms.

The most common and practical method to determine DM on farms is to use the Koster moisture tester with the microwave technique. Even near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment is sometimes used. These devices accurately determine DM in forages, feeds and diets. However, there is the possibility results may have errors if the person in charge of determining DM is not properly trained. Additionally, the cost of the Koster moisture tester and NIRS can be high.

Tips on using an air fryer to evaluate dry matter in forages

Burnout: Is it a dead end or an opportunity?

Burnout was never a word that crossed my mind. Sure, I’ve felt tired, worn down, unmotivated and sometimes a little sad, especially this last year.

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What we learned from 2020 mycotoxins

John Winchell for Progressive Dairy

As we entered a new year, with high commodity prices and a recent longer cold stretch, we have begun to see some cow issues. This is not all too uncommon from January to April, as we usually see cowside issues arise.

The following observations are what I have been seeing working with many farms, consultants and companies throughout the Northeast.

5 things to know going into the 2021 planting season

Maybe messy at first, manure digesters can pay off

As dairy farmers look for ways to diversify and add value, many are seeing the benefits of using manure as a revenue source.

Learn more.

40 years of forage research means more profits for dairy producers

Kelli Boylen for Progressive Dairy

If you grow forage or raise animals that consume forages, chances are your operation has been positively impacted by the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC).

According to Center Director Dennis Hancock, researchers there have written more than 3,000 publications on forage and contributed to more than 40 reference books since opening in 1981.

Find out what goes on at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center.