Are conception rates on your farm where you would like them or is there room for improvement? There are a number of factors that can affect the conception rate in dairy cattle. Each can have a considerable impact on the conception rate and all can be prevented and/or controlled. Did you know that hygiene can play a considerable role in reducing conception rates? It’s tempting to think reduced conception would only be a result of calving conditions, post-calving health, reproductive disorders, milk production, nutrition, estrous detection errors, and timing of service. However semen quality and handling, insemination technique, and the environment in which you work can also play a role in reduced pregnancy rate. 

Self-assessment time! How would you grade yourself and your employees’ breeding techniques and hygiene before, during, and after performing artificial insemination on the farm? Would you receive an A, B, C, or failing grade? How many of the following good sanitary procedures do you follow?

1. Wash hands before and after breeding. 
2. Keep insemination supplies dry and clean at all times. 
3. Keep breeding tool box clean and organized. 
4. Maintain water bath thermos at the correct temperature for thawing semen (94–98°F). 
5. Empty and clean water bath thermos routinely to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. 
6. Correct use of breeding sheaths/ protective rods and proper storage in original package until used. 
7. Keep AI rod clean and protect from contamination.
8. Wash AI rod after breeding to prevent contamination.
9. Implement sanitary conditions when preparing the semen straw.
10. Protect loaded AI rod from cold shock and contamination.
11. Wear rubber gloves and/or sleeves when breeding.
12. Wipe the vulva with a paper towel prior to breeding to prevent contamination of the reproductive tract.
13. Use a paper towel folded in half and inserted into the vulva to help prevent contamination.
14. Keep AI tank clean and filled with the correct level of liquid nitrogen.

If you can honestly say you practice all 14 good sanitary practices give yourself an A. However, if you only practice 4 out of 14 it is time to start working harder to implement practices and carefully monitor your conception rates. Dairy farming is a busy business that involves seemingly endless hours of work, but money cannot be made if your cows are not getting bred. Many would say that their reproductive challenges stem from problems directly related to the cow without realizing contamination of breeding tools can cause decreased conception rates. A study presented by Ohio State University at the Joint Annual Meetings in Arizona this past month, looked at the economic impact from use of disposable sheath protectors to minimize contamination of the AI catheter at the time of AI. They concluded that the use of sheath protectors could increase profitability by increasing conception rate when taking into account the cost of synchronization injections, feed, breeding, replacement animals, and daily sales.

Hygiene in the parlor is important and steps should be taken to implement good hygiene practices while breeding your cows in order to increase conception rates. An open cow doesn’t make milk or money!

Franklin and Pittsylvania Counties will be combining efforts to offer a Reproduction Refresher course in late September to Dairy and Beef producers. Watch your mailboxes or call your local ANR agent for more information.

This Issue:

• Dairy Pipeline, September 2012

Other resources in:

• Dairy Cattle

Other resources by:

• Cynthia Martel

Other resources from:

• Virginia Cooperative Extension Unit Office