Reproduction Management

Question 1

______ decline in conception for each 0.5 loss in body condition score between calving and breeding

Answer 1

10-15%

Question 2

What are the 5 big factors concerning repro management? (issues in dairy repro)

Answer 2

• poor heat detection & expression of estrus
• high incidence of anovulatory cows near end of the voluntary waiting period
• poor conception rates
• high incidence of pregnancy loss for cows that do conceive
• multiple ovulations and twinning

Question 3

What 4 factors influence the conception rate?

Answer 3

female fertility
male fertility
accuracy of heats
AI efficiency

Question 4

Desired waiting period between freshening and first service

Answer 4

voluntary waiting period

Question 5

Many farm’s target voluntary waiting period is _____ to _____ DIM

Answer 5

45-60

Question 6

Difference between cows and heifers regarding their reproduction

Answer 6

heifers experience longer standing heats (longer estrus) and higher conception rates than older cows
- older cows tend to have more difficulties like dystocia and twinning

Question 7

What is tested for in blood sampling pregnancy tests in dairy cows?

Answer 7

Pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB)

Question 8

What produces PSPB

Answer 8

the placenta

Question 9

Why should you not give a pregnancy test a cow before 120 days postpartum?

Answer 9

increases the chance of false positives
-after parturition some hormone may remain

Question 10

What are 4 methods of pregnancy determination?

Answer 10

• rectal palpation
• transrectal ultrasound
• milk progesterone
• blood sampling for PSPB