ABSTRACT
Reproductive performance in many dairy herds is low because many cows are not detected in heat or do not conceive at first service. This chapter analyses two studies made to improve reproductive performance in dairy herds. The first study was conducted in the Brigham Young University Dairy herd. In the second study, a management system for improving reproduction was developed and put into practice on a cooperating farm. Developing a reliable method of detecting estrus in dairy cows would appear to be important if reproductive programs are to be successful. The length of the interval between estrous periods was determined in this dairy herd before and after new heat checking procedures were initiated. Cows in the breeding herd were grouped as much as possible. Stage of the reproductive cycle was identified by using marking chalk on the tail head. Cows that had uterine or ovarian problems were examined as frequently as needed to perform necessary treatments.
