Estrous Synchronization Provides Dairy Herd Benefits
Biggest Advantage: Reproductive Performance.
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Estrous synchronization programs have proved to be successful, practical tools for dairy producers,resulting in improved reproductive management and artificial insemination programs. The use of one or more hormones to bring cows into heat within a short time period (36-96 hours) – estrous synchronization-- has these advantages, according to University of Tennessee1 animal scientists:
• Earlier and more concentrated calving
• Uniformity of calves at weaning
• Improved genetics, producing a value-added product
• Less time for estrus (heat) detection All synchronization programs require good herd management, cows having regular estrous cycles and cows in good body condition.
“I think the biggest advantage for use of estrous synchronization is to improve reproductive performance,” says José Santos, DVM, PhD, Associate Professor with the University of Florida Department of Animal Sciences. “As a general rule, implementing a reproductive-management program, which includes estrous synchronization, would benefit reproductive performance of most dairy herds,” says Dr. Santos. He adds that estrous synchronization also can have benefits in terms of labor efficiency.
“You can schedule activities on a routine basis that might allow you flexibility relative to when cows are inseminated. The biggest benefit, obviously, will be in herds that have poor estrous detection.” Dr. Santos recommends that you and your employees involved in AI talk to your veterinarian about the development of a specific reproductive-management program to fit your specific situation. He offers these general recommendations:
• If you use artificial insemination, and are not currently doing so, consider incorporating a
prostaglandin in your reproductive-management program.
• Time your
prostaglandin use postpartum so you have the maximum number of cows in estrus as soon as they reachthe end of the voluntary waiting period.
• Optimize uterine health. Use of a
prostaglandin has been shown to improve uterine health, so you have opportunity to capture additional value from the product’s use.
Dr. Santos emphasizes that the
prostaglandin products used for synchronization of estrus are safe when used according to label directions. “There’s no risk for the cow, no risk for the safety of the products produced by the cow and there’s no residue.” These products are, however, restricted by Federal law to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.