Factors That Optimize Reproductive Efficiency in Dairy Herds with an Emphasis on Timed Artificial Insemination Programs.

Reproductive efficiency is closely tied to the profitability of dairy herds, and therefore successful dairy operations seek to achieve high 21-day pregnancy rates in order to reduce the calving interval and days in milk of the herd. There are various factors that impact reproductive performance, including the specific reproductive management program, body condition score loss and nutritional management, genetics of the cows, and the cow comfort provided by the facilities and management programs. To achieve high 21-day pregnancy rates, the service rate and pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI) should be increased.

Evolution of fixed-time AI in dairy cattle in Brazil.

Various programs have been used to synchronize ovulation of a fertile oocyte, accompanied by fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). These programs involve a series of hormonal treatments to achieve four physiologic outcomes: 1) synchronize an ovarian follicular wave; 2) optimize conditions for ovulatory follicle development; 3) synchronize corpus luteum (CL) regression; and 4) synchronize ovulation. This manuscript summarizes studies conducted in Brazil with lactating dairy cows that aimed to increase pregnancy rates to E2/P4-based programs.