Are conception rates on your farm where you would like them to
be or is there room for improvement? There are a number of
factors that can affect conception rate in dairy cattle. Each
can have a considerable impact on conception rate, and all of
them can be prevented and/or controlled, says Cynthia Martel
with Virginia Cooperative Extension. In the September 2012 issue
of the Virginia Tech Dairy Pipeline, Martel examines the role
that hygiene can play 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," she says. "However semen quality and handling,
insemination technique, and the environment in which you work
can also play a role in reduced pregnancy rate." Martel has put
together a breeding hygiene assessment for you and your
employees to examine breeding techniques and hygiene before,
during, and after performing artific