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Dairy Pipeline: March 2009
John Currin
Extension Dairy Veterinarian
(540) 231-5838; jcurrin@vt.edu
When evaluating reproductive records it is important to look at culling, as well. Excessive culling of cows for reproductive reasons can lead to good-looking reproductive records while actual reproductive performance is in need of improvement.
By the same token trying to expand the dairy herd may lead to keeping cows in the breeding herd for as long as possible. These cows may have an apparent negative impact on reproductive records when compared to another farm.
It is important to take these other factors into account when evaluating your reproductive records. Work closely with your veterinarian and all members of your management team to measure, monitor, and manage the reproductive performance on your dairy farm.