A primary factor in increasing dairy farm profitability is achieving one calf per cow each year. This involves breeding cows within 60-90 days after calving to maintain optimal reproductive cycles. However, challenges like infertility and pregnancy loss often prevent even high-quality cows from meeting this target. By identifying and addressing factors that hinder conception, farmers can enhance reproductive success.
Common Causes of Infertility:
- Management Deficiencies: These include incorrect timing of insemination, improper handling before, during, and after insemination, and nutritional deficiencies during current and past cycles. Poor animal health and genetic issues can also contribute.
- Errors in Insemination Practices: These may stem from poor sanitation of equipment, improper handling of semen, and incorrect timing of insemination.
Solutions for Improving Conception:
- Optimal Timing for Insemination: Inseminate 10-12 hours after heat signs are detected. If heat is observed in the evening, inseminate the following morning; if in the morning, inseminate in the evening. The best times for insemination are during cool periods, like early morning or late evening.
- Proper Handling of Cows: Avoid stressful activities before or after insemination. Offer cool water for drinking and sprinkle water on the cow’s body. After insemination, keep the cow in the shade before any movement.
- Nutritional Management: Provide a balanced diet during heat and after calving to prevent nutrient deficiency diseases.
Animal Health and Postpartum Care:
Past reproductive issues can affect a cow’s health and delay its return to normal reproductive cycles. Provide suitable feed and environmental care, and address any issues with a veterinarian to maintain good health for conception.
Genetic Factors in Dairy Cows:
If newly purchased cows fail to conceive after three to four cycles despite proper care, it may be better to remove them from the farm to avoid wasting time and money.
Understanding the Reproductive Cycle:
The cow’s estrous cycle occurs every 21 days, with four phases: proestrus, estrus (peak fertility), metestrus, and diestrus. Only insemination during the estrus phase results in conception. By addressing the above issues, farmers can achieve the goal of one calf per cow each year.
Dr. T. A. Vijayalingam, Dr. N. V. Rajesh, Dr. S. Ilavarasan, Veterinary College Training and Research Centre, Ramanathapuram – 623 503.
