Internal Herd Growth and Heifer Programs: Keep Them Alive and Get Them Pregnant on Time

Mike Van Amburgh, Jerry Bertoldo, John Conway, Tom Overton, Bill Stone and a large cast of other characters.Department of Animal ScienceCornell University

A 24 Month Age at First Calving Heiferhood - Mature Weight 1400 Lbs. First 6 HoursWeaningPubertyBreeding WindowGestationGrowing2415122

A 24 Month Age at First Calving Heiferhood - Mature Weight 1400 Lbs. First 6 HoursWeaningPubertyBreeding WindowGestationGrowing241512290 Lbs.

A 24 Month Age at First Calving Heiferhood - Mature Weight 1400 Lbs. First 6 HoursWeaningPubertyBreeding WindowGestationGrowing241512290 Lbs.Costs per Pound Of Gain

A 24 Month Age at First Calving Heiferhood - Mature Weight 1400 Lbs. First 6 HoursWeaningPubertyBreeding WindowGestationGrowing241512290 Lbs.0.650.660.50$1.81Feed - 0.42Labor - 0.15Other - 0.24$0.81Feed - 0.78Labor - 0.18Other - 0.48$1.460.500.170.37$1.04Costs per Pound Of Gain14%8%29%38%11%12%46%35% % of Total Cost % of Total Gain

Body ProteinBody FatTimeTissue DepositionPre-pubertalPost-pubertalRelationship of Fat and Protein Tissue Deposition to Time, Whole Body Growth and Stage of Maturity in the Growing Heifer

A 24 Month Age at First Calving Heiferhood - Mature Weight 1400 Lbs. First 6 HoursWeaningPubertyBreeding WindowGestationGrowing2415122A Replacement Heifer Ready and able to Milk her Heart out Needs: Clean place to start life Passive Immunity Limited exposure to pathogens throughout Nutrition keyed to ADG/Environment interaction The costs involved in getting her there are depends upon: Interaction of Labor and Environment (Labor Efficiency) Interaction of Nutrition and Environment (Feed Efficiency) Relative costs of inputs, fixed costs, capital

Characteristics of a Sound Calf Program

Calf program growth goal:Double birth weight by 56 days (~ 180 lb)

Why do this?

Makes it easier to hit breeding weight at an earlier age reduce AFC increase potential for IHG, reduce costs.

The Foundations of a Sound Calf Management ProgramTransfer of adequate passive immunityneed great colostrum and need it in a hurry Management to minimize stressHousing to isolate calves and provide a comfortable, stable environmentHygiene to minimize transfer of pathogensSound nutritional program to promote both growth and rumen development

Starts with the following objectives: 1) To equip the calf with adequate antibodies, primarily in the form of colostrum, to fight infections 2) To minimize the calfs exposure to infectious organisms

Management for Great ColostrumGood dry cow vaccination programWork with your veterinarianRemove quickly after birth First milk only; hopefully within 4 to 6 hrs. of parturitionCheck for specific gravity or Ig contentClean udder and feeding equipmentMinimize pathogenic bacteriaThink the 3 Qs of Colostrum Management: Quality Quantity Quickness

Colostrum is Richer in Nutrients Than Whole MilkQuality

Mother Natures Best

The average Holstein first milking colostrum compares to normal milk as follows:Colostrum contains:2times the solids (24%)4times the protein (14%)2times the fat (7%)65times the IgG (3.2%)2times the calcium (.26%)10times the Vitamin A3times the Vitamin D10times the iron

Passive Transfer Target for Newborn Calf HealthWant to target 10 mg/ml in calf serum IgG following colostrum ingestion

Calves with levels less than 10 mg/ml have Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)Quality Quantity Quickness

National Dairy Heifer Evaluation Project, NAHMS, 2002Calves surviving (%)Age (days)Failure of Passive Transfer Increases Calf Death Losses4 x increase in death rate Quality Quantity Quickness

Failure of Passive Transfer Reduces Long Term PerformanceDairy calves:Decreased average daily gain to 180 days (J. Dairy Sci., 1988, 71:1283)Decreased milk and fat production at first lactation (J.Dairy Sci., 1989, 72:552)Delayed time to first calving (Can Vet J., 1986, 50:314) Beef Calves:Higher pre-weaning morbidity and mortality (AABP Proceedings 2002, 35:168)Decreased weaning weight at 180 days (Am. J. Vet. Res. 1995, 56:1149)

Effect of Disinfecting Versus Not Disinfecting the Navel on Calf Mortality and Incidence of Scours and Pneumonia

Distribution of IgG1 in Colostrum from Cows of a Single DairyNumber of cowsIgG Concentration in Colostrum (mg/ml)N = 919 calvingsAvg IgG1 = 48+22 mg/mlAvg milk yield 8.5+4.8 L

Quality

Milking Number and Immunoglobulin Mass in Dairy Cows and HeifersModified from Can. Vet. J. 34:407-412, 1993 IgG g/milkingQuality

Age of the Calf at First Colostrum FeedingModified from: The Compendium 15:335, 1993.**Only calves fed colostrum before 6 hrs had serum IgG levels > 10 mg/ml6IgG Absorption Declines Rapidly After Birth

Quickness

Quantity of Immunoglobulin Fed to the Calf(Modified from J. Dairy Sci. 1998:81:2779-2790)Calves must consume 80-100 g IgG to achieve >10 mg/ml in serum

Grams IgG absorbed = volume x concentration90 lb calf needs 36 grams IgGAverage absorption rate = 35%

Good colostrum = 50g/L50g/L x 0.35 x 2 L = 35 grams

Fair colostrum = 25g/L25g/L x 0.35 x 4 L = 35 grams

Quantity

Fat and Lactose Provide EnergyCalves are born with low energy reservesFat and lactose are important as immediate sources of energy to maintain body temperatureColostrumWhole Milk1.16 kcal/g0.69 kcal/gFrom: Davis and Drackley; 1998

Comparison of Calf Performance, Morbidity and Mortality of Purchased Holstein CalvesBased Upon Immunoglobulin Status

Four Week Calf Performance and Health by Calves (2,016 Calves) in Each Relative Immunoglobulin Status GroupData from Land OLakes Research Farm

Summary--4 Week Calf Performance and Health of Calves (Total 633 Calves) in Each Relative Immunoglobulin Status Group (Includes Total Antibiotic and Electrolyte Costs)

Potential Economic Benefit of High Ig Status versus Low Ig Status CalvesCalculated Weighted AverageAssumptions Used:Weight Gain -- $2.00/lb.Feed -- Half calf milk replacer and half calf starterFeed Cost Calf Milk Replacer -- $40 per 50 lb. bag Calf Starter -- $15 per 100 lbs.Initial Calf Value -- $250

Potential Economic Benefit to High Ig Status CalvesVersus Low Ig Status Calves Over Initial 4-Weeks of Life

Time Calves Remain With Cows After Birth and Heifer Calf Mortality

Colostrum Fed During the First 12 HoursAfter Birth and Heifer Calf Mortality*

Objectives of Calf Management from After Colostrum to Weaning

To meet the calfs nutrient requirements for maintenance and growth with milk or milk replacer. To stimulate appetite, begin rumen development, and meet the calfs nutrient requirements for growth with a high quality calf starter and water. To prevent scours which can cause dehydration, diminish growth rates and possibly cause death.

Environmental and Stress Effects onMaintenance RequirementsThe thermoneutral zone for young lightweight calves is in the range of 15 to 28C (Gonzalez-Jimenez and Blaxter, 1962; Scibilia et al., 1987; Shrama et al., 1992, 1993; Arieli et al., 1995)

The additional heat increment required to maintaincore body temperature below 15 C (59 F) isApproximately 0.022 Mcal/kg0.75/C, especially for calves < 21 d.

For calves > 21 days of age the LCT is ~ 5 C (42 F).

Cold Stress Experienced Through Entire TrialLower Critical Temperature, 30 days of age, 6C (42 F)

Maintenance RequirementsaLower critical temp. calves less than 21 d age.

Temp. F59a5032145Body weight, lbMcal ME/d65881.271.651.712.032.142.462.572.892.783.081101.892.322.743.183.391322.172.583.013.443.661502.432.873.273.703.921802.683.113.533.964.18

Amount of Milk or Milk Replacer Needed to MeetMaintenance RequirementsaLower critical temp. calves less than 21 d age.

Temp. F59a325Body weight, lbLb milk or milk replacer/d110 (MR)1.001.351.77

110 (milk)0.91 (7.3)1.20 (9.6)1.51 (12.1)

Environmental and Stress Effects on Maintenance RequirementsBased on Arieli et al. (1995) an additional adjustment of 0.03 Mcal ME/kg0.75 might be warranted for wet calves that have been transported or are adapting to other stressors for at least 14 days after the initial stress.

Stress can be defined as transportation, significantalteration in temperature or a social and dietary change

Equivalent to 0.5 to 0.6 Mcal ME/d for the average calf (~ 0.12 kg of DM/d (0.25 lb DM/d))

Updated Nutrient Requirements of a 110 lb Calf Under Thermoneutral Conditionsa0.6 efficiency of use of ME and 0.72 for BV of protein

Rate of gain,lb/dMEa, mcal/dDMI,kg/dADP,g/dCP, g/dCP, % DM0.442.350.51879418.50.882.890.6714015022.31.323.480.7719320726.01.764.130.9523525326.82.204.801.1528630727.5

Just what are we Replacing!

Holstein Milk (on Average)As Fed BasisDry Matter Basis% Butterfat3.628.8% Crude Protein3.225.6% Lactose4.939.2% Ash0.86.4% Total Solids12.5100

Calf program growth goal:Double birth weight by 56 days (~ 180 lb)

Why do this?

Makes it easier to hit breeding weight at an earlier age reduce AFC increase potential for IHG, reduce costs.

ConclusionsReducing AFC to ~22 months is likely to result in a ~4% reduction in first lactation milk yield; later lactations are not affected.Cow health and stayability is not affected by reduced AFC if she calves in at adequate BW, stature.Conceive @ 55% mature BW, 47 wither height; Post calving BW = 82 - 85% of MBW, 54 wither heightLifetime productive days and milk is greater for cows with lower AFC.Economic analysis indicates that lower AFC is slightly more advantageous.Lower AFC provides an increased availability of heifers for replacements.

Target Growth Rates Integrates Managementand Biology

Approach determined by: Mature body weight (3rd and greater parity cattle not cull cows)

Concept of physiologic maturity - puberty occurs at a given percentage of mature size (45% to 50%)

Pregnancy should occur by 55% maturebody weight

Herd goals for age at first calving

My Canadian Wonders Dave Lundgren, Dairy Producer, Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin 1984 Among the first to put full TMR into Tie-stall Barn High PD American Sire Heifers performed very well Canadian Wonders (herdmates) lagged behind as heifers By 3rd Lactation Canadian Wonders equaled/out performed Raised together, grouped by age, freshened at 24 months Americans were 85% of Mature Size 1200 lbs. post-fresh Canadians were 75% of Mature Size 1200 lbs. post-fresh Americans going to 1400 lbs., Canadians to 1600 lbs.

Heifers raised in group pens. What were his options?Background

Desired Age at Calving(Managerially Determined)Expected Mature Size(Genetically Determined)Rate of Gain Needed (Nutrient Density/Management Determined)Amazingly, yet another, 3 legged stool!Background

Tools

Tools

Tools

Tools

Growth & Puberty Dataa,bMeans with uncommon letters differ (p < 0.05)Meyer et al., 2004

VariableHLSEnPreweaning ADG, g36960a36640b15Postweaning ADG, g929a657b7Number reaching puberty97-Age at puberty8.25a11.7b0.26BW at puberty, kg274289 7.4

Target Growth Rates Integrates Management and Biology Use of Mature Size

Percent mature size where first lactation milk yieldis optimized: 82 to 85%Alters the one size fits all recommendation

Approach adopted by the 2001 Dairy NRC and isalso used in CNCPS, CPM Dairy, and Dalex programs

Heifer versus Cow Production ComparisonsHeifers should yield at least 80% of the maturecattle for the first lactation

- good performance at 83 to 85% of mature cattle production

Milk Yield Residuals Compared to Post Calving Body Weight as a Percent Mature SizeVan Amburgh et al., 1998

What if Mature Size is Not Known?

Optimum Body Size of Holsteins - from Pat Hoffman, 1996Suggested a Minimum and Maximum Rangebased on literature values

First calving 7d post-partum weight

Mature weight (calc.)

Minimum: 1,182 lb1,442 lbMaximum: 1,280 lb1,561 lb

Target weightsInput AFC sets breeding age for you and breeding weight is a function of the mature size. Requirements are then calculated to meet the targets.

Example: 24 mo. AFC(mature weight = 1470# (670 kg)CalvingBreedingBirth8 wks56 d15 mo450 d850# (385 kg)150# (68 kg)Weaning850 150 = 700# (320 kg)450 56 = 394 days700/394 = 1.78 #/d (0.8 kg)ADG24 mo730 d1250# (570 kg)

Example: 24 mo. AFC(mature weight = 1470# (670 kg)CalvingBreedingBirth8 wks56 d15 mo450 d850# (385 kg)150# (68 kg)Weaning1250 850 = 400# (182 kg)730 450 = 280 days400/280 = 1.43 #/d (0.66 kg)ADG24 mo730 d1250# (570 kg)

Body ProteinBody FatTimeTissue DepositionPre-pubertalPost-pubertalRelationship of Fat and Protein Tissue Deposition to Time, Whole Body Growth and Stage of Maturity in the Growing Heifer

Example: 22 mo. AFC(mature weight = 1470# (670 kg)CalvingBreedingBirth8 wks56 d12.8 mo 390 d850# (385 kg)150# (68 kg)Weaning850 150 = 700# (320 kg)390 56 = 334 days700/334 = 2.03 #/d (0.9 kg)ADG22 mo670 d1250# (570 kg)

Example: 22 mo. AFC(mature weight = 1470# (670 kg)CalvingBreedingBirth8 wks56 d12.8 mo 390 d850# (385 kg)150# (68 kg)Weaning1250 850 = 400# (182 kg)670 390 = 280 days400/280 = 1.43 #/d (0.66 kg)ADG22 mo670 d1250# (570 kg)

Target Growth Rate Example:

Your goal for AFC: 24 mo.Mature body weight: 1,450 lb.Current age: 6 mo.Current weight: 400 lb.

Target ADG, lb from current weight to pregnantweight (800 lb):1.50 lb/d

800 lb 400 lb = 400 lb 730 d 280 d = 450 d 182 d = 268 d

400 lb / 268 d = 1.50 lb/d

Target Growth Rate Example:Your goal for AFC: 21 mo.Mature body weight: 1,450 lb.Current age: 6 mo.Current weight: 400 lb.Target ADG, lb from current weight to pregnant weight (800 lb): 2.27 lb/d800 lb 400 lb = 400 lb 638 d 280 d = 358 d 182 d = 176 d400 lb / 176 d = 2.27 lb/d

Target Growth Rate Example:Your goal for AFC: 24 mo.Mature body weight: 1,650 lb.Current age: 6 mo.Current weight: 400 lb.Target ADG, lb from current weight to pregnant weight (910 lb):1.91 lb/d910 lb 400 lb = 510 lb 730 d 280 d = 450 d 182 d = 268 d 510 lb / 268 d = 1.91 lb/d

Body Condition Score Guidelines

Pregnant at 55% of mature weight- BCS ~ 2.75 to 3.25 (5 pt scale)- within 11 to 15 month of age window

Post calving body weight minimum 82% of mature weightBCS of 3.5 to 3.75 (5 pt scale)

Troubleshooting Growth ProblemsThe following inputs will cause ripples in thesystem that might lead to variation in predictions or performance

1. Incorrect mature weight 2. Transitory effect of previous plane of nutrition 3. Incorrect maintenance adjustment

4. Incorrect chemical composition of feed

5. Differences among expected vs actual DMI

Environmental Effect on Maintenance RequirementsNEm, Mcals per day

Temperature, F 20 60Body wt., lbDry WetMudDryWetMud2002.93.55.22.52.52.54005.27.510.24.24.24.26007.910.811.26.26.27.78009.412.115.07.77.78.51,00021.614.517.78.58.58.51,20024.516.520.19.29.29.2

Effect of Environmental Factors on Maintenance RequirementsHolstein heifers 1,000 lb body weightDry, thermoneutral conditions (40F) 9.2 Mcals NEm requiredDiet 0.60 Mcals NEm/lbFeed for maintenance is 9.2 Mcal/0.6 Mcal/lb= 15.3 lb Potential DMI is approximately 25 lb

Effect of Temperature on Maintenance RequirementsHolstein heifers 1,000 lb body weightHeifers housed where it is wet and cold 0 FNEm requirement increases to 17.7 McalsIF feeding the same diet 17.7 Mcals/0.6 Mcal/lb = 29.5 lb of feed for maintenanceNot reasonable intake expectation need to increase energy density of diet

Lactation records from2,519,232 first lactation cows937 herds in California and the NortheastJanuary 1985 through December 2002Within herd analysisAccounts for mntg. differences across farmsTest day model was employedAdjusts data for calving year, season, management and the environment

Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Retrospective assignment to AFC treatment groupsHerd avg. AFC was calculated each year Heifers were assigned to one of 5 AFC age groups:Less than -63 days from herd avg. AFC-22 to -63 days from herd avg. AFC-21 to 21 days from herd avg. AFC22 to 63 days from herd avg. AFCGreater than 63 days from herd avg. AFCWithin Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Retrospective assignment to AFC treatment groupsHerd avg. AFC was calculated each year Heifers were assigned to one of 5 AFC age groups:23.3 months AFC24.3 months AFC25.6 months AFC27.2 months AFC30.3 months AFCWithin Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Once assigned to AFC treatment group cows were assigned to opportunity groups based on their age at testOpportunity groups: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 years of ageCows data were assigned to each group they had an opportunity to belong toWithin Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Opportunity group explained:Opportunity groups: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 years of ageIf a cow was born 6 years ago at the time of test, her data would be included in the 6 year opportunity group.The total amount of milk produced by a cow in the first 6 years of her life would be averaged with data from all other cows in the 6 year opportunity group.The total amount of milk produced in the first 5 years of her life would be averaged with data from all other cows in the 5 year opportunity groupand so on to the 3 year group.If she had died at 4 years of age, her total amount of milk produced in those 4 years would be included in 4, 5, and 6 year opportunity groups.Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Variables of interest:Total number of productive days (days lactating)Total milk productionStayability (% survivability)All data will be presented as the difference between the herd mean AFC (25.6 mo)Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Figure 1. Average number of productive days, difference from herd mean AFC (25.6 month)Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, LongevityOpportunity Group, yearsProductive days difference from mean AFC

Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, LongevityOpportunity Group, yearsTotal milk production, lbs, difference from mean AFCFigure 2. Average total milk production, lbs, difference from herd mean AFC (25.6 month)

Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, LongevityOpportunity Group, yearsStayability, % survival, difference from mean AFCFigure 3. Average stayability, % survival, difference from herd mean AFC (25.6 month)

Figure 1. Average number of productive days, difference from herd mean AFC (25.6 month)Within Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, LongevityOpportunity Group, yearsProductive days, difference from mean AFC

Reduced AFCIncreased lifetime number of productive daysIncreased lifetime milk productionAppeared to reduce stayability, however, cows with lower AFC spent more days in lactation even at the 8 year opportunity group.The fact that lifetime milk yield and number of productive days is greater in lower AFC heifers suggests that these heifers were more productive investments.SummaryWithin Herd Analysis of AFC on Productive Days, Milk Yield, Longevity

Costs associated with raising replacements constitutes 15% of total expenses associated with producing milk.Rearing costs can be reduced by lowering AFChowever, cost of potential milk loss in first lactation must be considered.Economics of Reduced AFC

Model income and expenses associated with raising heifers to calve at 22, 24, or 26 months of ageExpenses associated with raising heifers and producing milk came from:Tozer (2000)Tozer and Heinrichs (2001)Ettema and Santos (2004)NY Large Herd Dairy Farm Business SummaryEconomics of Reduced AFC

Economic Analysis: Assumptions

AFC, monthsItem222426Milk fed phase, d565656Age at conception, month12.914.916.9BW at conception, lbs (55% of MBW)815815815% change in 1st MY due to early AFC-5.0%0.0%0.0%1st Lactation milk yield, lbs18,61019,58019,5802nd Lactation milk yield, lbs22,16522,16522,1653rd Lactation milk yield, lbs23,19723,19723,197Length of lactation, d305305305Length of dry period, d606060Length of life, # of lactations333

Economic Analysis: Income Sources

ItemMilk price, $ per cwt$14.50Value of heifer calf, $$180Value of bull calf, $$50Value of newborn calf, $ (50% chance of heifer)$115Value of cow at end of 3rd lactation (sold for beef)$500

Economic Analysis: Expenses1Labor, equipment, breeding, vet, milk marketing, milking supplies, bST, land, taxes, insurance, utilities

ItemCost of preweaned calf, $/d$2.50Cost of weaned heifer (22 mo AFC), $/d$1.49Cost of weaned heifer (24 mo AFC), $/d$1.45Cost of weaned heifer (26 mo AFC), $/d$1.39Cost of breeding age heifer, $/d$1.15Cost of pregnant heifer, $/d$1.30Feed cost (including dry cows) per cwt of milk, $$3.70Operating expenses1 per cwt of milk, $$6.10

Economic Analysis: Net Income Over TimeBreakeven pointNet Return, $

Summary of Economic AnalysisNeed to estimate economic advantage of entering lactation and becoming profitable sooner.

AFC, monthsItem222426Lifetime of investment, years4.74.85.0ExpensesTotal rearing costs (includes interest), $$ (1,302)$(1,401)$(1,487)Difference from 22 mo., $-$99$185IncomeLifetime net income, $$2,587$2,534$2,433Difference from 22 mo., $-$(31)$(110)

Net Present Value: a calculation of the present value of an investments future inflow minus the present value of the investments future outflowsaddresses the fact that the profitability of an investment is affected not only by the size of the returns, but also the timing of the returnsEconomics of Reduced AFCNPV = net present valueT = total length of investmentNRt = net return at time tr = cost of capital

Net Present Value example:Economics of Reduced AFC

YearOption AOption B1$10,000-2--3-$10,000Net Return$10,000$10,000 NPV$10,000$8,763

Net Present Value example:Economics of Reduced AFC1Cost of capital = 4.5%

YearOption AOption B1$10,000-2--3-$10,000Net Return$10,000$10,000 NPV1$10,000$8,763

Breakeven pointNet Return, $Economic Analysis: Net Income Over Time

Summary of Economic AnalysisAdjusting for timing of returns further supports lower AFCEven with adjustment, actual economic difference between the three AFC is minimal1Cost of capital = 6.0%

AFC, monthsItem222426Lifetime of investment, years4.74.85.0IncomeDifference from 22 mo., $-$(31)$(110)Net Present Value Adjustment1Lifetime net present value, $$1,922$1,854$1,747Difference from 22 mo AFC, $-$(68)$(175)

AFC and Number of Replacements Required to Maintain Herd SizeCulling rates have a profound impact on the profitability of a farm.

AFC can also greatly influence the number of replacements required per year to maintain herd size.

AFC and Number of Replacements Required to Maintain Herd SizeAssumptions for an example of how AFC influences the number of replacements required per year:Calving Interval: 13 monthsCull Rate:38%Dead on Arrival:5%Heifer Loss:10%AFC:22, 24, 26 months

AFC and Number of Replacements Required to Maintain Herd SizeNumber of replacements required per year to maintain herd size

AFC, monthsHerd Size222426100 cows374144500 cows1862032191,500 cows5576086583,000 cows1,1141,2151,317

AFC and Number of Replacements Required to Maintain Herd SizeNumber of replacements required per year to maintain herd size, difference from 22 month AFCBenefit of requiring fewer replacements per year to maintain herd size must be considered.

AFC, monthsHerd Size222426100 cows-37500 cows-17341,500 cows-511013,000 cows-101203

Despite a reduction in first lactation milk yield, economic analysis supports lower AFCLifetime Net IncomeLifetime Net Present ValueIncome - Expense analysis of lower AFC indicates difference across AFC is minimal.Effect of AFC on the number of replacements required per year to maintain herd size is perhaps the most substantial benefit of lower AFC.Summary:Economics of Reduced AFC

ConclusionsReducing AFC to ~22 months is likely to result in a ~5% reduction in first lactation milk yield; later lactations are not affected.Cow health and stayability is not affected by reduced AFC if she calves in at adequate BW, stature.Conceive @ 55% mature BW, 47 wither height; Post calving BW = 82% of MBW, 54 wither heightLifetime productive days and milk is greater for cows with lower AFC.Economic analysis indicates that lower AFC is slightly more advantageous.Lower AFC provides an increased availability of heifers for replacements.

Bill StonePro-DairyCornell UniversityReviewing the Reproduction

Program at the Case Farm

Getting em pregnant

Catch them in heatSynchronized breeding

Mission accomplished

End resultHeat Detection RateService Rate~ 47% average

Conception Rate~33% average

Pregnancy rate~ 15% average$25/point/cow5 point change = $12,500 per 100 cows

24 months average AFC 27

26

25

24

2350130190270 320DIMAFCHeifer Repro ResultsBlack Brook

36% CRCowReproResultsHeat Detection RatePregnancy RateGoal:> 20% PRBlack Brook

DIMDIM at 1st breedingDIM at first breedingBlack Brook

Black Brook

(4)26 months average AFC 31

29

27

25

23

Heifer Repro ResultsDurfee Dairy

31% CRCowReproResultsHeat Detection RatePregnancy RateGoal:> 20% PRDurfee Dairy

DIMDIM at 1st breedingDIM at first breedingDurfee Dairy

Durfee Dairy

24 months average AFC Heifer Repro Results32

30

28

26

24

22Aborts or bred xx timesHanehan Dairy

37% CRCowReproResultsHeat Detection RatePregnancy RateGoal:> 20% PR

Hanehan Dairy

DIMDIM at 1st breedingDIM at first breedingHanehan Dairy

Hanehan Dairy

Hanehan Dairy

Four approaches to reproductive programs

Industry norm

Aggressive heat detection, no synchronization

3. Total synchronization

4. Combined synchronization and HDNEDB, 6-04

- C:COWFILE1.DAT ----------- ------------- 1/10/05 - Date Br Elig Bred Pct Pg Elig Preg Pct Aborts======== ======= ==== === ======= ==== === ======12/29/03 124 78 63 124 36 29 4 1/19/04 141 68 48 141 21 15 3 2/09/04 162 92 57 162 30 19 2 3/01/04 163 106 65 162 37 23 6 3/22/04 183 112 61 183 36 20 4 4/12/04 204 139 68 204 57 28 7 5/03/04 197 123 62 197 49 25 2 5/24/04 197 113 57 197 34 17 3 6/14/04 194 118 61 193 36 19 9 7/05/04 189 109 58 189 33 17 3 7/26/04 213 142 67 213 42 20 4 8/16/04 226 156 69 225 51 23 4 9/06/04 240 156 65 237 53 22 6 9/27/04 231 153 66 231 47 20 410/18/04 251 171 68 243 61 25 011/08/04 244 187 77 241 60 25 011/29/04 229 151 66 0 0 0 0 12/20/04 169 142 84 0 0 0 0 -------- ------- ---- --- ------- ---- --- ------ Total 3159 2023 64 3142 683 22 61

- C:COWFILE1.DAT ----------- ------------- 1/10/05 -Summarized By Breeding Code from 12/ 7/03 through 12/ 6/04Breeding Code %Conc #Preg #Open Other Abort Total %Tot SPC==================== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ==== ====gnrh 31 47 103 6 3 156 6 3.2kamar 31 22 47 12 0 81 3 3.1Lutalyse&Stand 40 17 25 1 2 43 2 2.5mucus 0 0 1 0 0 1 0OvSynchProgram 32 139 285 3 20 427 17 3.1standing 31 539 1171 48 51 1758 71 3.2vet heat 100 2 0 0 0 2 0 1.0TOTALS 32 770 1636 71 76 2477 100 3.15 non-AI breedings were omitted

Primarily from HD

Figure 2. Days in milk at first, second, and third breeding in a dairy using only synchronized breedingBred1, 2, and 3 correspond with DIM at first, second, and third breedings.

PGPGCompleteOvsynchFigure 3. Days in milk by DIM at first breeding in a dairy using both heat detection and synchronization. Note: each square represents one cow. Cows are on the Presynch program (Ovsynch preceded by two injections of prostaglandin (PG)). Cows observed in heat after the second PG injection are bred; others are bred at the conclusion of Ovsynch.

(24 h - 28%)(22%)(34%).95.95 .95 .95.95 = .77.70.70 .70 .70.70 = .1714 d

PresynchOvsynchRepro Calendar for Synchronization programs

Why Synchronization Programs Might FailManagement Improving compliance Reduce the number of times cows are handledShots on vet check and breeding day?Have plenty of help (3 minimum plus veterinarian)

Insemination timeHave the cows easily identifiedBe there to assist the inseminatorDoes your inseminator have good success with a flaccid uterus? (most Ovsynch cows dont comeinto heat)Tired arm? Tried patience? Too many straws?

Synchronization program success dependson the detailsMust have an easy implementation plan

Simplify your herds approachCoordinate cow handling activities14 days vs 12 daysGnRH on insemination day

Where Do We Start Modeling Improvements to Internal Herd Growth&Predicting Gains

ToolsSpreadsheet developed by Dr. Normand St.Pierre, Professor of Animal Science, Ohio State UniversityPredict internal herd growth for a closed herd based on selected management factors.

Base Situation - DataRepresentative Dairy HerdAverage culling rate(%/year)36%Average calving interval(months)13.9Average age at first calving(months)26Dead on arrival(% of births)8%Heifer cull and death rate(%/year)10%Initial number of mature cows100Initial number of heifers, 0-12 months37Initial number of heifers, 12+months37

Base Situation - IHGAssuming factors stay the same for 10 years.Herd size will shrink at -2.67% a year.After ten years, projected herd size will be 76 cows.With these parameters, this herd is not able to maintain herd size or grow and will need to buy additional animals to maintain herd size.

Output

Lower Culling RateLower culling rate from 36% to 28%.Ways this may be done:Better control of mastitis.Higher pregnancy rate.Better cow comfort.Better transition cow management.All other factors remain the same.Maintain factors for 10 years.

Lower Culling RateHerd growth = 3.23% a year.Projected herd size after 10 years = 137 cows.An improvement of 62 cows over the base year.

Base year was -2.67%

Lower Calving IntervalLower calving interval to 12.5 months.Ways this may be done:Lower voluntary wait period.Better heat detection.Hormone breeding programs.Etc.All other factors remain the same

Lower Calving IntervalHerd growth = -1.30% a year.Projected herd size after 10 years = 88 cows.An improvement of 12 cows over base.Herd still shrinking.

Base year was -2.67%

Lower Calving AgeLower calving age to 22 months.Ways this be done:Early breeding.Ration balancing.Grouping of heifers.Targeted growth.All other factors remain the same.

Lower Calving AgeHerd growth = -1.12.% a yearProjected herd size after 10 years = 89 cows.An improvement of 13 cows over base.Herd still shrinking.

Base year was -2.67%

Lower DOALower dead on arrival to 4%.Ways this could be done:More frequent fresh pen checks.SOPs for calf deliveries.Calving ease sires on first calf heifers.All other factors remain the same

Lower DOAHerd growth = -1.80% a year.Projected herd size after 10 years = 83 cows.An improvement of 7 cows over base.Still not able to maintain herd size.

Base year was -2.67%

Lower Heifer Culling RateLower heifer culling/death rate to 5%.Ways this could be done:Less death loss in calves.Vet program for non-breeders.Minimizing areas for cattle injuries.All other factors remain the same

Lower Heifer Culling RateHerd growth = 0.19% a yearProjected herd size after 10 years = 102 cows.An improvement of 26 cows over base.Generating herd growth over time.

Base year was -2.67%

Summary of Individual ChangesFactor % Growth Herd SizeBase-2.6776Culling Rate 3.23137Calving Interval-1.3088Calving Age-1.1289DOA-1.8083Heifer Cull/Death Rate 0.19102

Power of Combined ChangesMaking improvements across all areas.Multiplying the impact that any one individual area has.Meet all five goals for performance:Cull rate = 28%Calving interval = 12.5 monthsCalving age = 22 monthsDOA = 4%Heifer cull rate = 5%

Power of Combined ChangesHerd growth = 10.53% a yearProjected herd size after 10 years = 272 cows.An Improvement of 196 cows over base.Generating significant herd growth over time.

Base year was -2.67%

Capturing ValueDont have to grow.Have the ability to capture the value in different ways.IHG is important because it gives you options to capture the value.How would you capture the value if you could grow like this?

Power of Combined ChangesCan only make four of the five changes, cull rate stays at 36%.Still generate 4.33% growth.Projected herd size after 10 years = 153 cows.Still generating growth.

Base year was -2.67%

Where to StartWhat is the limiting factor within your business?What can you have the fastest impact on?What is the easiest change to make?What change has the greatest potential to work. What utilizes the least amount of:Money?Management Time?Labor?What will have the biggest impact?

Playing With The NumbersWhat scenarios do you want to look at?How fast can herds grow?PROGRAM

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