Cattle reproduction with targeted advice
Mobile farm practice with professional expertise
Are you struggling to get the cows in calf, or are there too many cows returning to service in the herd?
At Vestjyske Dyrlæger, you receive support with cattle reproduction from an experienced veterinarian. From our practice in Nørre Nebel, we travel to cattle herds around Ølgod, Grindsted, Skjern, Varde and the surrounding areas.
We help identify the factors affecting the herd’s reproduction. The goal may, for example, be to improve reproductive efficiency from 0.22 to 0.25. The effort is tailored to the farm’s results, routines and objectives.
Reproduction based on the herd’s data
When advising on cattle reproduction, the targeted effort begins with a review of the herd’s reproduction data. The data can, among other things, show trends in pregnancy rate, the number of cows returning to service, and the timing of insemination.
By combining the results with observations in the barn, we can identify the areas where a change can make a difference. This may relate both to the cows’ health and to the routines used in day-to-day work.
Work on reproduction may include, among other things:
- Review of reproduction data and relevant key figures
- Assessment of routines for heat detection and insemination
- Preparation of a specific action plan for the herd
If the reproduction problems are linked to broader health challenges, the effort can be combined with ongoing herd health advice
Reproduction advisory visit in the barn
A reproduction advisory visit takes place both in the barn aisle and at the desk. In the barn, we look at the cows, workflows and practical routines. Afterwards, we review the herd’s data and compile the observations into a concrete assessment.
Work on cattle reproduction often comes down to systematic processes and ensuring that daily routines are carried out consistently. Even small adjustments can be relevant if they are implemented consistently and followed up over time.
Based on the visit, we can prepare an action plan that the farmer and the herd veterinarian can continue working with. The plan may, among other things, describe which animals should be examined or treated at the upcoming weekly visits.
We can also coordinate the effort with an agricultural consultant or other relevant advisers. If there is a need to work on several areas of production, the reproduction effort can form part of broader cattle advisory services.
Reproductive examinations with ultrasound scanning
Our cattle veterinarians carry out reproductive examinations using ultrasound scanning. The scan is used, among other things, for pregnancy diagnosis and for a more detailed assessment of the ovaries, uterus and vagina.
The examination can help if there is suspicion of, among other things:
- Small accumulations in the uterus, also known as a dirty uterus
- Cysts or other changes on the ovaries
- Changes in the uterus or vaginal wall
The results of the examination make it possible to assess whether the cow needs treatment, follow-up, or a change to the planned reproduction programme.
Follow-up on reproduction in the cattle herd
A single examination provides a snapshot, but lasting improvements require ongoing follow-up. When we follow up on cattle reproduction, we assess whether the agreed measures are having the desired effect.
Follow-up can take place in connection with the regular weekly visits. Here, the cattle veterinarian can examine selected cows, follow up on previous findings and adjust the action plan if results are not developing as expected.
The work can be adapted to both smaller herds and larger dairy operations. The key is that the recommendations fit the farm’s workflows and can be implemented in practice.
Contact us about cattle reproduction
Would you like to improve reproductive efficiency in your herd?
Vestjyske Dyrlæger will be pleased to have a professional discussion about your results, challenges and objectives. Call 70 26 16 80 or write to vestjyske@vestjyske.dk to learn more about advice on cattle reproduction.
FAQ about cattle reproduction
How can we help with cattle reproduction?
We review the herd’s reproduction data, examine relevant cows and assess daily routines. Based on this, we can recommend specific measures and prepare an action plan for the continued work.
What does a reproduction advisory visit involve?
The visit typically consists of observations in the barn and a subsequent review of the herd’s data. Among other things, we look at routines, key figures and the areas that can affect the cows’ ability to get in calf.
How can reproductive efficiency be improved?
Reproductive efficiency can, among other things, be improved through better heat detection, consistent routines, timely insemination and systematic follow-up. The appropriate effort depends on the herd’s current results.
When should cows be examined for reproductive problems?
An examination may be relevant if there are many cows returning to service, a lack of heat signs, or if the cow does not get in calf as expected. The cattle veterinarian can assess which cows should be examined and when.
What can a reproductive scan show?
A scan can be used for pregnancy diagnosis and examination of the ovaries, uterus and vagina. Among other things, it can reveal cysts, accumulations in the uterus and other changes that may affect reproduction.
How is the action plan followed up?
The action plan can be followed up during the regular herd and weekly visits. Here, we review progress, examine relevant animals and adjust the effort if needed.
