Title

Efficiency Comparison between Two Systematic Breeding Protocols: Target Breeding and Presynchronization Program At a Large Central Valley Dairy Farm

Author(s) Information

Blake Alvernaz, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Department - Author 1

Dairy Science Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Dairy Science

Date

3-2012

Primary Advisor

Stan Henderson

Abstract/Summary

As dairy herd sizes increase, dairymen often initiate systematic breeding programs on their dairy in order to improve their reproduction efficiency. The objective of this study, compares systematic breeding program by comparing reproductive efficiency between two systematic breeding programs Target Breeding (January 1, 2008 to May 31,2009) and Presynchronization (Presynch) Program (January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011) at a large central valley dairy. The traditional Target Breeding program is a systematic breeding program that is solely prostaglandin (PGF_2α) based. The more modern Presynch programs includes both Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and PGF_2α, that allows for both superovulation and estrus synchronization. The dairy’s herd size is 1500 milking cows. Data was collected from DHI-Plus management software for both two systematic breeding programs. The data compared was the 21 d pregnancy rate, conception rates, and 1^st service conception rates. The results of this study state that the Presynch Program was more efficient in all the areas observed during this study. The Presynch Program showed higher averages in 21 d pregnancy rate, conception rates and 1^st service conception rates.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/dscisp/51