Dairy Reproduction Protocols

New technologies have become available in recent years to improve reproductive success. These technologies include improvements to traditional approaches to reproductive management (heat detection and A.I.) as well as to approaches that synchronize A.I. so that all cows and/or heifers are inseminated at one time (timed-A.I. programs). Combinations of traditional and timed A.I. programs are also used on many farms. Regardless of the approach, a focused effort on reproductive management has been shown to increase pregnancy rates, translating to greater reproductive efficiency on the dairy.

Synchronization protocols evolve rapidly as newer procedures are tested and improvements are made. To help veterinarians and industry professionals deal with rapid change and make informed decisions related to synchronization protocols, the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) has created synchronization protocol sheets for dairy cows and dairy heifers. The documents outline established synchronization protocols that may help dairy producers improve on-farm reproductive performance.

This document is intended for educational purposes as consultants work with their dairy producer clients to make reproductive management decisions; the DCRC does not endorse one protocol over another, nor does DCRC endorse synchronization protocols over any of the other approaches to dairy cattle reproduction. The protocol sheets will be reviewed annually by representatives from the DCRC. New protocols will be included when they are validated in controlled studies.

Dairy Cow Protocol Sheet

Dairy Heifer Protocol Sheet

Dairy Cow Protocol Sheet - Spanish Translation