Science Applied to Dairy Management - Profitable AI Programs

One of the most important factors in selecting a dairy reproductive management protocol is the associated costs. Ricci et al. (2020) used a simulation model to assess the economic impact of seven common reproductive programs for a confinement dairy system, four of which are presented here:

Presynch-Ovsynch: 11-day interval between Presynch and Ovsynch; 35% conception rate (CR)

• 6 treatments (including AI) over the span of 35 days

Presynch-Ovsynch: identical to the previous protocol except for a 45% CR used in the model

• 6 treatments over the span of 35 days

Automated Activity Monitoring: constant use of activity monitors, but with Presynch-Ovsynch initiated at the beginning of the protocol to ensure anestrous cows are induced to cycle and inseminated

• From 2 to 6 treatments over the span of 35 days

Double Ovsynch: standard protocol with 2 PGF treatments before final GnRH and AI

• 8 treatments over the span of 27 days

Conception rates for first insemination were inputs for the model based on previous research. Double Ovsynch consistently excels in terms of conception rates when compared to other common protocols.

The average number of injections per cow per year was calculated for each treatment group, accounting for reinsemination of nonpregnant cows and the use of Ovsynch as the resynchronization protocol.

With the 35% CR Presynch-Ovsynch treatment as a baseline, the relative net profit gain per cow per year was calculated for each treatment, using standard U.S. costs for hormone treatments. Double Ovsynch was identified as the most profitable of the seven protocols, and this advantage held up even when the treatment costs were increased multiple times over the normal market price.

Application

Selecting an AI program that prioritizes fertility success over other management factors (e.g., use of heat detection, days of the week for treatments) will oftentimes help improve profitability, even if the protocol requires more treatments and handling. The protocol might lack the convenience factor that makes some of the other options more appealing, but profitability is usually an important goal.

Reference

Ricci, A., M. Li, P.M. Fricke, and V.E. Cabrera. 2020. Economic impact among 7 reproductive programs for lactating dairy cows, including a sensitivity analysis of the cost of hormonal treatments. J. Dairy Sci. 103:5654-5661.