Let's talk repro

This morning we'll be focusing on reproduction. We have already AI'ed two cows, and will be doing a timed-AI breeding on 14 more around 10:00am. We don't typically do timed-breedings, but our conception rate from May-August is not good at all so we wanted to get the process started. We like to begin breeding our cows once they've been in milk for 60 days, but our average DIM at first breeding (relying on visible heats) has been closer to 80 days. Timing these cows will give us an extra opportunity to "heat-watch" and breed them again prior to hot weather should they not conceive with today's breeding.

Speaking of repro, here are two other quick little bits:

• the veterinarian called 50 pregnancies out of 57 cows checked last Friday

• we're expecting a handful of calves and quite possibly a daughter to be born this week. If my blog goes silent for a few days, it's because of the latter.

I hope you have a great day, and remember to get your three daily servings of milk and dairy products!