Optimizing heifer growth and reproductive management: Practical insights for Michigan dairy producers
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EmailFrom breeding based on percent mature body weight, to using synchronization protocols to improve conception rates, and understanding and using data to your advantage, Paul Fricke shares what he’s learned to create a foundation for long-term herd success.
Heifer management plays a vital role in determining the long-term success and profitability of dairy farms. During the October 22 Heifer Academy webinar, Paul Fricke, professor of dairy science and Extension specialist in dairy reproduction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shared valuable insights on optimizing growth and reproduction strategies for dairy heifers. Fricke emphasized practical approaches with the understanding and use of animal-made data, to improve reproductive efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure future herd productivity.
Fricke created a graphic titled “Fricke’s Hierarchy of Repro Needs” where the base starts with excellent on-farm reproduction, including conception, synchronization protocol compliance and animal fertility. Then it builds from there into genomic testing where the results from those tests can aid farmers in knowing the genetic potential of the current milking herd and replacements. Then comes the selection of who receives sexed, conventional or beef semen, followed by who has the greatest genetic potential that is suitable for providing embryos for transfer and who will receive those embryos to exponentially progress the herd’s genetics.
With a reference in place, Fricke laid out practical approaches to take a farm’s reproductive practices to the next level.
Shift to weight-based breeding for longevity and production
Traditionally, many farms have relied on age benchmarks to decide when to breed heifers. However, Fricke recommends shifting to weight-based breeding as a more precise strategy. Research shows that breeding heifers at the right body weight improves reproductive success and ensures healthier first-lactation cows.
Recommended weight benchmarks
- First insemination: 55% of mature body weight
- Post-calving: 85% of mature body weight
Lighter vs. heavier heifers – questioning why we breed heifers early
It was found through a quartile analysis of a group of heifers that the lighter heifers had higher fertility, whereas the heavier heifers had better genetics for milk production. Less fertile animals get heavier because they need more breedings to conceive. Breeding heifers at too low of a weight locks them into that low weight. If farms cull first lactation animals based on production, they may inadvertently be creating these cows from the reproduction choices when they were heifers.
Mature Body Weight is calculated on a per-herd basis, by weighing third and fourth lactation animals, as they provide a reliable indicator for full growth potential. This shift toward weight-based management ensures that heifers are physically prepared for reproduction and lactation, improving both reproductive performance and long-term productivity. More information on these findings can be found here.
Using synchronization protocols to improve conception rates
Efficient breeding programs require precise reproductive timing, especially when using sexed semen. Fricke highlighted the success of the CIDR-Synch protocol, a synchronization strategy that enhances reproductive outcomes by aligning insemination with optimal fertility windows.
This method minimizes the variability in estrus timing, allowing for more predictable breeding windows and improving fertility. While sexed semen can lower conception rates by 10-15%, using synchronization protocols helps mitigate this fertility loss and increases the chances of success. It is important to note that on the 5-d CIDR Synch protocol, 28% of heifers showed early estrus, whereas on the 6-d CIDR protocol, only one out of 254 heifers showed early estrus. On the flip side, the heifers on the 6-d CIDR protocol had a lower conception rate (45%) than the 5-d CIDR protocol (52%). This is because when leaving the progesterone device in one day longer, you are pushing ovulation out further, making it more difficult for conception when using sexed semen as it does not have the same survivability as conventional semen does. Further information on the study results can be found here.
In-vitro produced embryo transfer (IVP ET)
While transferring fresh embryos can boost conception rates, frozen IVP embryos pose challenges due to higher pregnancy loss, with up to 20% loss rates. Recent studies show promising results with HCG treatments at the time of transfer, which may decrease pregnancy loss with fresh IVP embryos.
Managing Heifer Inventories to Maximize Profitability
Heifer inventories have fluctuated dramatically over the past decade due to changes in breeding practices. In 2023, 7.9 million units of beef semen were used in dairy herds domestically. The U.S. heifer inventory is decreasing at the same time, hitting around 4.1 million head reported in 2022, whereas in 2018, it was 4.5 million. These trends affect the current and future reproduction decisions in dairy herds. Many farms now use little to no conventional dairy semen, relying heavily on these specialized strategies to optimize both genetics and market potential.
Current challenges
Heifer shortages are pushing prices for replacement animals higher, with some farms reporting costs exceeding $3,000 per heifer. This trend underscores the importance of efficient reproductive management to control inventories and reduce reliance on costly external replacements.
Reducing rearing costs
Feed costs represent nearly half of the total expense of raising a heifer to the point of first calving. Farms that focus on breeding heifers at optimal weights and reduce days on feed can save significantly on rearing costs. Fricke’s case studies show that by breeding heifers sooner with precise protocols, farms can save as much as $16.66 per pregnancy.
Leveraging technology and data for precision heifer management
Collecting and analyzing data on heifer growth is essential for making informed management decisions. Fricke encourages producers to weigh heifers at key intervals to ensure animals meet growth targets. However, he acknowledges that many farms are reluctant to adopt weighing practices due to logistical challenges. Fricke emphasizes that collecting data is only the first step. Farms must actively use this information to guide breeding and management decisions. For example, farms that weigh heifers at 30 days post-calving can assess whether animals meet weight targets and adjust feeding or breeding strategies accordingly.
Takeaways and long-term implications
Fricke concluded with practical advice for producers looking to improve reproductive outcomes and profitability:
- Aim to breed heifers on weight, not age
Once heifers hit 55% of mature body weight, it’s crucial to inseminate them promptly to avoid delays that increase rearing costs. - Adopt synchronization protocols where possible
Using structured breeding programs like CIDR-Synch helps align breeding with fertility windows, reducing the need for repeated inseminations. - Monitor and adjust heifer management based on data
Farms that weigh animals at key points can identify growth issues early and make adjustments to meet productivity goals.
These strategies reflect a broader shift toward precision heifer management, where decisions are guided by data, efficiency, and profitability. Fricke’s insights encourage Michigan dairy producers to adopt proactive approaches that maximize reproductive success and minimize costs.
Building the future of dairy herds through strategic heifer management
Optimizing heifer growth and reproductive management is essential to the future success of dairy farms. With advanced breeding technologies, data-driven strategies, and a focus on efficiency, producers can improve reproductive outcomes while controlling costs. Fricke’s presentation offers valuable guidance for Michigan dairy producers, demonstrating that proactive heifer management isn’t just about reproduction—it’s about building the foundation for long-term herd success.
To watch the webinar recording, visit the Heifer Academy YouTube playlist.
For more resources and upcoming webinars, contact Cora Okkema, Dairy Educator at MSU Extension.