This paper describes basic concepts of strategic reproductive programs
in dairy herds, Goals of herd reproductive performance are given and
important variables are discussed. Heat detection is identified as maj
or determinator of reproductive performance, Practical tips are given
to implement an efficient heat detection program, All factors determin
ing success or failure of a prostaglandin program are described and di
scussed, The influence of attributes of prostaglandin use in dairy her
ds and commonly used selection criteria of cows are determined. The im
portance of sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tools for a good
performance of reproductive programs is stressed.