STRATEGIC USE OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2-ALPHA-G OALS OF PROSTAGLANDIN PROGRAMS

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.