Maximizing fertility in the dairy herd

Adoption of artificial insemination (Al) by dairy producers has made it one of the most important technologies of the 20th century. Analyzing records in a systematic fashion should be the first step in ident ification of a fertility problem. Adequate sample size is important for sound interpretation of reproductive performance especially when dealing with data where pregnant and open are t he only two outcomes available. Three general categories are used to classify the factors that determine th e ultimate outcome of conception per insemination or fertility: 1) female f ertility; 2) male fertility; and 3) techniques used in the Al of cattle. Although it may be difficult to diagnose various causes of fertilization fa ilure, they are usually related to an Al technique failure or some source o f stress experienced by the lactating cow.