This guide discusses the benefits of maintaining the optimum calving interval and offers suggestions for accomplishing this reproductive management technique. Most dairy producers are aware that an optimum calving interval is 365 days. This is a normal lactation length of 305 days with a dry period of 60 days. This interval is often looked at as a goal to strive toward rather than a goal that must be reached to maximize income from the sale of milk.
Many factors play a part in proper reproductive management of the dairy herd.
Begin to breed cows at first observed heat 50 days after freshening. Have a routine and effective heat diagnosis program so cows are observed in heat and can be readily bred. Be certain that proper artificial insemination techniques are followed so they are not the limiting factor in maintaining an optimum calving interval. If you are uncertain of the A.I. technique used, attend a refresher course offered by most large A.I. firms in the state. If cows are not pregnancy-checked this will result in excessively long calving intervals.