The Application of oestrus synchronization in New Zealand dairy herds

K.L. Macmillan and R.J. Curnow

Awahuri Artificial Breeding Centre, Palmerston North

E-Mail:

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1976, 36: 50-57

Three field trials involving over 1400 lactating dairy cows and 105 maiden Friesian heifers provided data for the evaluation of a synthetic prostaglandin (ICI 80996) in dairy herd management. The factors which must be considered when planning a breeding programme involving oestrus synchronization include the incidence of anoestrum, the occurrence of silent heats and variable responses with cows treated within 60 days post-partum. Using a single injection regime in conjunction with efficient oestrus detection, the proportion of cows conceiving during the first two weeks of a seasonal breeding programme was increased from 36% in the control group to 60% in the treated group. The use of oestrus synchronization among maiden heifers will be uneconomical in most dairy herds.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000