UF - Animal Sciences - Dairy Reproduction Cookbook

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Reproduction Basics
Estrus Detection

Artificial Insemination
Embryo Transfer
Estrus Synchronization

Timed AI
Pregnancy Diagnosis
Reproductive Management
Troubleshooting Infertility

University of Florida

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Animal Sciences

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Basics of Bovine Reproduction

Sites Similar to This One

Virtual Encyclopedia of Bovine Reproduction - This comprehensive website is produced by Michigan State University. The website description is as follows: "The Virtual Dairy Cattle Encyclopedia of Reproduction is a web based teaching tool designed to provide information on the fundamentals of dairy cattle reproduction, new technologies and the importance of reproduction to dairy farm profitability. We hope it will be a useful tool for students, dairy producers, farm employees and veterinarians alike. The pictures, charts and diagrams utilized are designed to illustrate real-life examples"

Anatomy

An understanding of how the cow is put together is key to artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and assisting with calving, and in understanding the underlying physiology that is manipulated in estrus syncrhonization and ovulation synchronization schemes. Learn some anatomy at the following sites.

Anatomy of the Cow's Reproductive Tract - from the University of Massachusetts

Anatomia y Fisologia de la Reproduccion Bovina - OK, you need to know Spanish to get much out of this informative publication from Select Sires.

The Estrous Cycle
To understand all the aspects of reproductive management, we need to review the hormonal control of reproduction. Learn about the bovine estrous cycle at the following sites.

The Bovine Estrous Cycle - written by George Perry, South Dakota State University. This is a comprehensive review.

The Reproductive Function of Dairy Cattle - by Michael Wattiaux and placed on the website of the Babcock Institute for International Research and Development.

Gestation
The gestation length for cattle is about 9 months. This varies among breeds, with Holsteins and Brown Swiss averaging 279 and 290 days, respectively. Bull calves are typically carried about a day longer than heifers, and twins are typically born 5-6 days earlier than singles.

Cattle Today magazine provides a handy, online gestation table to let you know when a cow is due (assuming a 283 day gestation length)

Pregnancy and Calving - an overview from the Babcock Institute

Placentation in Ruminants - a scientific perspective from Colorado State University that illustrates how the placenta's structure is related to its function to nourish the calf.

Terminology

Dairy Cattle Breeding Terminology - If you're new to the dairy cattle business, you might find this list helpful.