8. reproductive management

Question 1

which internal factors affect NSCP

Answer 1

Disease

Age

Question 2

which external factors affect NSCP

Answer 2

Season and weather conditions
BCS
Nutrition
Heat detection

Question 3

what is NSCP/services per conception

Answer 3

number of services / number of pregnancies

Question 4

what is parturition rate

Answer 4

Total number bred / number calved

Question 5

how can parturition rate be increased

Answer 5

Culling known non-pregnant females after the breeding season

Number of offspring produced should be considered in multiparous species

Question 6

how to detect estrus in cows

Answer 6

• cows mount each other (standing= definitely in estrus)
• cows sniff each other
• bare patches on hook or pin bone appear

Question 7

how to detect estrus in ewes and does

Answer 7

• no signs when separated from males
• use of an altered ram
• check estrus twice a day
• mount each other occasionally

Question 8

how to detect estrus in sows

Answer 8

• swollen and red vulva
• watery discharge from vulva
• flat and pink clitoris become more prominent
• restless (climb gates and wires, mount other females)
• high pitched whining

Question 9

when should cows be bred depending on the time of estrus onset

Answer 9

AM: Breed same day
Midday: Breed later same day
PM: Breed next AM

Question 10

when should ewes and does be bred during estrus

Answer 10

12-18 hours after onset

Question 11

when should sows be bred during estrus

Answer 11

24 hours after onset (single breeding)

12 hours after onset (multiple breeding)(increased farrowing by 8-12%)

Question 12

how long does uterine involution take in cows?

Answer 12

45 days + 15 additional days for endometrial healing

Question 13

how long after parturition should a cow be bred for maximum results

Answer 13

first estrus occurring after 60 days post partum

Question 14

how long will sows take before breeding again?

Answer 14

have farrowing heat shortly after parturition but will fail to ovulate
next estrus will occur 7 days after weaning when uterus is recovered

Question 15

explain the dairy herd monitor system

Answer 15

• designed as a revolving circle ( 12 month cycle)
• color coded self adhesive stickers to identify breeding status
• blue: not bred since calving
• red: bred cows programmed for breeding
• yellow: dry cows
• green: confirmed pregnancy

Question 16

why is it good to detect reproductive problems early

Answer 16

• easier to correct problems

- problems corrected early result in less losses

Question 17

what are the standards of comparison for cows

Answer 17

-90% of cows should return to heat 40 days postpartum

60-65% will calve after first service

Question 18

what are the signs of a problem cow

Answer 18

• no conception after 3 services
• un-ivoluted uterus after 60 days post partum
• open more than 100 days

Question 19

give 4 qualities of good sperm samples

Answer 19

• good concentration
• milky-white colour
• > 40% progressive motility
• <25% abnormalities