Optimising reproductive management to maximise dairy herd health and production

Table of contents 1 Introduction 2 Grouping animals to measure individual animal reproduction limits 3 Measuring reproductive performance 4 Production-related reproductive indices for pasture-based seasonally calving herds 5 Diagnostic reproductive indices for pasture-based seasonally calving herds 6 Production-related reproductive indices in year-round calving herds 7 Indices used to diagnose causes of inadequate herd reproduction 8 Monitoring bull breeding 9 Management of herd limits to reproduction: anoestrus 10 Clinical examination and treatment of anoestrous cows 11 Improving oestrus detection 12 Controlled breeding programmes for oestrus synchronisation 13 The role of nutrition in limiting and optimising reproduction 14 Managing abortion 15 Conclusion and future trends 16 Where to look for further information 17 References