Farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herds / by Fleur Belinda Webster.

This survey represents the first detailed report evaluating the effects of reproductive management and farmer demographics on reproductive performance in New South Wales dairy herds. Univariate analysis (Chapter 4) found no overwhelming factor or factors determining reproductive performance, but rather a number of different and sometimes infrequent events that influenced the outcome. Not surprisingly, herds with a longer interval for 75% of cows to recalve had a longer perceived time to first mating, a longer target time to first mating and a longer number of estimated days to first service. Other differences between groups associated with poor reproductive performance included use of embryo transfer programs; younger managers; fewer breedings per day; Holstein-Friesian herds; a greater number of people detecting heats; fewer hours spent detecting heats while handling the cows; and a failure to vaccinate bulls for vibriosis. In addition, managers of herds with poor reproductive performance were not as active in seeking veterinary assistance or advice and were attempting to treat reproductive diseases and disorders themselves