Progress 01/15/21 to 01/02/25
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences reached include dairy farmers, the AI industry, nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists. This has been accomplished through in-person meetings, webinars, lay press articles, peer-reviewed abstracts presented at scientific meetings, and lay press articles. Changes/Problems:In addition to the work described in the proposal, we have begun an embryo transfer study to determine the role of semen sexing on early embryo development and pregnancy loss. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The student funded on this project, Ms. Megan Lauber, is continuing her research work towards her PhD degree in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. Ms. Lauber was awarded a USDA Predoctoral proposal in 2024 and will continue her work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Specific Aim 3 was the extension thrust to disseminate research-based recommendations to optimize use of sexed semen in dairy herds. Reproductive management strategies and technologies recommended to and implemented by dairy farmers over the duration of this grant were developed from the nonbiased data generated from randomized, controlled field trials in Specific Aim 1 as well as economic modeling data in Specific Aim 2. I developed a presentation entitled "Optimizing Use of Sexed Semen in Dairy Herds" as part of Specific Aim 3 to summarize research results and formulate recommendations for optimizing use of sexed semen in dairy herds. I presented this talk through webinars and in-person meetings to veterinarians and dairy farmers throughout Wisconsin, nationally, and internationally so they can better optimize use of sexed semen in their herds. Several lay press articles were published as the data from Aims 1 were generated. I also collaborated with regional dairy extension agents in Wisconsin to deliver the Badger Dairy Insight webinar series (https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu/badger-dairy-insight/) as well as an annual Wisconsin Repro Road Show in 2023 and 2024. Data generated from this grant remain cutting edge and will be continued to be presented through my extension program into the future. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Experiment 1, under Specific Aim 1 was a comparison of reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen based on expression of estrus, pregnancy outcomes, and cost per pregnancy (J. Dairy Sci. 104:12953-12967). Our objective was to evaluate reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen. We found that delaying PRID removal by 24 h within a 5-d PRID-Synch protocol in Experiment 1 suppressed early expression of estrus before Timed AI, and fertility for heifers inseminated with conventional semen did not differ between treatments. By contrast, although delaying CIDR removal by 24 h within a 5-CIDR-Synch protocol in Experiment 2 suppressed early expression of estrus before Timed AI, delaying CIDR removal by 24 h tended to decrease fertility for heifers inseminated with sexed semen. Further, submission of heifers to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol for first AI tended to increase fertility and decrease the cost per pregnancy compared to EDAI heifers. Based on these results, we have developed and delivered practical recommendations for dairy farmers that allow for optimization of reproductive performance of dairy heifers inseminated with sexed semen (Aim 3). Experiment 2 under Specific Aim 1 was a characterization of semen type prevalence and allocation in Holstein and Jersey females in the United States (J. Dairy Sci. 106:3748-3760). Our objective was to characterize semen type prevalence and allocation to inseminate U.S. Holstein and Jersey females by year, parity, service number and herd size. A secondary objective was to identify the prevalence of beef breed sires selected to create beef x Holstein and beef x Jersey crossbred calves. The final data set included 8,244,653 total inseminations of 4,880,752 Holstein females across 9,155 herds and 435,267 total inseminations of 266,058 Jersey females across 2,759 herds from October 2019 to July 2021. This data set represents approximately 42% and 27% of the total dairy cows and heifers, respectively, across approximately 40% of the total licensed dairy herds in the continental U.S. We found that inseminations with sexed and beef semen increased over time which is driven primarily by larger farms that allocate semen type differentially based on parity and service number. These data have been widely used in my extension program to illustrate how dairy farmers are changing reproductive management strategies using sexed and beef semen over time (Aim 3). Experiment 3 under Specific Aim 1 was the effect of postpartum body condition score change on pregnancy outcomes of lactating Jersey cows inseminated at first service with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen after a synchronized estrus versus a synchronized ovulation (J. Dairy Sci. 107:2524-2542). Our objective was to determine if subpopulations of lactating Jersey cows selected for insemination with sexed or beef semen can be managed to prioritize detection of estrus versus synchronized ovulation protocols while maintaining fertility. We found that submission of lactating Jersey cows to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination was a more effective strategy to maximize fertility at first insemination, particularly for cows with excessive BCS loss, regardless of semen type and expression of estrus than for cows inseminated after a synchronized estrus. Based on these results, we have developed and delivered practical recommendations for dairy farmers that allow for optimization of reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows inseminated with sexed semen (Aim 3). Experiment 4 under Specific Aim 1 was to determine the association between insemination eligibility and reproductive performance of nulliparous heifers on subsequent body weight and milk production of primiparous Holstein cows (JDS Communications 4:428-432). The body weight of primiparous cows is positively associated with milk production during first lactation. The association between insemination eligibility and reproductive performance of heifers with primiparous body weight at 30 DIM and milk production, however, is not well characterized. We analyzed a data set of 1,849 primiparous Holstein cows that included respiratory disease and insemination records of heifers and subsequent body weight and milk production of primiparous cows. Insemination eligibility and reproductive performance, respiratory disease incidence, and genetic potential were associated with primiparous body weight at 30 DIM and milk production at 4, 8 and 12 wk of lactation. Based on these results, we have developed and delivered practical recommendations for dairy farmers that allow for optimization of heifer growth at the time of first insemination in dairy heifers inseminated with sexed semen (Aim 3). The goal of Specific Aim 2 was to develop an economic simulation model to assess the effect of reproductive performance, semen type, and heifer completion rate on the optimal insemination eligibility period for lactating dairy cows. The manuscript from this project is under preparation and will be submitted to the Journal of Dairy Science in the first quarter of 2025. We developed a discrete, monthly Markov-chain model to simulate a 1,000-cow dairy to assess the herd dynamics and economics of scenarios with varying 21-d pregnancy rates, semen types, and insemination eligibility periods. We varied the insemination eligibility period (IEP) for cows from 50 to 260 d in each scenario to determine an optimal IEP defined as the period with the maximum net return (NR) while generating sufficient replacements to maintain herd size. Sensitivity analyses conducted included varied beef calf prices, heifer completion rates, and 21-d pregnancy rates. As expected, increasing the beef calf price increased NR. In S+B scenarios, the optimal IEP remained 170 d regardless of heifer completion rates and 21-d pregnancy rates, except for low and below-average herds with 75 to 80% or 75% heifer completion rates, respectively, because of insufficient replacements. Increasing the 21-d pregnancy rate from 30 to 40% increased NR by $30.18 and $25.03 for CON and S+B scenarios with a 170 d IEP, respectively. We conclude that the optimal IEP is dependent on the herd 21-d pregnancy rate, semen type, and heifer completion rate, and that increasing the 21-d pregnancy rate increased NR regardless of semen type. These results will be developed into an online decision-making tool made available to dairy farmers (Aim 3).
Publications
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2024. Effect of postpartum body condition score change on the pregnancy outcomes of lactating Jersey cows inseminated at first service with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen after a synchronized estrus versus a synchronized ovulation. J. Dairy Sci. 107:25242542.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., V. E. Cabrera, and P. M. Fricke. 2024. An economic simulation model to assess the effect of reproductive performance, semen type, and heifer completion rate on the optimal insemination eligibility period for lactating dairy cows. NAAB 29th Technical Conference on Artificial Insemination and Reproduction.
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., E. M. Cabrera, V. G. Santos, P. D. Carvalho, C. Maia, B. Carneiro, A. Valenza, V. E. Cabrera, J. J. Parrish, and P. M. Fricke. 2021. Comparison of reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen based on expression of estrus, pregnancy outcomes, and cost per pregnancy. J. Dairy Sci. 104:1295312967.
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., F. Pe�agaricano, R. H. Fourdraine, J. S. Clay, and P. M. Fricke. 2023. Characterization of semen type prevalence and allocation in Holstein and Jersey females in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 106:37483760.
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2023. The association between insemination eligibility and reproductive performance of nulliparous heifers on subsequent body weight and milk production of primiparous Holstein cows. JDS Communications 4:428432.
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Progress 01/15/23 to 01/14/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences for this reporting period include: veterinarians, dairy farmers, regional extension agents, the AI industry. Changes/Problems:In addition to the work described in the proposal, we are conducting an in vitro study to determine the role of semen sexing on sperm physiology and early embryo development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The PhD student on this proposal, Ms. Megan Lauber, is continuing her research work towards herdegree in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Research-based data generated from Specific Aim 1 have been presented to veterinarians, dairy farmers, the AI industry, and dairy consultants through in-person extension meetings and webinars through local, national, and international meetings and workshops. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The remaining work to be conducted is the development of a decision-based modeling tool described in Specific Aim 2.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For Specific Aim 1, both the heifer and lactating cow field trials have been completed and published. Objectives for Specific Aim 2 are ongoing. For Specific Aim 3, research-based data generated from Specific Aim 1have been presented to veterinarians, dairy farmers, the AI industry, and dairy consultants through in-person extension meetings and webinars through local, national, and international meetings and workshops.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., F. Pe�agaricano, R. H. Fourdraine, J. S. Clay, and P. M. Fricke. 2023. Characterization of semen type prevalence and allocation in Holstein and Jersey females in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 106:37483760.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22494
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2023. The association between insemination eligibility and reproductive performance of nulliparous heifers on subsequent body weight and milk production of primiparous Holstein cows. JDS Communications 4:428432.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2023-0372
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2024. Effect of postpartum body condition score change on the pregnancy outcomes of lactating Jersey cows inseminated at first service with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen after a synchronized estrus versus a synchronized ovulation. J. Dairy Sci. 107:(in press).
https://https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23892
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2023. Fertility of lactating Jersey cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination or artificial insemination after a synchronized estrus based on synchrony and expression of estrus. J. Dairy Sci. 106(Suppl 1):433.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Lauber, M. R. and P. M. Fricke. 2023. Effect of synchrony and expression of oestrus on fertility of lactating Jersey cows submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol for timed artificial insemination or artificial insemination after a synchronized oestrus. 11th International Ruminant Reproduction Symposium, Gallway, Ireland.
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Progress 01/15/22 to 01/14/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Bovine practitioners, AI industry, nutritionists, regional ag agents, farmers Changes/Problems:We analyzed a data set of insemination records of U.S. Holstein and Jersey females from 2019 to 2021 representing approximately 42% and 27% of the total dairy cows and heifers, respectively, across approximately 40% of the total licensed dairy herds in the U.S. This was an additional analysis not included in the original proposal. This analysis will be published in the Journal of Dairy Science in2023. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project is part of the requirementfor a Ph.D. degree for my current graduate research assistant. In addition, information generated thus far has been used for continuing education credits for bovine practitioners through my extension program. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?2022 finally marked a full return to in-person extension meetings, and I was invited to be the keynote speaker for the Wisconsin Repro Road Show in March and April. These meetings were held for veterinarians and their clients in 8 locations; 6 in Wisconsin (Reedsville, Stratford, Waunakee, Dodgeville, Weyauwega and Watertown), and in Lena, IL and Calmar, IA. A total of 445 people attended these meetings. I developed a new talk entitled "Building a Foundational Repro Program" in which I discussed recent research in four main topic areas: 1) achieving excellent herd repro; 2) the high fertility cycle; 3) optimizing heifer development and reproduction; and 4) increasing fertility of heifers and cows inseminated with sexed semen. Data from this project were also disseminated nationally through presentations at the Zoetis Large Herd Vet Owners meeting in Columbus, OH, the National Association of Animal Breeders Technical Conference in Milwaukee, WI, and the National Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council meeting in Madison, WI. This information was also disseminated through national podcasts for the Valley Ag Software Podcast, the Dairy Podcast Show, and the Dairy Intelligent Podcast. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For Specific Aim 1, we have completed the two proposed field trials and we will be working on the in vitro experiment. ForSpecific Aim 2, we will begin developing economic decision-making tools for optimizing heifer inventory management, herd turnover rate, and semen type use in dairy herds using data from Specific Aim 1.Specific Aim 3, to deliver research-based data generated in Specific Aim 1 supported by economic decision-making tools in Specific Aim 2 to the dairy industry through a nationwide multi-platform extension program will be ongoing.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Increased reproductive performance in lactating dairy cows allows for adoption of other reproductive technologies such as sexed and beef semen, but the prevalence and allocation of sexed and beef semen in U.S. dairy herds is not well known. We analyzed a data set that included 8,244,653 total inseminations of 4,880,752 Holstein females across 9,155 herds and 435,267 total inseminations of 266,058 Jersey females across 2,759 herds from October 2019 to July 2021. This data set representsapproximately 42% and 27% of the total dairy cows and heifers, respectively, across approximately 40% of the total licensed dairy herds in the U.S. Inseminations with sexed and beef semen increased over time which was driven primarily by larger farms that allocate semen type differentially based on parity and service number.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., P. D. Carvalho, and P. M. Fricke. 2022. Fertility of Jersey cows inseminated with sexed Jersey or conventional beef semen and submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol and timed artificial insemination versus artificial insemination after synchronization of estrus. J. Dairy Sci. 105(Suppl 1):144.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., E. M. Cabrera, V. G. Santos, P. D. Carvalho, C. Maia, B. Carneiro, A. Valenza, V. E. Cabrera, J. J. Parrish, and P. M. Fricke. 2021. Comparison of reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen based on expression of estrus, pregnancy outcomes, and cost per pregnancy. J. Dairy Sci. 104:1295312967.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., F. Pe�agaricano, R. H. Fourdraine, J. H. Clay, and P. M. Fricke. 2022. Characterization of semen type allocation in Jersey females in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 105(Suppl 1):313.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., F. Pe�agaricano, R. H. Fourdraine, J. H. Clay, and P. M. Fricke. 2022. Characterization of semen type allocation in Holstein females in the United States. J. Dairy Sci. 105(Suppl 1):312.
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Progress 01/15/21 to 01/14/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences reached include dairy farmers, the AI industry, nutritionists, veterinarians, and scientists. This has been accomplished through in-person meetings, webinars, lay press articles, peer-reviewed abstracts presented at scientific meetings, and a peer-reviewed publication. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Megan Lauber is the Ph.D. student currently being trained through the objectives of this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated both nationally and internationally through in-person meetings, webinars, scientific abstracts, and a peer-reviewed research paper. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We have initiated the second proposed field trial under Specific Aim 1, which should be completed early in 2022. In 2022, we will begin to work on the economic decision tools proposed under Specific Aim 2. We will continue to disseminate information generated from this proposal in 2022 through my national and international extension program.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Under Specific Aim 1, one of the two proposed field trials has been completed and is now in press and awaiting publication. First field trial: Delaying CIDR removal by 24 h within a 5-d PRID-Synch or a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol suppressed early expression of estrus before timed artificial insemination (TAI) but decreased pregnancies per AI (P/AI) for heifers inseminated with sexed but not conventional semen. Further, submission of heifers to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol for first AI tended to increase P/AI and decrease the cost per pregnancy compared to heifers submitted for first AI based on once-daily detection of estrus after treatment with PGF2α. Actual farm costs (US$) were used to calculate the cost per pregnancy for individual heifers that became pregnant during the 84-d breeding period. Overall, submitting heifers to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol decreased total costs per pregnancy by $16.66 compared to EDAI heifers submitted to estrus detection for first service. The increased reproductive performance decreased the total cost per pregnancy compared to EDAI heifers by decreasing feed costs due to decreased days on feed. When feed costs were ≥ $1.75 per heifer/d, heifers submitted to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol had a decreased total cost per pregnancy compared to EDAI heifers. Thus, submitting nulliparous heifers to a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol is an efficient and economical strategy for first insemination when inseminating heifers with sexed semen. Under Specific Aim 3, we have disseminated information from our research to the dairy industry through my extension program.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Lauber, M. R., E. M. Cabrera, V. G. Santos, P. D. Carvalho, C. Maia, B. Carneiro, A. Valenza, V. E. Cabrera, J. J. Parrish, and P. M. Fricke. 2021. Comparison of reproductive management programs for submission of Holstein heifers for first insemination with conventional or sexed semen based on expression of estrus, pregnancy outcomes, and cost per pregnancy. J. Dairy Sci. (in press).
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