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Timing of artificial insemination is critical, with even 24 hours out from the optimal timing having a major effect on fertility. Failure to AI is costly and some cows are incorrectly identified as infertile due to heat is not being observed. A proportion of missed heats are due to the cow failing to display the […]

Managing herd fertility is one of the most important considerations of dairy producers. Poor fertility can have severe economic consequences and problems can easily go unnoticed if adequate monitoring is not in place. Measuring fertility in dairy herds is the first step towards successful management practices. To do this, many farmers use a variety of […]

It’s a well-known fact that cows contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at a relatively high rate. Their digestive systems break down plant matter and produce methane as a by-product. We also know that cows are an extremely important part of the food chain in a number of ways and are a vital source of […]

Last week was Farm Safety Week in Ireland and the UK. Organised by the Farm Safety Foundation, also known as Yellow Wellies, this year marks the 9th annual event. The campaign seeks to reduce the number of accidents on farms, raise awareness, and help farmers develop a culture of safety around their work environment. What […]

Previously, we’ve discussed how progesterone varies during the oestrous cycle of cattle and how identifying heat is one of the most important parts of dairy herd management. Recently we profiled three cows from a local farm in a small pilot study as part of our ongoing commitment to ensure P4Gold is the best it can […]

There are many different strategies for managing herd fertility in dairy herds. From different calving systems to synchronisation and timed artificial insemination, the options are many. P4Gold is a valuable tool, regardless of what system is in place. What is Timed AI? Timed AI is usually used in conjunction with synchronisation programmes. It involves inducing […]

For anyone involved in the dairy industry, this question might have a very clear answer. Milk is, after all, the entire basis of the industry. However, what is it that makes milk such an important aspect of human life? What is it actually made of and why do we drink it? Mammals and lactation In […]

With the shift from using bulls to primarily using artificial insemination to cover cattle, there has been a corresponding push to develop accurate heat detection methods.  A mistimed AI can be expensive and, in the worst case scenarios, cause infection or pregnancy loss. Progesterone tests emerged as one of the best methods of heat detection, […]