REPRODUCTIVE INDICES
Reproductive indices are indicators of the reproductive performance of a herd (days open, calving interval, etc.).
They can be calculated when reproductive events in the herd have been properly recorded. Reproductive indices allow us to identify areas of improvement, to set realistic reproductive goals, to monitor progress, and to identify problems at early stages.
In addition, reproductive indices may be used to investigate the history of problems (infertility and others). Most indices for a herd are calculated as the average performance of individual cows. Thus in small herds, the evaluation of reproductive performance may be shifted from herd average to individual cow performance.
Importance of Recordkeeping
Filling out record sheets only to file them away is not productive. Records must be summarized to provide useful information. Each animal must be identified properly and each event must be recorded correctly to obtain reproductive indices that are truly representative of the herd’s performance.
Accurate record keeping allows:
- Calculation of reproductive indices;
- Prediction of future events (heat or calving). Anticipation of future reproductive events is critical to managing a dairy herd properly. For example, heat detection may be improved and cows may be dried so the cow has 50 to 60 days of rest (dry period) between lactations.
The following presents an example of a record sheet that may be used to keep a permanent record of the history of each cow in the herd.
