Assessing Reproductive Performance, Milk Yield, and Influential Factors in Dairy Cows: A Comprehensive Investigation into Productivity and Efficiency
Abstract
The dairy industry is under constant pressure to enhance productivity and efficiency to meet growing global demand for dairy products. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the reproductive performance, milk yield, and influential factors affecting productivity in dairy cows. Through a systematic review of existing literature and empirical data collection, we aim to provide insights that can inform management practices and improve overall efficiency in dairy farming operations. The reproductive performance of dairy cows plays a critical role in determining the sustainability and profitability of dairy operations. Factors such as age at first calving, calving interval, and conception rate significantly influence reproductive efficiency. Our analysis reveals the importance of timely insemination, proper nutrition, and health management in optimizing reproductive outcomes. Milk yield is another key determinant of dairy farm profitability. We explore various factors affecting milk production, including genetics, nutrition, management practices, and environmental factors. Our findings underscore the significance of balanced nutrition, genetic selection, and herd management strategies in maximizing milk yield while ensuring cow welfare and sustainability. Furthermore, we investigate the interplay between reproductive performance and milk yield, recognizing their interconnectedness in dairy cow productivity. Effective reproductive management not only ensures timely pregnancies but also influences lactation cycles and milk production.
References
[2] Shao, B.; Sun, H.; Ahmad, M.J.; Ghanem, N.; Abdel-Shafy, H.; Du, C.; Deng, T.; Mansoor, S.; Zhou, Y.; Yang, Y.; et al. Genetic Features of Reproductive Traits in Bovine and Buffalo: Lessons from Bovine to Buffalo. Front. Genet. 2021, 12, 617128.
[3] Van der Westhuizen, H.C.; Mohlapo, T.D.; De Klerk, J.D.; Majola, S.E.; Snyman, H.A.; Neser, F.W.C. Reproduction Performance of Beef Cattle before and after Implementing a Sustainable Grazing System in a Semi-Arid Grassland of Southern Africa. S. Afr. J. Agric. Ext. 2020, 48, 112–121.
[4] Mthi, S.; Nyangiwe, N.; Thubela, T.; Nyalambisa, N.; Madyibi, Z.; Yawa, M. Cattle Production and Breeding Practice in Communal Farming System in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Rural Dev. 2020, 13, 13.
[5] Budisatria, I.G.S.; Guntoro, B.; Sulfiar, A.E.T.; Ibrahim, A.; Atmoko, B.A. Reproductive Management and Performances of Bali Cow Kept by Smallholder Farmers Level with Different Production Systems in South Konawe Regency, Indonesia. IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 2021, 782, 022079.
[6] Nengovhela, N.B.; Mugwabana, T.J.; Nephawe, K.A.; Nedambale, T.L. Accessibility to Reproductive Technologies by Low-Income Beef Farmers in South Africa. Front. Vet. Sci. 2021, 8, 1–13.
[7] Olasege, B.S.; Tahir, M.S.; Gouveia, G.C.; Kour, J.; Porto-Neto, L.R.; Hayes, B.J.; Fortes, M.R.S.; Olasege, B.S.; Tahir, M.S.; Gouveia, G.C.; et al. Genetic Parameter Estimates for Male and Female Fertility Traits Using Genomic Data to Improve Fertility in Australian Beef Cattle. Anim. Prod. Sci. 2021, 23, 2–20.
[8] Kaurivi, Y.B.; Laven, R.A.; Hickson, R.; Parkinson, T.P.; Stafford, K.J. Assessing Extensive Cow-Calf Welfare in Namibia: Feasibility of Adapting a New Zealand Beef Cow Welfare Assessment Protocol. J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci. 2021, 24, 1–11.
[9] Nazhat, S.A.; Aziz, A.; Zabuli, J.; Rahmati, S. Importance of Body Condition Scoring in Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows: A Review. Open J. Vet. Med. 2021, 11, 272–288.
[10] Hassan, H.; Dubad, A.; Muse, M.; Ali, A.; Ali, B. Assessment of Reproductive Efficiency and Herd Dynamics of Local Cattle Breeds in Benadir Region, Somalia. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 2020, 8, 1100–1108.
[11] Nugroho, W.; Aditya, S.; Swastomo, R.; Aulanni’am, A. Productivity, Absence of a Bull and Endoparasitic Nematodiosis in Beef Cattle Farms in an Upland Area of East Java, Indonesia. Vet. World 2020, 13, 1982–1987.
[12] Omer, E.A.M.; Addo, S.; Roessler, R.; Schäler, J.; Hinrichs, D. Exploration of Production Conditions: A Step towards the Development of a Community-Based Breeding Program for Butana Cattle. Trop. Anim. Health Prod. 2020, 53, 9.
[13] Saengwong, S.; Intawicha, P.; Phuwisaranakom, P. Assisting Knowledge Dissemination of Postpartum Beef Cows Management Using Smartphone-Based Technology. Walailak J. Sci. Technol. (WJST) 2021, 18, 10695.
[14] Craig, A.L.; Gordon, A.W.; Hamill, G.; Ferris, C.P. Milk Composition and Production Efficiency within Feed-To-Yield Systems on Commercial Dairy Farms in Northern Ireland. Animals 2022, 14, 1771.
[15] Cabezas-Garcia, E.H.; Gordon, A.W.; Mulligan, F.J.; Ferris, C.P. Revisiting the Relationships between Fat-to-Protein Ratio in Milk and Energy Balance in Dairy Cows of Different Parities, and at Different Stages of Lactation. Animals 2021, 11, 3256.
[16] Tedde, A.; Grelet, C.; Ho, P.N.; Pryce, J.E.; Hailemariam, D.; Wang, Z.Q.; Plastow, G.; Gengler, N.; Froidmont, E.; Dehareng, F.; et al. Multiple Country Approach to Improve the Test-Day Prediction of Dairy Cows’ Dry Matter Intake. Animals 2021, 11, 5.
[17] Fischer, A.; Edouard, N.; Faverdin, P. Precision feed restriction improves feed and milk efficiencies and reduces methane emissions of less efficient lactating Holstein cows without impairing their performance. J. Dairy Sci. 2020, 103, 4408–4422.
