Reproduction KPI: Boosting Dairy Fertility

Progressus
Aug 6
2 min read

Insights from Dr. Vinai Suwanidcharoen, Independent Dairy Consultant Progressus Agrischool: Dairy Production and Management, Bangkok, Thailand

Efficient reproduction is the cornerstone of a profitable dairy farm. As Dr. Vinai Suwanidcharoen emphasizes, milk production is directly linked to successful reproduction. Improving fertility through careful monitoring and management not only boosts milk yield but also strengthens herd health and economic returns.

Reproduction KPI

Key Performance Indicators for Dairy Fertility

Farmers should focus on the following essential reproduction KPIs:

Calving to First Service Interval: Reducing this helps shorten the calving interval.
Conception Rate: The percentage of inseminations resulting in pregnancy, a critical measure of reproductive success.
21-Day Pregnancy Rate: Tracks the proportion of cows becoming pregnant in each reproductive cycle.
Days Open: The number of days between calving and successful conception—lower values indicate better fertility.
Age at First Calving: Targeting the right age optimizes heifer development and productivity.
ETC

Monitoring these KPIs helps identify inefficiencies and supports timely interventions.

Top Benchmarks to Watch

To drive fertility improvement, aim for these performance targets:

At least 75% of the herd pregnant by 150 days in milk (DIM).
Close to zero cows overdue for insemination past their first service deadline.
21-Day Pregnancy Rate above 28%, reflecting good heat detection and breeding management.
Over 80% of heifers bred and pregnant by 15–17 months old.

These targets provide clear goals to measure success and guide management decisions.

The Fertility Equation: A Simple Diagnostic Tool

Farm fertility results from several factors working together, summarized by:

Fertility %=Heat Detection Accuracy×Herd Fertility×Semen Fertility×Inseminator EfficiencyFertility %=Heat Detection Accuracy×Herd Fertility×Semen Fertility×Inseminator Efficiency

By understanding this, farmers can pinpoint whether issues lie in heat detection, semen quality, or insemination technique, enabling targeted improvements.

Practical Tips for Reproductive Success

Regular pregnancy checks using milk tests, ultrasound, or palpation help identify non-pregnant cows early for rebreeding.
Identify and manage problem cows, including those with reproductive disorders or delayed insemination.
Maintain a voluntary waiting period after calving to allow cows to recover before breeding.

Simplify and Focus

Keep track of:

The number of calvings in the past year
The number of confirmed pregnancies
Set clear pregnancy targets (a good benchmark is 1.1 calvings per cow annually)

By making reproduction data simple and actionable, farms can drive steady improvements that translate into better milk production and profitability.

These insights are part of the Progressus Agrischool: Dairy Production and Management course held in Bangkok, Thailand—designed for dairy professionals seeking practical, science-based solutions to enhance farm productivity. From reproduction KPIs to hands-on herd management strategies, the course offers a deep dive into what truly drives dairy success. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative learning experience.