Reproductive Management Strategies for Dairy and Beef Cows

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 1527

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
Interests: dairy cow; beef cattle; animal reproduction; reproductive strategy and management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The adoption of reproductive technologies and adequate reproductive management practices has been vital in the acquisition of superior genetics, enabling  rapid genetic improvements in herds in recent decades. The dairy industry has greatly benefitted from this, with reports of only 10.7% of dairy operations adopting a natural service by 2014. This rapid adoption of reproductive technologies has enhanced the efficiency of milk production, with the United States dairy industry producing 84.3 billion kg of milk with an inventory of 9.2 million cows in the year 2007; this is in contrast to 53 billion kg of milk and an inventory of 25.6 million cows in 1944. Nevertheless, the genetic selection of dairy animals has been focused on high achieving yields of milk, resulting in the decreased fertility of lactating cows over the years; indeed, the peak of infertility was observed around the year 2000. An adequate understanding of high-producing lactating cows has enabled the development of novel reproductive management practices that have resulted in the increased fertility of dairy females.

In the beef industry, several reproductive technologies and management practices have been developed in recent decades and contributed to the promotion of cow–calf operations; these include, but are not limited to, an enhancement in the accessibility of superior genetics, the induction of cyclicity in anestrous females, and early calving. Nevertheless, the adoption of reproductive technologies by beef producers has been slow, and the development of proper reproductive management practices aimed at improving the reproductive efficiency of beef herds is required in order to enhance the adoptability of reproductive technologies by the beef industry. We are pleased to invite you to submit your work related to the area of reproductive management strategies for beef and dairy cows.

This Special Issue aims to highlight and provide insights into current research addressing the development of novel reproductive management strategies that could enhance the reproductive efficiency of beef and dairy cows. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • The development of novel estrus synchronization programs;
  • The development of novel vaccine programs that result in improved reproductive efficiency;
  • Nutritional strategies that result in improved reproductive efficiency;
  • Management strategies that improve reproductive efficiency.

Dr. Nicholas Wege Dias
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bovine reproduction
  • reproductive technology and management
  • theriogenology
  • endocri-nology

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Ovsynch and Double Ovsynch Protocols with Single and Double Insemination in Holstein Dairy Cows: Reproductive Performance and Cost Analysis
by Daniel Ionut Berean, Liviu Marian Bogdan and Raluca Cimpean
Animals 2025, 15(16), 2380; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162380 - 13 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigated the reproductive and economic costs of four estrus synchronization protocols in multiparous Holstein dairy cows: Ovsynch with one or two artificial inseminations (AIs), and Double Ovsynch with one or two AIs. A total of 216 clinically healthy cows were randomly [...] Read more.
This study investigated the reproductive and economic costs of four estrus synchronization protocols in multiparous Holstein dairy cows: Ovsynch with one or two artificial inseminations (AIs), and Double Ovsynch with one or two AIs. A total of 216 clinically healthy cows were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups (n = 54 each). Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal ultrasonography at 33 days post insemination. Economic calculations included the cost of hormonal treatments, insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis, reflecting market prices in large scale Romanian dairy operations. The highest pregnancy rate (64.8%) and lowest cost per confirmed pregnancy (EUR 89.51) were achieved in the group treated with Double Ovsynch followed by a single AI. The standard Ovsynch protocol with one AI yielded the lowest conception rate (42.6%), indicating limited effectiveness under fixed-time AI conditions. These findings suggest that Double Ovsynch with a single insemination is the most effective and economically viable protocol for reproductive management in intensively managed dairy herds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Management Strategies for Dairy and Beef Cows)
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14 pages, 461 KiB  
Article
Tandem Administration of Prostaglandin F and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Beef Heifers and Cows as a Convergent Presynchronization Method in the 7 & 7 Synch Protocol
by Lucas J. Palcheff, Genevieve M. VanWye, Kimberly R. Ricardo, Kendal L. Green, Franklin J. Even, Samantha R. Roberts, Adella B. Lonas, Christine M. Spinka, Scott E. Poock, Saulo Menegatti Zoca, Jessica N. Drum and Jordan M. Thomas
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1329; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091329 - 5 May 2025
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Abstract
An experiment was designed to evaluate modifications to the 7 & 7 Synch protocol, with the hypothesis that tandem administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the presynchronization portion of the protocol would generate a convergent ovarian response among anestrous [...] Read more.
An experiment was designed to evaluate modifications to the 7 & 7 Synch protocol, with the hypothesis that tandem administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) during the presynchronization portion of the protocol would generate a convergent ovarian response among anestrous and estrous cycling females. Nulliparous, primiparous, and multiparous Angus and Angus-cross females were blocked based on parity and pre-treatment luteal status and, within a block, randomly assigned to one of three treatments. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 Synch treatment (n = 765) received an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR®) and an administration of PG on Day 0, GnRH on Day 7, and PG concurrent with CIDR removal on Day 14. Estrotect™ estrus detection aids were applied on Day 14 at the time of CIDR removal and PG administration. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 + G treatment (n = 769) received the same treatment schedule, with the modification that GnRH was administered in tandem with PG on Day 0. The females assigned to the 7 & 7 + G + P treatment (n = 786) received the same treatment schedule, with the modification that GnRH was administered in tandem with PG on both Days 0 and 7. Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed at 54 ± 2 h (nulliparous) or 66 ± 2 h (primiparous and multiparous) after CIDR removal. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed on Days 7 and 14 to characterize the largest follicle diameter (LFD) and the presence of corpora lutea (CL). Estrus prior to FTAI was characterized using estrus detection aids. Pregnancy status was determined via transrectal ultrasonography approximately 60–100 days after FTAI. The proportion of multiparous females with CL on Day 14 tended to be greater following treatment with 7 & 7 Synch or 7 & 7 + G (90% and 87%, respectively), as compared to females treated with 7 & 7 + G + P (82%; p = 0.09). A greater proportion of multiparous females expressed behavioral estrus prior to FTAI when treated with 7 & 7 + G + P (90%) as compared to multiparous females treated with 7 & 7 + G (79%; p < 0.002) or 7 & 7 Synch (78%; p = 0.0004); however, pregnancy rates resulting from FTAI did not differ based on treatment. In summary, tandem administration of GnRH and PG on Days 0 and 7 of the 7 & 7 Synch protocol effectively generated a convergent ovarian response among females with variable pretreatment luteal status but failed to enhance pregnancy rates to FTAI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Management Strategies for Dairy and Beef Cows)
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Review

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14 pages, 646 KiB  
Review
The Role of Sensor Technologies in Estrus Detection in Beef Cattle: A Review of Current Applications
by Inga Merkelytė, Artūras Šiukščius and Rasa Nainienė
Animals 2025, 15(15), 2313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152313 - 7 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each [...] Read more.
Modern beef cattle reproductive management faces increasing challenges due to the growing global demand for beef. Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor determining the productivity and profitability of beef cattle operations. Optimal reproductive performance in a beef cattle herd is achieved when each cow produces one calf per year, maintaining a calving interval of 365 days. However, this goal is difficult to achieve, as the gestation period in beef cows lasts approximately 280 days, leaving only 80–85 days for successful conception. Traditional methods, such as visual estrus detection, are becoming increasingly unreliable due to expanding herd sizes and the subjectivity of visual observation. Additionally, silent estrus—where ovulation occurs without noticeable behavioral changes—further complicates the accurate estrous-based identification of the optimal insemination period. To enhance reproductive efficiency, advanced technologies are increasingly being integrated into cattle management. Sensor-based monitoring systems, including accelerometers, pedometers, and ruminoreticular boluses, enable the precise tracking of activity changes associated with the estrous cycle. Furthermore, infrared thermography offers a non-invasive method for detecting body temperature fluctuations, allowing for more accurate estrus identification and optimized timing of insemination. The use of these innovative technologies has the potential to significantly improve reproductive efficiency in beef cattle herds and contribute to overall farm productivity and sustainability. The objective of this review is to examine advancements in smart technologies applied to beef cattle reproductive management, presenting commercially available technologies and recent scientific studies on innovative systems. The focus is on sensor-based monitoring systems and infrared thermography for optimizing reproduction. Additionally, the challenges associated with these technologies and their potential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in the beef cattle industry are discussed. Despite the benefits of advanced technologies, their implementation in cattle farms is hindered by financial and technical challenges. High initial investment costs and the complexity of data analysis may limit their adoption, particularly in small and medium-sized farms. However, the continuous development of these technologies and their adaptation to farmers’ needs may significantly contribute to more efficient and sustainable reproductive management in beef cattle production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Management Strategies for Dairy and Beef Cows)
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