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Related Experiment Videos

Optimizing replacement decisions for Finnish dairy herds.

P J Rajala-Schultz1, Y T Gröhn, H G Allore

  • 1Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. rajala-schultz.1@osu.edu

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica
|August 31, 2000
PubMed
Summary

An optimized dairy herd structure involves calving in September for maximum net present value, with an average calving interval of 363 days and 48.2 months of herdlife. Seasonal milk pricing influences optimal calving patterns.

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Area of Science:

  • Dairy science
  • Agricultural economics
  • Animal production systems

Background:

  • Dairy herd management involves complex decisions regarding insemination and replacement.
  • Optimizing herd structure is crucial for maximizing profitability in seasonal milk markets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the optimal structure of a dairy herd regarding calving patterns, herdlife, and calving interval.
  • To evaluate the sensitivity of optimal solutions to input price changes in the Finnish dairy market.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized an optimization model with Finnish input values for dairy cow insemination and replacement.
  • Objective was to maximize the expected net present value (NPV) from present and replacement cows.

Main Results:

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  • Optimal calving month was September, maximizing replacement heifer NPV.
  • Average calving interval was 363 days, with average herdlife of 48.2 months (approx. 4 lactations).
  • Seasonal milk pricing led to highest revenues in December and lowest in July, influencing calving and replacement frequencies.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal herd structure balances seasonal milk pricing and production, favoring fall calving.
  • Herdlife and replacement percentages showed limited sensitivity to changes in calf, carcass, or feed prices.
  • Replacement heifer prices significantly impacted average herdlife and replacement rates.