Breeding practices on Illinois Holstein farms.

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Dairy Management
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Dairy Herd Improvement programs collect vital breeding data.
• Understanding breeding practices is crucial for optimizing dairy herd performance.
• Holstein herds represent a significant segment of the dairy industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between various breeding practices and rolling herd average milk production in Illinois Holstein herds.
• To identify specific breeding strategies associated with increased milk yields.
• To analyze the importance of different traits in bull and cow selection.

Main Methods:

• A survey questionnaire was distributed to 1,148 Illinois Holstein herds enrolled in the Dairy Herd Improvement program.
• Response rate analysis based on herd milk production levels was conducted.
• Statistical associations between breeding practices and rolling herd average milk production were examined.

Main Results:

• Practices like increased bull numbers, self-selection of bulls, artificial insemination use, multiple artificial insemination organizations, and young sire program participation were positively linked to higher milk production.
• Conversely, using an artificial insemination technician as bull selector and prioritizing calving ease for heifers and cows showed negative associations with milk production.
• For bull selection, udder conformation and Predicted Difference milk were paramount; for cow selection, milk production, udder conformation, feet and legs, and fat percentage were most valued.

Conclusions:

• Breeding management decisions, including bull selection and utilization of artificial insemination, are key drivers of milk production efficiency.
• The emphasis on calving ease in breeding strategies may need re-evaluation in relation to maximizing milk yield.
• Dairy producers prioritize traits like milk production and udder health in their selection processes.