Reproduction in three genetic lines of dairy cattle housed a total confinement system

Dairy cattle of three genetic lines maintained year round in total confinement (either in loose housing or tie stall barn) were monitored for estrous cycle activity and reproductive performance. Only 54% of the 492 cows calving over a 12 month interval were observed in estrus at least once between parturition and day 55 postpartum. There was a significant genetic line by barn interaction in the detection of estrus mainly because more cows of the Ayrshire line were observed in estrus in the tie stall barn (75%) compared to cows of the same line in the loose housing barn (48%). Month of calving had no effect on the subsequent detection of estrus. Conceptions to either first, second, third or fourth and greater services were 43, 44, 43 and 37%, respectively. Cows housed in the loose housing barn had significantly more days open than cows in the tie stall barn. Season of calving had no effect on the subsequent reproductive performance. Failure to detect estrus was the major problem for not obtaining a 12 month calving interval.