Methodology to estimate the cost of delayed pregnancy for dairy cows. An example for Argentina

Luciano Cattaneo,Hugo Ortega,Belén Lazzarini,Javier Baudracco

doi:10.1590/s1806-92902015000600005

Luciano Cattaneo, Hugo Ortega + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s1806-92902015000600005

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Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to develop a methodology that implies the use of an electronic spreadsheet to calculate the financial losses of involuntary days open (IDO; every additional day open beyond an optimal calving-to-conception interval) and to show an example of the cost of days open using the proposed methodology. The costs accounted for in the methodology were: milk yield loss, calf crop loss, additional reproductive interventions, and cow replacement costs due to infertility. An example for Argentinean dairy cows in grazing year-round calving systems is presented. Results suggest that milk yield loss and cow replacement due to infertility are the main components determining the final cost of the delayed pregnancy. The methodology presented in this study is simpler than previous methodologies, and can be applied in a wide range of scenarios, using different cow types and regional costs.

Highlights

Reproductive performance plays a major role in determining the profitability of dairy herds (Plazier et al, 1997; Arbel et al, 2001; Meadows et al, 2005; De Vries, 2006)
The objectives of the present study were to develop a methodology that implies the use of an electronic spreadsheet to calculate the financial losses of involuntary days open (IDO; every additional day open beyond an optimal calving-to-conception interval) and to show an example of the cost of days open using the proposed methodology
Results suggest that milk yield loss and cow replacement due to infertility are the main components determining the final cost of the delayed pregnancy

Summary

Introduction

Reproductive performance plays a major role in determining the profitability of dairy herds (Plazier et al, 1997; Arbel et al, 2001; Meadows et al, 2005; De Vries, 2006). Several authors have demonstrated that delayed pregnancy, i.e., additional days open beyond the optimal calving-to-conception interval (CCI), are expensive to the system (Groenendaal et al, 2004; Meadows et al, 2005; De Vries, 2006). De Vries (2006) calculated an economic value of US$ 3.2 to US$ 5.1 per cow per day in US dairy farms, when average days open increased from 112 to 166, heifer replacement being the main determinant of the total value. Lower costs have been reported in a study from Pennsylvania (US), with a range between US$ 0.1 and 3.0 per cow per day, depending on the availability of replacement heifers, average herd lactation number, milk production level, and calving interval (Groenendaal et al, 2004). On most dairy farms, calving takes place all year round, and the calving interval is about 13-14 months (CCI of 110 to 140 days) (Haumann and Wattiaux, 1999)

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