Selection and Management of Natural Service Sires in Dairy Herds

Abstract

Dairymen and veterinary consultants alike should be aware of the unique management factors associated with use of bulls in dairies as compared to beef herds, as well as the additional safety concerns. Management factors that should be considered when using bulls in dairies include the high calcium, high energy and relatively lower fiber rations of lactating dairy cows, the use of potentially high risk by-product feed ingredients such as cottonseed, and the potentially harmful effects of confinement housing and concrete on estrus detection and service rate. Other considerations are general health, difference in average age of bulls being used as compared to beef herds, and the resulting issues regarding libido, and the potentially high risk of turnover in service sires as a result of the combination of these factors. The objective of this paper is to provide veterinarians with information to help dairy producers improve the management of their natural service sire programs. While this paper doesn’t discuss the specific economic costs associated with use of natural service sires, it does offer suggestions to improve the efficiency of their use.