How a New Repro Approach May Give Dairies an Economic Edge

Research shows an $87 per head average annual profit advantage from targeted reproduction management

There may be money on the table for dairy producers using a reproductive approach that combines monitoring technology and synchronization, according to new research published in the Journal of Dairy Science in 2025. Targeted reproductive management (TRM) uses natural heat information collected from monitoring technology to determine the best reproductive protocols for each cow. This offers a more strategic — and profitable — approach compared to breeding based on activity data or blanket synchronization protocols alone.

We know reproductive performance drives profitability and having cow monitoring data opens the door for greater gains, especially when facing reproductive hurdles. The Florida dairies in the study were challenged by heat detection and implemented TRM. On average, the dairies in the study saw a profit increase of $87 per head, per year.¹

The study compared reproductive performance of cows in a Double Ovsynch protocol and timed artificial insemination with those enrolled in a TRM treatment. Cows in the TRM treatment were managed according to early postpartum estrus characteristics. If cows exhibited a strong estrus, they were bred based on monitoring device detected estrus. Those without an intense estrus were enrolled in Double Ovsynch.

So how could TRM deliver results to a dairy’s bottom line? Let’s take a look at four ways this protocol pays off.

1) Improved reproductive efficiency

TRM helps cows get pregnant faster by using heat detection technology and data-driven decision-making. By catching heats earlier and tailoring breeding protocols based on individual cow behavior, TRM leads to faster re-insemination of open cows and higher overall pregnancy success. This difference in reproductive efficiency between the control treatment (i.e., Double Ovsynch followed by visual or visual plus heat detection patches) and TRM was mainly driven by faster re-insemination due to a low percentage of cows detected in estrus in the control group.

In the study, second lactation or greater cows in the TRM group were 25% more likely to become pregnant during their lactation than those in the control group. Cows managed with TRM became pregnant sooner, which translated to fewer days open, fewer costly breedings and a quicker return to peak production.

Previously, the dairy in the study struggled with optimal heat detection. Instead of relying on timed insemination or visual checks alone, monitoring technology allows producers to breed cows at their peak time of estrus when they are most fertile. Studies have shown today’s lactating cows have shorter and less intense estrus, making visually detecting heat a challenge. A University of Wisconsin study demonstrated that high-producing cows had shorter estrus duration, fewer standing events and less total time standing.²

Monitoring technology eliminates the guesswork by using activity data to suggest ideal breeding windows. This approach improves breeding timing, reducing the chances of missed heats or poorly timed inseminations, which are common causes of failed pregnancies and added reproductive cost.

2) Reduce reliance on exogenous hormones

The farm in this study had a 60% decrease in the use of reproductive hormones among cows in the TRM treatment, saving time and labor spent administering injections.

Despite the decrease, the cost of reproductive management was not affected by treatments because the savings on hormones were balanced out by the cost of heat detection technology and managing it. The upside? Producers may be able to invest the same dollars but get better results and improved profitability with improved pregnancy rates and fewer cows culled. What’s even better? Reproductive costs are small relative to other farm expenses.

3) Reduce culling rates and increase herd longevity

Researchers used data to estimate the differences in cash flow between treatments under different conditions.

The average difference between gross profits were between $75 and $100 per cow in favor of the TRM treatment. The higher gross profit in the TRM group was largely driven by lower culling rates.

TRM isn’t just about getting cows pregnant. It helps keep the right cows in the herd longer and limits the cost associated with replacements. In the study, cows in the TRM protocol were more likely to start a new lactation and stay in the herd. Results showed 82.6% of TRM cows started a new lactation compared to 77.2% in the control group. At the same time, fewer cows in the TRM group were sold. This shift in culling rates lowered replacement costs by approximately $89 per cow, making it one of the most impactful contributions to the overall gross profit increase.

4) Stay ahead with advanced monitoring

The same technology that improves heat detection and breeding time can also flag early signs of health issues before they become costly problems. Conditions like lameness or metabolic disorders often show up in monitoring technology reports before symptoms are visibly apparent. Activity and rumination data can help spot warning signs of illness and give you a clearer picture of each cow’s well-being, allowing for quicker intervention and better outcomes. Early action means fewer setbacks, more consistent production and, ultimately, a healthier and more profitable herd.

Reproductive inputs make up a surprisingly small part of the dairy’s total operating costs but have the potential to deliver strong economic returns. Implementing a TRM approach may improve pregnancy rates, lower culling and dramatically reduce replacement costs — one of the biggest expenses on a dairy farm. TRM could turn a modest investment into measurable profit. For farms looking to maintain high fertility more efficiently, this may be a good decision with an economic advantage.

References

1. Chebel, R. C., Gonzalez, T., Montevecchio, A. B., Klibs, G. N., de Vreis, A., Bisinotto, R.S. Targeted reproductive management for lactating Holstein cows: Economic return. J. of Dairy Sci. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25525
2. Lopez, H., Satter, L. D., Wiltbank, M. C. Relationship between level of milk production and estrous behavior of lactating dairy cows. Anim. Repro. Sci. 2024. 81:209–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2003.10.009