
DSD 6.11 | The sweet spot - Insemination timing for peak profit
From Dairy Science Digest by reaganbluel
November 17, 2025 · 36 min · Episode 65
About this episode
The episode discusses optimal insemination timing to improve profitability in dairy herds based on recent research findings.
DSD 6.11 | The sweet spot - Insemination timing for peak profit With changes in the marketplace, coupled with increased reproductive performance of your herd there is an increased opportunity to improve net return. While breeding beef and sexed semen is no longer new, our industry has experienced a miscalculation of the ideal number of replacement heifers needed to optimize this model. To ensure you’re on the right path, Megan Lauber , Dr. Paul Fricke and Dr. Victor Cabrera from University of WI recently completed work on a model of the interaction between 21-d Preg rate, semen type, days in milk and heifer survival to find the optimum window – known as the Insemination Eligibility Period (IEP). This metric will soon to be easily monitored with a tool available online. Their model found $51.00 / head improvements in net return when all the metrics are optimized. Listen in for a comprehensive discussion about how to model your herd’s data to customize and therefore optimize your reproductive trajectory and financial success of the future. Topics of discussion 1:33 Introduction of Megan Lauber 2:54 Impact of strategic breeding on the beef semen industry, as of 2025 5:33 Preg Rate's…
People in this episode
Guest: Megan Lauber
Topics covered
- insemination timing
- reproductive performance
- net return
- breeding strategies
- heifer survival
- financial success
Keywords
- insemination eligibility period
- pregnancy rate
- beef semen
- replacement heifers
- reproductive trajectory
- financial optimization
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of WI
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- DSD 7.3 | Generate More Grade 1 Embryos · March 16, 2026 · 32 min
- DSD 7.2 | Take a second look at Sorghum · February 17, 2026 · 36 min
- DSD 7.1 | Deliver more protein to the herd at a lower cost through microbial efficiency · January 16, 2026 · 31 min
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