| Brookings, S.D. – SDSU Extension is requesting assistance in developing a Dairy Cattle Reproductive Management Course designed for Spanish-speaking and/or English-speaking employees.
Artificial insemination is the primary assisted reproductive technology implemented on dairies worldwide to create pregnancies within a herd. Traditionally, technicians are taught the skill of breeding, however Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, says knowing how to inseminate a cow is not the only factor that influences first service conception rates.
“Therefore, the intention of the course is not to teach ‘how to AI,’ rather, to work with on-farm dairy personnel to develop a stronger reproductive management skillset by having classroom and hands-on instruction in areas that influence reproductive success (i.e. estrous cycle, anatomy, body condition scoring),” Salverson says. “These individuals can improve their own skillset and take it back to the other employees on the farm.”
To help determine the need and development of the course, SDSU Extension is inviting individuals involved in the U.S. dairy industry to complete a survey (https://dairycattlereproductivemanagement.questionpro.com/). The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, is open now through May 1.
“This is a unique course we are exploring, since it is designed for both Spanish-speaking and/or English-speaking employees, and we would value the input of on-farm managers, technicians and industry [professionals],” Salverson says. |
