Optimal reproductive values

What is the objective for dairy and beef herds?

Main reproductive parameters	Dairy	Beef	Average index in herds
CalvingGiving birth to a calf. index (C.l.)	12 to 13 months	12 months
CalvingGiving birth to a calf. to conception interval (Cal-Con)	< 15% higher than 120 days	< 110 days
1st AI success rate	> 40%	> 50 %
Cows with a 1st AI-to-2nd AI interval between 19 and 23 days	> 50%	Usually not tracked
Requiring a third AI or more	<15 %	More than 70% should be pregnant before the middle of the breeding season in herds with seasonal calvings
AI per pregnant cow	1.8 to 2.5*	1.5 to 2.0
Culled due to infertility	< 6%	< 8%

* Intensive HYDC farms: 2

What is the objective in heifers?

Main reproduction parameters	Heifers
Actively cycling by 15 months old	95%
Weight when served for the 1st time	60% of adult weight (i.e. 400 kg at 15 months)
Body condition	2.5*
Mean daily weight gain	700 to 800 g/day
Age at 1st calvingGiving birth to a calf.	24 months
Conception rate	60 to 65%

* on 0 to 5 scale