Activity Devices

Maximising Reproductive Performance with Activity Devices and Synchronisation Programs     Dr. Paul M. Fricke University of Wisconsin (USA)

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Dr. Paul Fricke was raised on his family’s row crop and dairy farm located east of Papillion, Nebraska where his father and uncle continue to farm today. After receiving a B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1988, Paul went on to complete a M.S. degree in 1992 and a Ph.D. degree in 1996 in Reproductive Physiology from the department of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. Paul joined the faculty in the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on July 1, 1998, and his current position includes 70% Extension and 30% research appointments in dairy cattle reproduction. Dr. Fricke’s research program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding the biology and endocrine physiology underlying the many reproductive problems facing modern breeds of dairy cattle that limit their productivity. Paul has published research on protocols for synchronization of ovarian function, factors affecting twinning and management of dairy cows carrying twin fetuses, methods for early detection of nonpregnancy in dairy cattle, and the effects of nutrition on reproductive function in dairy cattle. The goal of Dr. Fricke’s extension program is to improve reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle by applying knowledge gained through scientific research to develop practical management strategies and assess new reproductive technologies.