Impact of Intensive Integrated Reproductive Management Education Programs upon Dairy Producers in Maryland

Abstract The objective was to determine if participants in an intensive dairy cattle reproduction workshop learned the desired knowledge and if the DHI management variables concerning herd reproductive efficiency were changed for participants. Sixteen workshops were held across Maryland in 1895 and 1986 for over 200 participants representing 171 herds. Knowledge tests were given at the conclusion of workshops to determine if producers had learned the desired material. The DHI records of participant herds from nine counties were evaluated. Days open, services per conception, days in milk at first service, calving interval, number of cows, percent days in milk, average days in milk, and rolling herd average were collected for each herd. Reproductive performance of participants' herds was initially improved after the workshop. However, the benefits to workshop participation were transitory, demonstrating the need for continued educational programs. The primary benefit to producers of workshop participation was in the area of improved efficiency in detection of estrus. Producers were also able to learn the desired material, leading to the beneficial effects on herd reproductive efficiency. The need for further educational programs concerning reproduction in dairy cattle was demonstrated, especially in the areas of estrous detection efficiency, interpretation of DHI reproductive records, and retained placenta.