In recent times, new advancements have emerged to enhance the performance and health of dairy cows. Key areas for the improvement of reproductive management include genetic and nutritional strategies, disease control, precision livestock farming, and optimizing male fertility. Each one of these factors has the potential to impact milk production, cow health, and fertility positively.1
Among them, good genetics play a crucial role, not only in boosting milk production, but also in improving health, welfare, and management traits. Each one of these areas can significantly contribute to profitability and can be enhanced through breeding.2
Genetic Strategies in Cattle Breeding
Improving Reproductive Traits through Genetics
The intensification of production systems and direct genetic selection for milk yield combined with modern technologies have significantly enhanced production efficiency. However, this progress has brought notable challenges. The dairy industry must continue refining current selection indexes and breeding objectives to place greater emphasis on traits such as animal welfare, health, longevity, environmental sustainability, and overall resilience.3
Genetic improvement is a powerful tool for enhancing dairy farming sustainability because the results are permanent and cumulative. A well-structured breeding program with a clear breeding objective and routine recording of information on performance serves as the foundation. Within that program, the use of reproductive and molecular biotechnologies can further accelerate genetic progress, driving even faster rates of improvement.4
The Role of Genomic Selection and Gene Editing
Traditionally, three main strategies for the genetic improvement of farmed livestock have been used: selection between breeds or strains, selection within breeds or strains, and crossbreeding. More recent molecular genetic tools are enhancing these existing selection approaches through advanced techniques such as genomic selection and gene editing.5
Genomic selection provides significant benefits for accelerating the genetic gain in dairy cattle breeding programs. It enhances the accuracy and intensity of selection while reducing the generation interval, potentially doubling the rate of genetic progress for economically valuable dairy traits.6
Genome or gene editing allows us to target very precisely the addition, deletion, or replacement of base pairs in the genetic code to influence traits of interest.4
Nutritional and Health Management in Cattle Breeding
Feeding Strategies for Transition and Lactating Cows
Applying proper nutritional strategies, maintaining comprehensive health protocols, and providing regular veterinary care are crucial for ensuring sustained productivity and animal welfare. Cows need appropriate nutrition at each stage of growth and lactation to maintain peak productivity.1
Dry cows are fed a diet that is low in carbohydrates and protein but high in fiber. During the transition period, their feed intake often decreases, which can lead to excessive weight loss, reduced peak milk production, and a higher risk of postpartum diseases such as metritis, retained placenta, ketosis, displaced abomasum, and fatty liver. Management strategies for transition cows should focus on helping them manage metabolic stress by optimizing health, minimizing stress, avoiding group and ration changes, and stimulating dry matter intake.8
For lactating cows, rations must balance high energy and protein levels to support milk production while also promoting optimal rumen health and motility.
Pathogen Control and Biosecurity Measures
To enhance reproductive efficiency, it is essential to monitor and evaluate the herd’s health status for pathogens continuously. Infections such as Coxiella burnetii, bovine viral diarrhoea, and herpes viruses are known to lower conception rates, while Neospora caninum and emerging viruses like bluetongue can lead to foetal losses and abortion. The implementation of biosecurity plans, including vaccination protocols, is crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of new pathogens within the herd.1
Conclusion and Future Directions for Cattle Breeding
Future directions in cattle breeding must integrate advanced genetic tools and precise health management practices to ensure sustainable and productive dairy farming. By combining nutritional strategies with genomic innovations, the dairy industry can address emerging challenges and secure long-term profitability.
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Bibliography
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