Dairy reproductive physiologists, animal health researchers, dairy producers, bovine veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dairy industry partners gathered Nov. 14-16, in Indianapolis for the 2018 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) Annual Meeting. The 250 attendees gained insight regarding the dairy industry’s environmental and societal scrutiny – today and in the future. Additionally, they learned about technological advancements and profitable management strategies within the realm of dairy cattle reproduction.
“The DCRC Annual Meeting showcased new and effective strategies to attain cost-effective repro success in today’s dairy operations,” said Program Chair Rafael Bisinotto, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine assistant professor. “This conference addressed several topics, including timed artificial insemination, genomics, targeted therapies, feeding strategies, hoof health, feed delivery, total mixed ration consistency, embryo transfer, data evaluation, employee training, and cow comfort and nutrition, which influence dairy cattle reproduction success.”
Outgoing DCRC President Ronaldo Cerri, University of British Columbia, passed the gavel to Glaucio Lopes, Alta Genetics. Other DCRC board members are: Vice President Julio O. Giordano, Cornell University; Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Stevenson, Kansas State University; Past President Cerri; and director members Luis Mendonca, Kansas State University; Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin; and Matt Utt, Select Sires. Committee chairs include: Awards Chair Corey Geiger, Hoard’s Dairyman; Program Chair Anibal Ballarotti; Education Chair Natalia Martinez, Zoetis; and Nomination Chair Ronaldo Cerri. Additional committee chairs will be selected by year end.
DCRC thanks its annual meeting sponsors who contributed to the professional development program’s success. Platinum sponsors were Boehringer Ingelheim and Merck Animal Health. The Gold sponsor was Zoetis. Silver sponsors included Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition and Nedap Livestock Management. Bronze sponsors were Accelerated Genetics, Afimilk, BCF Technology, Estrotect, Genex, IDEXX, Jefo, Parnell, Procross, Select Sires and Semex.
Next year’s DCRC Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 13-14, in Pittsburgh. Watch the DCRC website for program updates.
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council is focused on bringing together all sectors of the dairy industry – producers, consultants, academia and allied industry professionals – for improved reproductive performance. DCRC provides an unprecedented opportunity for all groups to work together to take dairy cattle reproduction to the next level.