Exploring the reproduction practices of dairy farms: a typology

The purpose of this study is to examine the profile of dairy farms according to their reproduction management practices. Using established methodological tools on data from an extensive survey of 123 dairy farms the analysis yields five alternative profiles. It appears that artificial insemination is the preferred method of reproduction, however a non-trivial percentage (22%) also applies natural mating - solely or complementarily. Farms having adopted modern practices are divided in those which use them efficiently and those which lack the technical training to implement them properly; on the other hand, experienced farmers tend to keep established methods.