69: Cow Reproduction Is Improving… So Why Aren’t Heifers?

Dairy cow reproduction has improved significantly over the past decade, but virgin heifer reproduction has remained relatively flat. Why?In this episode of Ruminate This, Scott Zehr explores whether mycotoxins in virgin heifer TMRs could be quietly influencing heifer conception rates and dairy fertility. While dairies have made major advances in reproductive protocols, genetics, and technology, heifers may represent one of the biggest remaining opportunities for improvement.Scott explores why heifer diets are often among the least-tested rations on the farm, how multiple mycotoxins can affect immune function and hormone signaling, and why young animals may actually have less margin for error than many assume.If heifer fertility has plateaued, maybe it isn’t a protocol problem at all, maybe it’s a fundamentals problem.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform 💬 Have thoughts or a story to share? Email [email protected].🔗 Stay informed: Get expert livestock nutrition insights, cutting-edge research, and updates on future episodes by subscribing here: agrariansolutions.com/podcastSocial Links:YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@RuminateThisYouTube Page:  https://www.youtube.com/@agrariansolutions5557LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/agrarian-solutions/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AgrarianSolutionsInstagram Page:  https://www.instagram.com/agrariansolutions/Website: https://agrariansolutions.com/Got a Question or want free Mycotoxin Testing? Send us a Message!!