Elena Knupfer
CowSmart veterinarian
Over recent years, CowSmart has worked alongside Vetlife clinics and their clients to deliver structured reproductive performance reviews that extend well beyond end-of-season pregnancy results. Our objective is simple: identify the biological and management bottlenecks limiting reproductive performance – and convert those insights into measurable gains the following season.
What makes a CowSmart repro review different?
Our reviews integrate multiple data streams, including wearable technology data, MINDA records and milk production metrics.
Rather than simply reporting outcomes, we interpret the story behind the numbers – connecting performance trends to biological drivers and management decisions.
Key areas of improvement frequently identified
Consistently identified findings include:
Improvements in early cyclicity can translate into higher 3-week submission rates, improved early conception, and more compact calving patterns.
Conception rates also commonly improve from first to second and third heats, reinforcing the importance of early cycling, optimal energy balance, and adequate uterine recovery prior to mating.
Breaking performance down by age group frequently uncovers hidden variation within herds.
Typical patterns include:
Targeted management adjustments by age group have consistently delivered measurable lifts in early pregnancy rates.
This season, beyond describing performance outcomes, CowSmart reviews extend further by examining which factors are disproportionately represented in cows that finish empty.
By comparing the prevalence of selected risk factors in empty versus pregnant cows, we can identify patterns that may help explain reproductive loss within a herd.
Importantly, these comparisons are descriptive and not statistically tested. They are not intended to imply direct causation. Instead, they serve as structured prompts for veterinary discussion – helping to prioritise which biological or management drivers may be contributing most to empty rate within a given herd. This approach shifts the conversation from “what was the empty rate?” to “what is driving the empty rate?”
When certain factors are consistently more common in empty cows, this provides direction for investigation and management review.
The bigger picture
Sustained improvements in:
All of these translate into stronger overall reproductive performance. As data capture improves and wearable adoption increases, these reviews will continue to evolve.
CowSmart reviews are designed to complement clinic reproductive programmes, by adding structured analysis and benchmarking that support clear vet/client discussions, practical action planning, and measurable progress season to season.
Visit cowsmart.co.nz for more information
