Project MS Sul Leite brings reproductive technologies to assisted properties

Technologies such as ultrasonography and Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) have become part of the routine for producers assisted by the Project MS Sul Leite. Conceived by the BioSistêmico Institute (IBS) and funded by the Zoetis Foundation, the initiative expands family farming producers' access to specialized technical assistance and solutions aimed at developing dairy activity.

The first reproductive management services were carried out by veterinarian and IBS consultant, Esley Lourenço. The visits included members of the Agricultural Cooperative of Milk Producers of Ponta Porã (Cooperporã), in the Itamarati, Dorcelina, and Aba da Serra settlements, in Ponta Porã (MS).

The services included reproductive evaluations by ultrasound, pregnancy diagnosis, and the identification of disorders that can compromise reproductive efficiency, such as uterine infections and ovarian cysts. In eligible cows, the hormonal protocol for Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI) was applied, a technique that contributes to reproductive planning and genetic improvement of the herds.

For many producers, this was the first opportunity to use reproductive technologies such as ultrasonography and FTAI. In addition to providing more accurate assessments of the animals' reproductive conditions, these resources assist in decision-making and allow for more efficient planning of herd management.

According to Esley Lourenço, reproductive management is one of the fronts of action of the Project MS Sul Leite, but the results depend on the integration among all areas monitored by the IBS technical team.

"The reproductive work is directly related to nutritional and health management, as well as the good practices developed by the other professionals of the project. A well-fed, healthy, and correctly managed cow responds better to reproductive protocols. Therefore, we act in an integrated manner, together with the other professionals of the project, to promote improvements throughout the production system and not just in one specific area," he explains.

In addition to reproductive evaluations, producers received guidance related to the main challenges observed on the properties, including recommendations on vaccination, disease prevention, and management practices that directly influence the reproductive performance of the animals.

The responsiveness of the producers marked this first stage of assistance. "We found producers very receptive and motivated by the start of the project. Many were waiting for this technical follow-up and showed great interest in learning and implementing the recommendations. This partnership between the technical team and producers will be fundamental to achieving the expected results," highlights Esley.

The integrated action of the technical team reflects the working methodology of the BioSistêmico Institute, which views the rural property as an interconnected system, in which reproduction, nutrition, health, management, and good practices complement each other. In this way, the actions developed in each area jointly contribute to increasing productivity, improving milk quality, and promoting the sustainability of dairy activity.

About the Project MS Sul Leite

Conceived by the BioSistêmico Institute (IBS) and funded by the Zoetis Foundation, the Project MS Sul Leite works with members of the Agricultural Cooperative of Milk Producers of Ponta Porã (Cooperporã), aiming to strengthen family dairy farming in the southern region of Mato Grosso do Sul.

The initiative promotes specialized technical assistance, training, and the application of technologies aimed at improving production systems, covering areas such as reproductive, sanitary, and nutritional management of herds, zootechnical management, and the adoption of good production practices.

The project also develops actions aimed at strengthening associationism and cooperativism, in addition to initiatives to engage youth and rural women. Throughout its execution, it seeks to contribute to increasing productivity, improving milk quality, the sustainability of properties, and the development of producing families in the region.