Factors Affecting Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows

Abstract

We conducted two studies to determine how herd management practices and traits of individual cows affect performance of the herd and of the cow within a herd. Management practices, reproductive performance of the herd, and relationships between management and reproductive performance were characterized on 83 dairy farms with 7596 cows. Data included 21 management variables (e.g., facilities, herd health program, estrous detection program) and 8 performance variables obtained from Dairy Herd Improvement or unofficial records (e.g., size of herd, production, days open). Although varying among herds, annual average herd incidences of reproductive disorders and reproductive performance were similar to those reported. Managerial practices influenced incidences of retained placenta and uterine infection, days open of cows not bred and of all cows, services per conception, and percentages of herd open more than 100 days and culled for low production. Veterinarian was the most consistent variable influencing herd reproductive performance. Data also were collected from production and lifetime records of 2532 cows in 19 herds. Reproductive performance was affected by season of calving, production, maturity, and reproductive disorders. Several cows with extremely poor reproductive records were maintained.

Effects of main reproductive and health problems on the performance of dairy cows: a review

“…Han & Kim (2005) reported the intervals from calving to first service and conception were higher in the retained placenta group than in the control group, which is consistent with other reports (Ouweltjes et al, 1996). In some studies, however, the intervals from calving to first service and/or conception were not related to the occurrence of retained placenta (Coleman et al, 1985;Kaneko et al, 1997). RP increases the risk of fatty liver syndrome and ketosis (Han & Kim, 2005); the latter, in turn, delays the postpartum resumption of cyclic ovarian function and prolongs the interval from calving to f irst ovulation (Opsomer et al, 2000).…”

“…Hur et al (2011) concluded that there is a very close relationship between RP and postpartum diseases in dairy cattle after calving and RP increases risks for postpartum diseases such as metritis and mastitis, and culling hazards up to 60 DIM. Gaafar et al (2010) (Erb et al, 1981;Fourichon et al, 2000) and decrease milk yield (Coleman et al, 1985). Also, cows with severe metritis ate 2-6 kg dry matter less than healthy cows in the 2-3 weeks preceding the clinical signs of metritis (Huzzey et al, 2007), and to negatively affect reproductive performance (Opsomer et al, 2000;Melendez et al, 2004).…”

Effects of breed, management system, milk yield and body weight on onset of postpartum ovarian cyclicity in cows

“…Decrease in fertility is a major cause of economic loss with higher culling rate (Khatib et al, 2009). Prolonged interval (>85 days) between calving and onset of ovarian function is regarded as one of the most important reproductive problems (Coleman et al, 1985). Prolonged suppression due to negative feedback of progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum and the placenta during pregnancy causes the pituitary to be refractory at very early postpartum period (within 10-12 days) as indicated by lack of response to exogenous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (Alam and Dobson, 1986).…”

Outcome of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Treatment 12 Days Post AI and Double Insemination on Conception Rate of Repeat Breeding Cows in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

“…The economic losses associated with this problem are highly considerable resulted from increased veterinary expenses, insemination costs, reduced productivity, and losses due to involuntary culling. Reproductive problems have been the primary cause of culling in animal husbandry for many years (Coleman, 1985 and Opsomer et al, 2000).…”