Cystic Ovarian Disease and Thyroid Hormones in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Ovarian cysts reduce reproductive efficiency on almost every dairy farm in the World. Cystic ovarian disease in cows is usually seen in the first two months post calving. Ovarian cysts are characterized as structures greater than 2.5cm in diameter remaining on an ovary for more than 10 days. Cysts are simply filled with fluid enclosed by membranes like grapes. Since ovarian cysts reduce reproductive efficiency as well as milk production, most dairy farms have very large economic losses.