Clinical Management of Reproductive Problems in Dairy Cows

Abstract

Reproductive herd health programs are effective in maintaining and improving the reproductive efficiency of dairy herds resulting in increased net income. Unobserved estrus, ovarian cysts, conception failure, uterine disease, abnormal pregnancy, and observed abortions are common reproductive abnormalities in dairy cows that may be controlled effectively with improved management practices and appropriate administration of pharmacological and biological agents. Prostaglandin F2α is effective in the management of unobserved estrus, uterine disease, and abnormal pregnancy whereas gonadotropin-releasing hormone is a reliable treatment for ovarian cysts and may be useful to improve conception in repeat breeders. Incidence of uterine disease can be minimized by eliminating or reducing factors that predispose to retained placenta and appropriate treatment of affected cows. Immunizing agents should be selected for each herd based on risks of exposure to infectious diseases that cause infertility or abortion. © 1985, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.