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Managing
Reproductive Disorders in Dairy Cows
Presented at ND Dairy Cow
College, February 2000.
Paul
M. Fricke
Department
of Dairy Science
University
of Wisconsin-Madison
1675
Observatory Drive
Madison,
WI 53706
Introduction
Reproductive efficiency is a critical
component of a successful dairy operation, whereas reproductive
inefficiency is one of the most costly problems facing the dairy
industry today. Reproductive disorders occur frequently in lactating
dairy cows and can dramatically affect reproductive efficiency in
a dairy herd. Some of the most common disorders include ovarian
cysts, twinning, and early embryonic loss. These are diverse disorders
that are similar in that they all can result in impaired reproductive
function. Deciding whether to breed, treat, or cull dairy cows exhibiting
one or more of these reproductive disorders is a challenge for both
veterinarians and dairy producers. In addition, there is considerable
controversy among dairy scientists and bovine practitioners regarding
the economic impact of these disorders in a dairy operation and
the most effective management or therapeutic intervention for treating
these disorders. Because of this controversy, dairy managers should
focus on prevention and control of risk factors associated with
each disorder rather than on prescriptive therapeutic interventions.
Dairy producers should work closely with their herd veterinarian
to develop such management strategies and discuss appropriate interventions
when necessary.
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