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Investigation of infertility problems in dairy herds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

W.J. McCaughey
Affiliation:
The Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR
M. McCoy
Affiliation:
Veterinary Sciences
C.S. Mayne
Affiliation:
The Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR
M. Verner
Affiliation:
The Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR
S.D. Lennox
Affiliation:
Biometrics and Agricultural and Environment
D.C. Catney
Affiliation:
Biometrics and Agricultural and Environment
A.R.G. Wylie
Affiliation:
Sciences Divisions, Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland
B Kennedy
Affiliation:
A.I. Services (NI) Ltd., Ballycraigy, 671 Antrim Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT368RL
F.J. Gordon
Affiliation:
The Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR
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Abstract.

Ten dairy herds reporting acute fertility problems were investigated by analysing records and cows, metabolic profiles, tests for infectious agents and milk hormone assays. The main problems were : heat detection (2), endometritis (3) and inadequate nutrition (5). In one herd no cause has yet been identified. On all farms the problem had been present from the start of the breeding period. Management changes, delayed analysis of herd records and over-estimation of forage nutritive value were underlying problems. A diagnostic analysis/decision process to highlight problems early is essential to minimise loss.

Type
Posters
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 2001

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