Cystic Ovaries the Leading Cause of Infertility in Cows
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For any dairy operation, reproduction is one of the most important considerations. For this reason, any improvement you make to your reproductive capacity is an improvement you make to the dairy farm in general.
Reproductive failure can be attributed to many different causes, but one of the most primary causes of reproductive failure is ovarian follicular cysts. In cows, ovarian cysts can sometimes be detected by the exhibition of the following symptoms:
- Over-expression of heat
- Irregular cycle
- Infertility
To treat the cyst, ask your vet about GnRH, which is effective in many cases.
According to a 2007 study, cystic ovaries in dairy cattle were reported by almost 70 per cent of the respondents. In the States alone, it is predicted that at least one million dairy cows are affected by cystic ovaries each year.
In the most common cases, the condition occurs when a follicle persists for more than 10 days and expands to more than two centimetres in diameter. In these cases, GnRH is helpful because it helps the ovary to rid the follicle – allowing a new one to replace it and activating the estrus process.
GnRH serves two important functions when used for treating ovarian cysts: it causes the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone and it stimulates the production of follicle stimulation hormone (FSH). Both these hormones together bring on ovulation.
In addition to treating the cystic ovaries in accordance with your vet’s instructions, you should also take the following steps to ensure herd health – another important factor in raising conception rates:
- Keep a vigilant eye on cow health. Sick or stressed cows are difficult to breed. Coccidiosis and BRD are two conditions that commonly affect stressed cows.
- Minimize overcrowding. Overcrowding is one of the leading causes of stress to cows. Cows require adequate space in the stall to ensure that they get proper rest.
To optimize your reproductive performance, keep the following two things in mind:
- If you’re using an A.I. company, remember that you can ask them about bulls that are intended for improved conception rates.
- Track cow productivity cycles. One missed heat cycle has a cost to producers of approximately $30. A missed pregnancy constitutes a loss of almost $500. Make sure that your breeding program is thorough and that you keep detailed records.
