Infertility

Fertility and a good calving index or short calving period in seasonal calving herds is the result of getting the cows cycling, detecting oestrus and then having a good conception rate. So its all about sufficient energy, without compromising rumen function, correct mineralisation, good heat detection and service at the correct time with healthy semen in the correct place or a ferlile virile bull.

News july 2011-

Bovine abortion - Bacillus licheniformis was recovered from the foetal stomach contents of a second trimester foetus.  In a separate case, A. pyogenes was recovered from the foetal stomach contents of a second trimester foetus being the third abortion from a group of 100 dairy cows.  A further second trimester foetus was submitted for post mortem examination being the first abortion from a group of 30 Aberdeen Angus heifers.  Severe hydrocephalus and limb abnormalities were identified and although no infectious agent was identified by testing, histopathology found evidence of mild, nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis which was thought may have been the result of a viral, protozoal or bacterial infection or possibly have a hereditary origin. 

Iodine deficiency - A PII level of 45 ng/ml (reference range 105-287 ng/ml) was identified in one of two heifers producing stillborn calves.  The same heifer also had a low copper level of 3.5 µmol/l (reference range 9.19 µmol/l) and a GSH-Px level of 28.8 U/ml RBC (reference range >30 U/ml RBC).

August 2011- A Good article on Bull Fertility from Australian Shorthorn Society Website:

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