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Pregnancy losses in cattle: potential for improvement
M G Diskin1, S M Waters2, M H Parr2
1Teagasc, Animal and Grassland and Innovation Research Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|April 12, 2016
Summary
Improving cattle fertility requires focusing on early embryo survival and reproductive management. Key factors include progesterone levels, energy balance post-calving, and strategic breeding, especially for high-producing dairy cows.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology and livestock management.
Background:
- Fertilization rates in cattle vary, with high-producing dairy cows potentially experiencing lower and more variable rates.
- Embryo loss, particularly early in gestation (before Day 16), significantly impacts reproductive efficiency and incurs economic losses.
- Progesterone levels and energy balance post-calving are critical for embryo survival and successful pregnancies per artificial insemination (AI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on cattle embryo survival and identify factors influencing it.
- To evaluate the impact of progesterone, energy balance, and dietary intake on fertility.
- To explore the potential of genetic selection and management strategies for improving reproductive performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on cattle reproduction, fertilization, and embryo survival.
- Analysis of factors affecting embryo survival, including hormonal status, nutritional management, and genetic influences.
- Discussion of current and future breeding technologies, such as genomic selection.
Main Results:
- Fertilization rates are generally high (90-100%) in heifers and moderate-yielding cows but may be lower in high-producing dairy cows.
- Early embryo loss (pre-Day 8) appears more pronounced in high-producing dairy cows.
- Progesterone concentrations and energy balance post-calving are strongly linked to pregnancy establishment and success.
- While direct progesterone supplementation is not currently recommended, optimizing energy balance and dry matter intake is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Balanced breeding strategies emphasizing fertility, feed intake, and energy are essential for all milk production systems.
- Genetic variability for fertility exists and can be leveraged through genomic technology for improved embryo survival.
- Implementing manageable, producer-controlled factors can significantly enhance herd reproductive performance and mitigate embryo loss.
