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Decisive points for pregnancy losses in beef cattle
B D Smith1, B Poliakiwski1, O Polanco1
1Department of Animal Science, Pregnancy and Developmental Programming Area of Excellence, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|January 2, 2023
Summary
Beef cattle pregnancy failure is a major issue, with up to 50% of pregnancies lost early. Understanding factors from oocyte competence to uterine receptivity is crucial for improving beef cow fertility and sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Animal science
- Veterinary medicine
Background:
- Beef cattle sustainability relies on annual calf production.
- High rates of early pregnancy failure (40-50%) impact herd productivity.
- Numerous factors contribute to pregnancy loss from fertilization to birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight key factors influencing pregnancy failure in beef cattle.
- To emphasize the need for further research into bovine infertility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of factors affecting bovine pregnancy.
- Analysis of critical stages: oocyte competence, early embryonic development, uterine receptivity, placentation, and fetal phase.
- Identification of contributing elements such as hormonal concentration, heat stress, disease, and toxins.
Main Results:
- Early embryonic mortality is high, influenced by oocyte competence, hormonal balance, and heat stress.
- Successful establishment of pregnancy requires uterine receptivity and interferon-tau secretion for maternal recognition.
- Later pregnancy loss is less common (<10%) and often linked to disease or toxins during the fetal phase.
Conclusions:
- Multiple factors, including oocyte quality, uterine environment, and external stressors, contribute to significant pregnancy failures in beef cows.
- Further investigation into these diverse factors is essential to enhance reproductive efficiency and sustainability in beef production.
- Improving understanding of bovine infertility can lead to strategies for increased pregnancy success rates.
