Effect of Reproductive Disorders and Parity on Repeat Breeder Status and Culling in Quebec Dairy Cows

Abstract

Cows that fail to conceive on several attempts are a problem for the producer. Repeat breeder (RB) cows fall into this category. The economic losses associated with RB cows are considerable: increased veterinary expenses, increased insemination costs, reduced productivity and losses due to involuntary culling. Diseases of the reproductive system lead to a reduction in fertility. The magnitude of the effect on reproductive performance depends on the severity of the condition, the timing of the condition and herd control practices. The large number of uterine problems and the great variation in their clinical presentation complicates diagnosis. One way of simplifying the classification of conditions is to view clinical metritis, endometritis and pyometritis as variations of the same disease and to combine them into one diagnostic category: metritis complex. Dystocia, retained placenta (RP), metritis, and endometritis result from mechanical and/or functional damage to the uterus and significantly decrease fertility.