Dairy Cow Postpartum Disease

Definitions, Decisions, and Dilemmas

Abstract

Reproductive efficiency is the backbone of successful dairy production. The need to maximize the time a cow spends near peak milk production necessitates the production of a calf in each calendar year. Because gestation length is essentially fixed, cows must be rebred as quickly as possible to assure financial success. Inefficient reproductive performance is one of the most frequent and economically significant problems in dairy production.^1,2 Consequently, the decision whether to breed, treat, or cull a dairy cow with reproductive disease is paramount to the success of a dairy. Considerable controversy exists concerning the impact of reproductive disease on cow performance and the benefits of various management interventions, especially the use of therapeutic agents, in combatting these diseases.