Do We Need Postpartum Fertility Exams as Part of a Reproductive Herd Health Program

Abstract

Bovine practitioners serving dairy clients traditionally demonstrate sincere concern for the financial well-being of their producers. Recognizing poor reproductive performance as a leading cause of financial loss for dairies, most veterinarians offer reproductive herd health services to their clients. These services traditionally incorporate rectal palpation of cows after calving, before breeding, and for pregnancy diagnosis.

Postpartum exams identify cows requiring treatment for metritis. Prebreeding exams screen for cows requiring further treatment prior to breeding, and provide estimates of stage of estrous cycle. Pregnancy diagnoses identify open cows needing to be rebred.