37. Embryonic and foetal losses in cattle

Question 1

Pregnancy losses in different stages of pregnancy(draw the days)?

Answer 1

Question 2

Embryonic and foetal loss background info?

Answer 2

• Detection of pregnancy but US can be done after day 30
• • Ratio of pregnancy losses in cows is much greater than swine, equine etc.
• • Some level of embryonic loss is normal – 20-40%
• • Early embryonic death is usually followed by a normal return to oestrus

Question 3

Cause of pregnancy losses in cattle infectious causes?

Answer 3

Causes of pregnancy losses in cattle

A. infectious causes

• IBR
• BVD
• Bluetongue
• Schmallenberg
• Leptospirosis
• Neospora caninum

Less important

• Coxiella burnetti (mostly sheep)
• Brucellosis
• Campylobacter foetus subsp. venerealis
• Tritrichomonas
• Akabane, aino and palynam viruses

Question 4

Causes of pregnancy losses in cattle Non- infectious causes?

Answer 4

Non-Infectious

• Nutrition

BCS 3-3.5

Should be supplied with adequate beta carotene, Se, P, Cu, Mn

Negative energy balance: embryonic loss

Iodine deficiency: spontaneous abortions (needed for energy metabolism)

• Genetic background

Cytogenic abnormalities

Embryonic death usually within 2 weeks

• Timing of AI

Fertile life of ovum is 6 hours

Spermatozoa survive in Repro tract for 14-18 hours

AI too soon after calving; involution is incomplete = environment isn’t suitable

• Stress

Both heat stress and metabolic stress