Week 7- Managing and Monitoring Infertility In Prod animals I Flashcards
What stimulates FSH & LH release from the anterior pituitary?
GnRH
What hormones act on the ovary to regulate follicle development and ovulation?
FSH & LH
Which hormones regulate the reproductive cycle and behavior?
Oestrogen & Progesterone
What hormone causes luteolysis (CL regression)?
Prostaglandin (PGF2α)
What occurs on Day 0 of the oestrus cycle?
Ovulation and onset of heat
What is the follicular phase characterized by?
Follicular wave and selection of dominant follicle
What is the luteal phase characterized by?
CL formation and progesterone dominance
What does PGF2α from the endometrium cause around Day 16 if no pregnancy occurs?
Luteolysis
What are stress effects on the HPO & HPA axes?
Increased cortisol
What does cortisol inhibit in the context of ovarian activity?
GnRH, LH/FSH secretion
What is the consequence of negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum?
Poor follicular development
What is anoestrus?
Cow not cycling; no heat observed
What are the rectal examination findings in a cow with anoestrus?
Flaccid uterus, small inactive ovaries
What causes anoestrus?
No LH surge, high NEB, stress
What constitutes cystic ovarian disease?
2.5 cm follicle persists >10 days
What symptoms indicate cystic ovarian disease?
Nymphomania or no visible heat
What is the treatment for cystic ovarian disease?
Hormonal therapy, correct underlying cause
What is undetectable oestrus?
Cow cycles but no heats seen
What causes undetectable oestrus?
Low P4 levels, poor heat detection
What characterizes a repeat breeder cow?
Healthy cow fails to conceive after ≥3 services
What are possible causes of repeat breeder cows?
Subclinical endometritis, maternal recognition failure
What is endometritis?
Inflammation of the endometrium
What are the symptoms of endometritis?
Vaginal discharge (white/pus, no smell)
What causes endometritis?
Gram-positive anaerobes (e.g., T. pyogenes)
How is endometritis diagnosed?
Vaginal scoring system (0-3)
What is the treatment for endometritis?
Intrauterine antibiotics, PGF2α
What is pyometra?
Accumulation of pus in uterus due to persistent CL and closed cervix
What are the symptoms of pyometra?
No external discharge; large uterus on rectal palpation
What is the treatment for pyometra?
PGF2α, possibly intrauterine antibiotics after cervical opening
What are the goals of synchronization protocols?
Induce luteolysis, start new follicular wave, induce ovulation, provide progesterone support
What does the PGF2α protocol do?
Causes luteolysis
How many days post-injection does a cow typically come into heat after PGF2α?
2-5 days
What is the Ovsynch protocol sequence?
Day 0: GnRH → Day 7: PGF2α → Day 9: GnRH → Day 10: Timed AI
What is the P4-Synch protocol sequence?
Day 0: CIDR insertion + GnRH → Day 7: CIDR removal + PGF2α → Day 9: GnRH → Day 10: Timed AI
What is the voluntary waiting period (VWP) in cows?
~40-50 DIM
What is the typical service period in cows?
~50-85 DIM
What is the conception goal in cows by days in milk?
by ~85 DIM
What is the average gestation period in cows?
~280 days
What are the body condition score (BCS) targets for calving?
2.5–3.0
What are the BCS targets for peak lactation?
2.0–2.5
What are the BCS targets for the dry period?
2.5–3.0
What is the impact of individual cow fertility on herd performance?
It impacts herd performance
What are key herd KPIs?
- Calving index: Goal ~365 days
- Submission rate: Proportion of cows detected in heat
- Conception rate: Proportion of inseminated cows that conceive
What are some costs associated with infertility in cows?
- Lower milk yield
- Higher culling rate
- Fewer calves
- Increased veterinary costs and services
What is essential for successful management of infertility in cows?
Understanding physiology, detecting issues early, using appropriate diagnostics, tailoring treatments
