Fertility Camps

When reproductive efficiency reduces there is need to take help of veterinarian, artificial insemination (AI) technician, feed company representative and other resource people to troubleshoot the causes and determine solutions to the problem.

 Management causes of infertility

• Surveys and infertility camps in field by field veterinarians provide information about fertility status. This also helps to plan future reproduction and production programs in livestock industry.
• As reproduction is directly related with production, better fertility will reduce the production loss and improve the economy of dairy industry.
• There is need of training farmers for estrous detection. AI is an important biotechnology available at door step of farmers but well trained technician/veterinarian is essential to get optimum results. Proper timing of AI can enhance the conception rate.
• For the maintenance of high breeding efficiency, it is primarily essential to maintain good level of general health, and thus prevent the onset of debilitating diseases.
• Balanced feeding including greens and mineral mixture is essential for normal reproductive performance. Sufficient greens, mineral supplementation and correction of negative energy balance improve fertility. Additional feed allowance and mineral supplementation during last trimester of pregnancy and peak of lactation i.e. steaming up is advised to get a healthy calf and consistent yield.

2. Endocrinological (Hormonal imbalance) infertility

Feeding of waste should be avoided. In delayed ovulation consult a veterinarian for assistance. Use of hormones should be limited and only be done when unavoidable.

3. Infectious Infertility

Maintain a history of herd vaccinations, movement of cattle to and from other premises, and management and origin of bulls. Keep reproductive history records of cows, including number of abortions, conception rate, and approximate breeding dates.

Whenever there is abortion identify aborting cows and isolate them from the rest of the herd. This helps to prevent spread of infection. Testing for Brucella should always be a part of every pre-breeding evaluation. Always conduct test for specific infections. Use blood tests as well as bacterial or viral cultures in diagnosing specific infections. If an infection is identified, treat, vaccinate or cull infected cows as indicated.

Most of the diseases that cause abortions in cattle are zoonotic and can be easily transmitted to humans. Aseptic procedures in handling aborted fetuses and associated tissues, when examining the animal's reproductive system is essential. Use of disposable sterilised plastic gloves protects both the technician and animal from contamination.

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