F710
Reproductive Problems

Introduction: A variety of situations can cause problems with the reproductive system in cattle. The following section will address anestrus, cystic ovaries, reproductive tract infections (metritis), retained placenta, and repeat breeding.

Introduction: True anestrus means no ovarian activity; however, it is often suspected when a cow fails to show signs of estrus (heat). In 90 percent of the cases in which anestrus is suspected, the animal is actually cycling but just not manifesting any signs of estrus or not being detected in estrus. Keeping reproductive records on each animal's estrous dates, examination dates and findings, unusual events such as difficult calving or retained placenta, and any treatments will help identify problem animals early and provide information that can help determine a possible cause. True anestrus can be caused by anemia, phosphorus deficiencies, being underweight, hormone levels that are excessively low due to a prolonged diet of only stored feed, cystic ovaries, and pyometra (pus in the uterus). Each of these causes of anestrus will be discussed below along with their treatment.

Additionally, cows that are thought to be not cycling (anestrus), are often animals that are cycling normally, but have been missed during the estrus detection process. These animals do not fit in the true anestrus category, and efforts should be made to improve estrus detection. Careful observation will help identify whether an animal's cycle is merely undetected or whether it is absent. Two-thirds of cattle show signs of estrus between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Those that have a shorter estrus may be missed unless they are checked more than the usual twice-per-day schedule. Observation should last at least 20 minutes and be at a time when the cow is not distracted with activities such as eating or being milked. Providing a non-slip surface for estrus detection also makes it easier for an animal to exhibit signs. (See A714 for more information on heat detection.)

Introduction: Cysts on the ovaries are usually structures greater than one inch (25 mm) in diameter that persist for more than 10 days. The cysts affect the cow's hormone levels. This influences uterine tone, can cause failure to release an egg during estrus, and inhibits fertility. These cysts can appear on one or both ovaries and are usually thin-walled, fluid-filled structures. They are the result of follicles that fail to ovulate. This condition is common in dairy animals, but rare in beef cattle.

Causative Agents: Too much calcium or a large discrepancy in the calcium to phosphorus ratio, high estrogen intake, genetic predisposition, and stressful conditions or other health problems during the birthing process or postpartum interval may cause cysts to develop on the ovaries.

Diagnosis: The most obvious signs that a producer may notice relate to the cow’s estrous cycles. Cows with cystic ovaries will often have constant or frequent estrus. Other animals may be completely anestrus. Palpation of the ovaries by a veterinarian can often help in determining the presence of ovarian cysts. Follicles and a developing corpus luteum can often be mistaken for a cyst.

Prevention: To prevent the development of cystic ovaries, start by evaluating the animal's feed. Analyze the animal's entire diet for the proper calcium to phosphorus ratio. It should be between 1.5:1 and 2:1 in the total diet. If the cow is getting greater than two parts of calcium to one part phosphorus, per day, there may be an increased incidence of cysts. Do not use moldy feed. Toxins found in moldy feed can be high in estrogen. Because injectable estrogen products can cause cysts, their use should be monitored by a veterinarian. Genetic predisposition to ovarian cysts is possible; therefore, cull any cows and bulls known to produce cystic daughters.

Introduction: Endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus), metritis (inflammation of the uterus), and pyometra (infection or pus in the uterus) can be common problems in cows after they calve. If not resolved, these problems will lead to estrus abnormalities, failure to conceive, and an increase in days open.

Causative Agents: Most problems in the uterus are caused by injury or infection that occur during or soon after the calving process. One of the most common causes of a uterus infection is a retained placenta. Injury or contamination of the reproductive tract is also a common cause of uterus infection and can be the result of a difficult birth where manipulations have been made and/or medications have been given in the uterus. Selenium or vitamin E deficiencies and over-conditioning are also possible causes. The over-conditioning predisposes the cow to retained placentas, metritis, and other problems.

Clinical Signs: Most of the time a cow with a uterus infection can be identified simply by the discharge and odor coming out of the vulva. A red, brown or even white discharge following calving is normal in cows for about 2 weeks. However, if the discharge becomes foul-smelling or persists longer than 2 weeks, metritis is likely to be present. An infected uterus can also cause the cow to go off feed (anorexia), have a fever, be lethargic, not cycle, and suffer a drop in milk production. A culture of the discharge can confirm an infection and help identify what organism(s) is causing the infection and what treatment would be appropriate.

Some veterinarians recommend that the uterus be lavaged or infused with some type of antiseptic solution. There are many different combinations of solutions that have been used. One of the most common is diluted povidone-iodine, mixed 20 parts saline to 1 part of 10% iodine solution. Other solutions infused into the uterus include penicillin and tetracycline. It is important to note that ALL antiseptic solutions infused into the uterus will cause some degree of irritation and inflammation to the lining of the uterus. This will delay healing and will often increase the days open. Because of this reason, many producers choose not to administer products into the uterus if it is at all possible.

For cows that are sick and have signs of toxemia (fever, not eating, weakness), it is important to administer systemic antibiotics. Injections of ceftiofur, penicillin, or tetracycline are often given. Severely sick animals should also receive fluids and anti-inflammatory agents (flunixin meglumine) when necessary.

1. Sanitation: Keep things clean during examinations, insemination procedures, and calving. Using a protected sheath or double-rod technique for insemination has been effective in chronically infected herds. Do not use natural service if there is any indication of infection of the reproductive tract in either the cow or bull. When the time comes for calving, use clean paddocks or pastures in good weather, or sanitize and re-bed pens after each calving. Long-stem bedding is better than sawdust. If metritis is widespread, rest calving sites for 1-2 months and calve in a new, clean site. Keep other animals out of maternity pens.
   
   Ensure any instruments needed to assist the birthing process are sterilized, as well as the arms and hands of anyone assisting with the birth. A non-irritating lubricant used on one's arms will also help prevent injury to the reproductive tract. Wash the cow's vulva and surrounding area with a mild disinfectant and tie the tail to a front leg. Be gentle, working with the contraction of the cow. Make sure the position of the calf is normal before it is pulled. Call a veterinarian if problems arise that cannot be resolved. (See page F113 for help on handling a dystocia.)
    
2. Diet and Conditioning: Give selenium or vitamin E supplements if the herd is in a selenium deficient area. Injectable selenium-vitamin E supplements should be given at least 21 days prior to calving. Avoid over-conditioning during late gestation.
    
3. Examinations and Treatment: Examine all cows between 2 and 6 weeks after calving for signs of infection. Avoid routine medication of the uterus unless a cow is known to be infected. Follow recommendations for retained placenta if that is considered the source of any metritis.
   
    

Causative Agents: A cow is said to have a retained placenta if she fails to expel the placenta within 12 hours of calving. There are many things that can cause a cow to retain a placenta. They are often associated with cows that give birth prematurely, have an excessively large fetus, or must have a cesarean section to have the calf. Abortions and still births are also common problems that can lead to a retained placenta. Problems such as uterine torsions, dystocia, hypocalcemia (milk fever), and possibly metritis can lead to a retained placenta. Infections with organisms such as brucellosis, IBR, BVD, leptospirosis, neosporosis, and salmonellosis can all cause premature death of the fetus and result in a retained placenta. Nutritional problems such as selenium and/or vitamin A or E deficiency, carotene deficiency, calcium and phosphorus deficiency or excess, and too much vitamin D can also lead to problems. Feeding a high hay ration, too much grain, a poor quality forage, or a lack of fresh forage have all been associated with retained placentas.

Clinical Signs/Diagnosis: A cow may normally take up to 12 hours to dispel the placenta. If the placenta is still attached after 12 hours, there is a problem and the placenta is considered retained. A cow that has retained the placenta will often have some of the placenta hanging out of the vagina. This can vary in length from a few inches to more than a foot or two. In some cases, there may not be any of the retained placenta that can be viewed from the outside. In these instances, all of the placenta is still contained within the uterus and vagina. When infection is present, cattle with a retained placenta will sometimes have a fever, act sick, and not want to eat. As the placenta itself decomposes and infection sets in, a very foul odor can be noticed and a dark, blood-tinged fluid may come out of the vagina.

Most cases of retained placenta can be diagnosed by observing the cow. Others may require that a rectal palpation be performed to actually feel the placenta and abnormal fluids in the uterus.

Treatment: In all cases, it is important to not try and pull the placenta out of the cow. If some of the placenta can be seen hanging from the vagina, gently give it a small tug. If the placenta comes out easily, then remove all that comes with the gentle tug. If it is still attached to the uterus and does not come with a simple tug, leave the placenta in place. Pulling or forcing a retained placenta from the uterus will only cause injury to the cow, delay healing, increase the days the cow remains open, and increase the chances for severe infections.

Prevention: To help prevent this problem, minimize stressful conditions during the pre-calving period and at calving. Prevent diseases and problems such as dystocia, abortions, and milk fever. Vaccinate all animals for potential reproductive diseases. Evaluate all rations to make sure cows receive proper nutrition. Give supplements if rations are deficient in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, vitamins A and E, or carotene.

• Most dry cows need 135,000-160,000 IU of vitamin A and 800-3,000 IU of vitamin E per head per day. Milk cows need 150,000 units of vitamin A and 1,000 to 1,500 units of vitamin E per head per day.
• Make sure the calcium/phosphorus ratio is 1.5:1 to 2:1.
• Selenium levels should be at 0.3 parts per million in total ration dry matter. If dietary supplementation is not incorporated into the animal's care, administer 30-50 mg of selenium and 680 units of vitamin E as an injection about 3 weeks before calving.
• Provide fresh pasture or green-chop for at least 4 to 6 weeks each year.
• Do not feed more than 0.5% of body weight in grain to cows.
• Keep corn silage intake to less than 50% of forage dry matter.
• Test for brucellosis, neosporosis, IBR, BVD, leptospirosis and non-specific infections.
• Do not allow animals to become over-conditioned.
  
   

Introduction: Any animal that requires three or more services before conception is generally considered a repeat breeder. Half the cattle population normally conceive on the first service, and the conception rate climbs to 75 percent after two services.

Causative Agent(s): Early fetal or embryonic mortality caused by massive overfeeding and excessive disturbance of the reproductive tract by rectal examinations are common causes. Infectious disease such as trichomoniasis, vibriosis, leptospirosis, Mycoplasma, and Haemophilus also result in repeat breeders. Repeat breeding animals can also come from improper breeding techniques such as breeding before or after actual ovulation, use of low fertility sires, and the use of damaged semen. Serious imbalances or deficiencies of vitamins or minerals can cause repeat breeding.

Diagnosis: Due to the many causes of repeat breeding, it is important to rule out the possibilities. Begin first by suspecting that the problem originates with the female; this holds true unless several cows are affected. Palpate the reproductive tract of the problem female. Look for signs of infection, disease, or malformations and scaring. It may also help to blood test the problem cow. Evaluate the vaccination program used on the cow. Diseases that have been properly vaccinated against will be lower on the list of possibilities.

If many female cows are affected, begin by testing the bull for disease or low semen levels. Evaluate the technique used for AI or the quality of semen used. When necessary, replace the bull or improve the AI technique and quality of semen used.

• If vibriosis or trichomoniasis is detected, discontinue use of the bull and use a vaccine for prevention in all female cows.
• If leptospirosis or other infections are detected, treat with appropriate medication and vaccinate for prevention.
• If overfeeding seems to be the problem, cut back on rations, especially grain.
• Providing at least 4-6 weeks of fresh forage helps with vitamin, mineral, and hormonal deficiencies.
• Carefully observe the cow for estrus onset and duration. Breed cows 12 hours after initial observation. Inseminate a second time 12-18 hours after the first insemination, if the cow is in heat for an extended period of time (more than 24 hours).
• A veterinarian may be able to detect a low-grade uterine infection, delayed ovulation, or other abnormalities.