Influence of breastfeeding and postpartum anestrus on the reproductive efficiency of the bovine female

Abstract

The reproductive efficiency of a breeding herd is the most important tool when you want to improve the cattle industry of a farm. To evaluate the reproductive efficiency of cows, some features should be taken into consideration, as the number of conceptions and calves born in a year, and the number of calves weaned, for that to happen it is necessary that each cow can give birth to a calf every 12 months, this is only possible if the service period of these animals does not exceed 60 to 90 days. This paper will discuss the main factors leading to an increase in the length of service of females and consequently a decrease in reproductive efficiency. Several factors that affect female reproduction, including those that stand out are: the effect of breastfeeding and calf presence negatively affects resumption of estrous cycles of female, there are some forms of management of breastfeeding to help reduce this impact caused by the negative lactation. How cattle ranching requires management to create the flock, these animals suffer from stress caused by this management, which generates a negative effect on reproduction, which is often also affected by the seasons and heat stress. The postpartum anestrus and its pathophysiology are also very important when it comes to reproductive efficiency, as well as reproductive health and disease.