Practical Clinical Approaches to the Problem Breeder Female

Abstract

Applied reproductive biotechnology, information technology, and efficient production management systems on the farm have all contributed to an increased awareness and knowledge of reproductive problems. Reproductive history is now documented and we know more than ever about individual females and their problems. Artificial Insemination (AI), emliryo transfer, in vitro fertilization (IVF), real time ultrasound, sex-sorted sperm (Sexing Technologies, Navasota, TX 77868}, and novel heat detection systems (HeatWatch®, Denver, CO 80216) are some of the tools that cattle breeders and veterinarians use to diagnose and treat problem females. Although a small percentage of infertility cases can be diagnosed and treated successfully, the majority of infertility cases in beef cattle are idiopathic in nature. Over half of the infertile females brought to my facility fall into this classification after both palpation and ultrasound examinations. In spite of all the technology available, amazingly little is known about the etiology or pathobiology of the most common form of infertility in cattle. This paper explores possible causes of idiopathic infertility and suggest a systematic method of handling bovine female infertility in a clinical setting.