Routine Fertility Visit and Bovine Reproductive Management

These flashcards cover the key concepts, terms, and procedures related to routine fertility visits and reproductive management in dairy cows.

What is the purpose of routine fertility visits in dairy practice?

To manage dairy cow reproduction and build relationships with farm clients.

What are two key aspects of managing dairy herd reproduction?

Group (herd) level management and individual (cow) level management.

What are the two phases of the bovine oestrous cycle?

Luteal phase and follicular phase.

How long does the luteal phase of the bovine oestrous cycle last?

14-18 days.

During which phase is progesterone the dominant hormone?

Luteal phase.

What hormone dominates during the follicular phase?

Oestrogen.

What is the average length of the bovine oestrous cycle?

18-24 days.

What is a corpus luteum and during which phase is it present?

A corpus luteum is present during the luteal phase and secretes progesterone.

What event marks the end of the follicular phase?

Ovulation.

What is FSH and what is its role in the bovine oestrous cycle?

Follicle Stimulating Hormone, which initiates the development of new follicular waves.

When does LH surge occur and what does it stimulate?

LH surges before ovulation, stimulating the ovulation of the dominant follicle.

Define pyometra in cattle.

Presence of purulent material in the uterine lumen with a closed cervix.

How is pyometra treated in cattle?

With prostaglandin F2α; antibiotics are not needed.

What is the difference between endometritis and metritis?

Endometritis is diagnosed more than 21 days after calving; metritis is diagnosed less than 21 days after calving.

What defines clinical endometritis?

Presence of purulent discharge more than 21 days post-partum.

How is subclinical endometritis diagnosed?

Through cytological examination of uterine fluid with specific neutrophil thresholds.

What are the two types of ovarian cysts?

Follicular cysts and luteal cysts.

What are the characteristics of follicular cysts?

They have a wall less than 3mm thick and are often fluid-filled.

What defines luteal cysts?

Cysts with a wall more than 3mm thick that contain luteal tissue.

What is the traditional definition of an ovarian cyst?

An enlarged anovulatory follicle-like structure greater than 25mm in diameter that persists for 10 or more days.

What is the modern proposed definition of an ovarian cyst?

Anovulatory ovarian structures with a cavity greater than 20mm in diameter in the absence of a corpus luteum.

List one advantage of using ultrasound for pregnancy diagnosis.

It allows assessment of the viability of the foetus earlier in gestation.

What should be observed to confirm a viable fetus during an ultrasound exam?

A heartbeat or visible movement within a minute of placing the probe.

What is the voluntary waiting period (VWP) usually set at for dairy cows?

50 days.

What are NSB, ONO, and NDO terms for?

They refer to cows that have not been seen in heat or have not been inseminated yet.

What is the significance of the Days in Milk (DIM) for a cow?

It indicates how long a cow has been lactating since calving.

What are the common reproductive disorders seen during routine fertility visits?

Pyometra, endometritis, cystic ovarian disease.

What does a successful treatment of pyometra typically require?

One treatment of prostaglandin F2α.

What is the typical gestation length for cows?

Approximately 9 months.

How can pregnancy be confirmed using ultrasound during late gestation?

Checking for a heartbeat or movement of the foetus.

What distinguishes clinical endometritis from other reproductive conditions?

Purulent discharge evident after 21 days post-partum.

What is the role of FTAI in reproductive management?

It refers to fixed-time artificial insemination.

How many follicular waves do most adult dairy cows have per cycle?

Two follicular waves.

What is important about the relationship between oestrogen and progesterone during the oestrous cycle?

Oestrogen peaks before ovulation, while progesterone dominates in the luteal phase.

What are some factors that could lead to a cow being classified as a repeat breeder?

Having been inseminated multiple times without becoming pregnant.

What is critical to note when assessing ultrasound images of reproductive structures?

Understanding the echogenicity and structure differentiation.

What is the role of a veterinarian during a routine fertility visit?

To assist farmers with reproductive performance and manage herd health.

What should be done if pregnancy diagnosis records do not match with farm records?

Update the farmer to adjust records accordingly.

What effects does manual examination contribute to during routine fertility visits?

It enhances competence in identifying reproductive issues before ultrasound scanning.

What advantage does veterinary advice provide during routine fertility visits?

It addresses herd health concerns not requiring individual visits.

What is the purpose of pre-breeding checks?

To identify abnormalities before commencing breeding.

What are the potential issues checked for during post-natal checks?

Calving related problems such as metritis, retained membranes, or ketosis.