Instant Insights

Chapter 1 - Causes, prevention and management of infertility in dairy cows: Alexander C. O. Evans, University College Dublin, Ireland; and Shenming Zeng, China Agriculture University, China;

1 Introduction

2 Bovine parturition and uterine health

3 Bovine post-partum metabolic environment and ovarian activity

4 Oestrus in dairy cows

5 Establishing pregnancy in dairy cows

6 Heat stress and bovine fertility

7 Heifer fertility

8 Genetics and bovine fertility

9 Future trends and conclusion

10 Where to look for further information

11 References

Chapter 2 - Developments in automated monitoring of livestock fertility/pregnancy: Michael Iwersen, University of Veterinary Medicine - Vienna, Austria;

1 Introduction

2 The Estrous Cycle in Dairy Cows

3 Reproductive Performance and Estrus Detection

4 Methods for Estrus Detection in Cows

5 Summary and Future Research

6 Where to Look for Further Information

7 References

Chapter 3 - Advances in dairy cattle breeding to improve fertility/reproductive efficiency: Mekonnen Haile-Mariam, Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Australia; and Jennie Pryce, Agriculture Victoria and La Trobe University, Australia;

1 Introduction

2 Measures of fertility traits

3 Basis for genetic improvement of fertility traits

4 Strategies for genetic improvement of fertility

5 Summary

6 Future trends

7 Acknowledgements

8 Where to look for further information

9 References

Chapter 4 - Optimising reproductive management to maximise dairy herd health and production: Norman B. Williamson, Massey University, New Zealand;

1 Introduction

2 Grouping animals to measure individual animal reproduction limits

3 Measuring reproductive performance

4 Production-related reproductive indices for pasture-based seasonally calving herds

5 Diagnostic reproductive indices for pasture-based seasonally calving herds

6 Production-related reproductive indices in year-round calving herds

7 Indices used to diagnose causes of inadequate herd reproduction

8 Monitoring bull breeding

9 Management of herd limits to reproduction: anoestrus

10 Clinical examination and treatment of anoestrous cows

11 Improving oestrus detection

12 Controlled breeding programmes for oestrus synchronisation

13 The role of nutrition in limiting and optimising reproduction

14 Managing abortion

15 Conclusion and future trends

16 Where to look for further information

17 References