Scheduling Examinations for Effective Reproductive Health Control in a Dairy Herd

Abstract

Efficiency of reproduction in a dairy herd is mainly associated with environmental and management factors. It is also a product of successful control of herd health reproductive   problems. Successful control or herd health reproductive problems usually involve conducting post-calving regular health clinics at specific time intervals. Reproductive health clinics are conducted during the puerperium and the service period; the two sum up to make the calving to conception oestrus period. The   puerperium is   the   period from calving to the   time of completion of uterine involution and resumption of normal oestrous cyclicity.  The service period is the period from the time of resumption of normal oestrous cyclicity to conception oestrus. There are several sequential phases that characterize a normal calving to conception period; each phase is defined by a specific physiological event(s).These physiological events divide the postpartum period into phases namely recovery from the extended-effects-of-pregnancy, escape from the effects of suckling-milking inhibition of gonadotrophins, recovery from multifactorial effects associated with the initiation of oestrous cyclicity, ovulation and luteal development.  In a dairy herd, it is possible to follow the course of these physiological events by making regular scheduled examinations. Scheduled examinations ensure early and accurate detection of reproductive problems whenever physiological events turn pathological. Moreover, early   diagnosis ensures   early   treatment increase chances of recovery and therefore reduces time from calving to conception oestrus. This paper recommends that a minimum of five scheduled examinations should be done at a specified times during the puerperium and service period in dairy cows.  The paper in addition. Suggest diagnostic methods and therapeutic alternatives that utilize materials readily available in a Tanzanian environment