Considerable economic loss can occur through reproductive failure in cattle. Although brucellosis (which used to be a major cause of reproductive loss) has been eradicated, other reproductive diseases are still common. There are also many non-infectious factors that contribute to infertility and reproductive loss.
Low calving rates may be due to infertility (failure of cows to conceive) or to early embryonic losses, abortion and stillbirth.
This Agfact focuses on calf losses rather than the failure to become pregnant.
Information is divided into the following main sections: