Subfertility in dairy heifers in Ireland

Abstract

Subfertility in cattle can be defined as poor reproductive performance where there is difficulty getting the animal in calf, with increased breeding failures due to reduced conception rates. Unlike infertility where the animal cannot get pregnant, subfertility means the likelihood of a successful conception is reduced, and it takes longer and more inseminations to achieve conception. In cattle, decreased fertility can be temporary or permanent, and there are a multitude of possible causes of suboptimal reproductive performance. Some of the main causes of dwindling fertility levels are factors related to genetics, nutrition, infectious disease and management related issues.