Therapeutic approaches to pregnancy loss of non-infectious cause during the late embryonic/early foetal period in dairy cattle. A review

Abstract

The problem of pregnancy loss during the late embryonic/early foetal period due to non-infectious causes in dairy cattle is on the rise, especially in high milk producing cows. This review discusses recent therapeutic approaches designed to reduce the incidence of early foetal loss. These strategies are based on the fact that low plasma concentrations of progesterone are commonly related to foetal loss. Progesterone supplementation during the late embryonic/early foetal period has proven useful in curtailing losses, mainly in single pregnancies, whereas a more positive effect of treatment with GnRH than progesterone has been found in twin pregnancies. Therapeutics is not necessary in cows with an additional corpus luteum. In practical terms, suggestions include recording the number of embryos and corpora lutea on first pregnancy diagnosis and checking for normal pregnancy progression on day 60 post-insemination.