cows
Calf Development and Foetal Growth
Rearing calves from newborns to replacement heifers or for sale can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Producers around the world do their best to maximise growth and health whilst ensuring proper development in their calves. But that is only half of the story. By the time a calf takes its first breath, it has …
Cows in Heat: The Bovine Oestrous Cycle
What is the oestrous cycle? The oestrous cycle is a series of changes that a female animal’s body goes through to prepare for fertilisation and pregnancy. These changes, both behavioural and physiological, are driven by hormonal fluctuations. Understanding how cows go into and out of heat is vital for the modern dairy farmer. What does …
Cystic Ovarian Disease
What is Cystic Ovarian Disease in cattle? Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is a major problem associated with poor fertility in dairy cattle. Reportedly, from 6 to 19% of dairy cows develop cysts, however it is possible that the incidence of the disease is as high as 60%, as many heifers which develop ovarian cysts recover …
