Control of venereal campylobacteriosis in a beef herd
Scott, P.R.
Veterinary Record 135(7): 162-163
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7985347 Document Number: 425039
In December 1985 an Aberdeen Angus bull of reported good fertility was introduced into a group of 30 maiden heifers. During the first 3-week service period only one heifer became pregnant and by the end of the 5-month service period there were 7 non-pregnant heifers. Bacteriological culture of vaginal oestrous mucus yielded Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis in samples from 2 heifers. The use of 2 of the herds stock bulls did not improve the conception rate and resulted in C. fetus infection of both bulls. Following confirmation of venereal campylobacteriosis artificial insemination was adopted to control the disease. In the 6 breeding seasons since IA was introduced the conception rate in the herd has remained in the region of 70%, with 1.4 services per pregnancy.