Incidence of cystic ovaries in Holstein-Friesian cows
Whitmore, H.L.; Tyler, W.J.; Casida, L.E.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 165(8): 693-694
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 4474153 Document Number: 76600
Cystic ovaries occurred during 42 of 375 (11.2%) calving intervals. Average incidence of cystic ovaries was 5, 16 and 16% for 1st, 2nd and 3rd calving intervals, respectively. Occurrence of cystic ovaries did not differ much between high (10%) and low (12%) milk production or between high (9%) and average (13%) planes of nutrition. Early post-partum breeding resulted in fewer cystic ovaries (7%), when compared with late breeding (15%). The average interval from calving to onset of cystic ovaries was longer in high milk-producing cows than in low producers; however, the high producers tended to have cystic ovaries for a longer time prior to spontaneous recovery. Most cows with cystic ovaries (29 of 42) recovered without treatment and became pregnant. The remainder (13 of 42) still had cystic ovaries 300 days postpartum. The actual incidence of cystic ovaries appears to be influenced by how soon ovaries are examined after calving, interval between examinations, and factors that may affect postpartum ovarian activity.