Incidence of reproductive problems following a voluntary waiting period in cows on family type cattle breeding farms in Van province

Abstract

This study aimed to identify reproductive problems in cows on family type cattle breeding farms in rural areas of Van province using transrectal ultrasonographic examination. The study included 196 cows of various breeds and ages. All cows had calved at least once, completed a voluntary waiting period of at least 50 days postpartum, and were not pregnant at the time of examination. Postpartum days and current body condition scores (BCS) of each cow were recorded. Genital organs of each animal were examined twice using rectal palpation and ultrasonography, at intervals of 7-11 days. Animals with detected corpus luteum in their ovaries were classified as cyclic, while those without were classified as non-cyclic and further categorized according to anestrus types. The average number of days postpartum for cows was determined to be 94.42 days. Based on ovarian examination results, 47.95% (n=94) of the cows were classified as cyclic, while 52.04% (n=102) were classified as non-cyclic. According to anestrus types, 14.71% (n = 15) of the cows were classified as Type I anovulatory anestrus, 25.49% (n = 26) as Type II anovulatory anestrus, 52.94% (n = 54) as Type III anovulatory anestrus, and 4.90% (n = 5) as Type IV anovulatory anestrus. Pyometra was diagnosed in 1.96% (n=2) of the cows. The study concluded that cows on family type cattle breeding farms in rural areas of Van province experienced delayed resumption of postpartum cyclic activity, with high anoestrus rates primarily attributed to nutrition. It was concluded that the widespread use of ultrasonography in family type cattle breeding farms would have significant and positive effects on the reproductive success of cows and sustainable animal breeding.