Noninfectious Causes of Pregnancy Loss at the Late Embryonic/Early Fetal Stage in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

In cattle, initial pregnancy diagnosis takes place during the late embryonic/early fetal stage of gestation. From this point onward, pregnancy loss may occur in up to one fifth of pregnancies before the initial pregnancy diagnosis is confirmed. This means the early identification of risk factors is a key part of pregnancy diagnosis and herd management. The various factors responsible for pregnancy losses are classified into infectious and noninfectious. Among the noninfectious causes, several dam-related (circumstances of the individual pregnancy or milk production) and herd-related factors causing stress have been well established. In this review, we summarize the impacts of these noninfectious factors and predict associated risks of pregnancy loss.