Repeat Breeding & Infertility in Cows & Buffaloes

What is repeat breeding?

A repeat breeder is a cow or buffalo that keeps coming back into heat after being mated or inseminated, even though she seems healthy and her heats look normal. Infertility is the wider problem of an animal that does not get pregnant, or does not come into heat at all. Both cost dairy farmers milk, calves and time.

There are many possible causes. Heat may be missed, or insemination may be done at the wrong time. The embryo may die very early. A hidden infection of the uterus (womb) is common after a difficult calving or a retained afterbirth. Hormone imbalance, poor body condition, heat stress and shortages of minerals such as phosphorus, copper or zinc can all play a part. Some germs spread at natural mating, and bulls can carry them without signs. Buffaloes often show weak or silent heat, so heat is easy to miss.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Coming back into heat after each insemination
• Regular heats but no pregnancy
• Weak or silent heat, common in buffaloes
• No heat for a long time after calving
• Cloudy or pus-like discharge from the vulva
• Irregular heats, or returning to heat late

Not every animal shows every sign. A late return to heat may mean an early pregnancy was lost.

Which lab tests help

Progesterone, Serum shows whether the ovaries are working through the heat cycle and helps your vet check heat timing. Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) ELISA helps confirm pregnancy. PAG can stay in the blood for a while after calving or a lost pregnancy, so your vet reads it with the breeding dates.

A Uterine Discharge Swab Culture & Sensitivity grows bacteria from the uterus and shows which medicines may work, which helps your vet choose. Vaginal Cytology looks at cells under a microscope and can show inflammation. Where a bull is used for natural mating, Trichomonas foetus (Bull) - Culture & RT-PCR and Campylobacter fetus (Bull) - Culture & RT-PCR look for two germs spread at mating, and Bull Semen Evaluation checks the bull's semen. The Mineral Profile (Calcium, Phosphorus & Magnesium) and Trace Mineral Profile for Cattle & Buffalo (Copper, Zinc & Selenium) check minerals linked with fertility.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and breeding history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a cow or buffalo has returned to heat several times, has no heat long after calving, or has an abnormal discharge. Keep a record of heat, insemination and calving dates, because it helps your vet a lot. A cow with a foul discharge, fever or poor appetite after calving needs a vet the same day. Ask your vet about prevention and herd fertility plans.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal provides free sample collection anywhere in Bhopal. Farmers in other districts can send samples through their local vet, by courier or by bus parcel. Phone or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to arrange it. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.