Reproductive

Reproductive diseases can be infectious, caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoal parasites, or of nutritional origin.

Infectious reproductive diseases of cattle, sheep and goats that can lead to significant economic loss include:

• Leptospirosis
• Pestivirus
• Three day sickness
• Vibriosis
• Trichomoniasis

Nutritional diseases can be caused by specific nutrient deficiencies, excesses or imbalances, or by metabolic disturbances.

Nutritional reproductive diseases of cattle, sheep and goats that can lead to significant economic loss include:

• Hypocalcaemia (milk fever)
• Ketosis (pregnancy toxaemia)
• Mineral deficiencies (phosphorus)
• Perennial ryegrass toxicosis

Some reproductive diseases have highly visible consequences, such as late-term abortions, while others remain silent for weeks or months. Where, in the absence of a drought or seasonal feed shortage, there has been a dramatic drop in pregnancy rates, branding or weaning rates or major changes in calf, lamb or kid distribution patterns, producers should suspect that reproductive disease is present and arrange for a veterinary investigation.

With all diseases and nutritional deficiencies, assess the risk based on previous local district history from local vets, state government officers and consultants, and if available, the property history.