Introduction of Repeat Breeding
Introduction Repeat breeding is one of the most common and economically important reproductive problems in cows and buffaloes. A repeat breeder is a normally cycling animal that fails to conceive even after three or more regular services (natural mating or artificial insemination) without showing any apparent abnormality in the reproductive tract. This condition leads to increased calving interval, reduced milk production, higher treatment costs, and ultimately economic losses to dairy farmers.
Both cows and buffaloes are affected by repeat breeding, but the problem is more severe in buffaloes due to silent heat, seasonal breeding behavior, and higher sensitivity to nutritional and environmental stress.
Definition of Repeat Breeding
A cow or buffalo is considered a repeat breeder when:
- It shows normal estrus (heat) cycles
- It has no visible reproductive disorders
- It has been inseminated or mated three or more times
- It does not become pregnant
Repeat breeding is not a single disease but a multifactorial condition caused by nutritional, managemental, hormonal, infectious, and genetic factors.
Incidence and Economic Importance
Repeat breeding can affect 10–30% of dairy animals in poorly managed herds. In buffaloes, the incidence may be even higher due to:
- Poor heat detection
- Late maturity
- Seasonal infertility
Economic losses occur due to:
- Increased cost of insemination
- Extended open period
- Reduced lifetime milk yield
- Early culling of animals
Causes of Repeat Breeding
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutrition plays a key role in fertility. Deficiencies or imbalances can disturb hormone production and ovulation.
Common nutritional causes include:
- Energy deficiency (negative energy balance)
- Protein imbalance
- Mineral deficiencies such as:
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Copper
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Vitamin deficiencies (Vitamin A, D, E)
Poor quality fodder and lack of mineral mixture are major contributors.
2. Improper Heat Detection
Incorrect or missed heat detection is one of the most common reasons for repeat breeding, especially in buffaloes.
Problems include:
- Silent heat (more common in buffaloes)
- Short duration of estrus
- Heat signs occurring at night
- Inexperienced workers
Insemination done too early or too late reduces chances of conception.
3. Faulty Insemination Practices
Artificial insemination (AI) failure can occur due to:
- Poor quality semen
- Improper semen handling
- Wrong site of semen deposition
- Inexperienced inseminator
- Poor hygiene during AI
Frozen semen must be stored, thawed, and used correctly to maintain fertility.
4. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal disturbances can interfere with ovulation, fertilization, or embryo survival.
Common hormonal issues:
- Delayed or absent ovulation
- Inadequate progesterone levels
- Cystic ovaries
- Luteal insufficiency
These problems often require veterinary diagnosis and hormonal therapy.
5. Uterine Infections
Subclinical uterine infections may not show visible discharge but can prevent conception.
Common infections include:
- Endometritis
- Metritis (mild or chronic)
- Bacterial contamination after calving
Such infections create a hostile environment for sperm and embryos.
6. Early Embryonic Death
Fertilization may occur, but the embryo dies within the first 2–3 weeks.
Causes include:
- Hormonal insufficiency
- Heat stress
- Nutritional deficiency
- Uterine infection
- Genetic defects
Early embryonic loss often goes unnoticed and appears as repeat breeding.
7. Genetic and Anatomical Factors
Some animals may have:
- Poor genetic fertility
- Congenital defects of the reproductive tract
- Narrow cervix or uterine abnormalities
Such animals respond poorly to treatment and may need culling.
8. Environmental and Management Stress
Stress negatively affects reproduction.
Important stress factors:
- Heat stress (very common in summer)
- Poor housing and ventilation
- Overcrowding
- Rough handling
- Long walking distances
Buffaloes are particularly sensitive to heat stress, leading to low conception rates.
Diagnosis of Repeat Breeding
Proper diagnosis is essential before treatment.
Diagnostic methods include:
- Detailed breeding and calving history
- Rectal examination
- Ultrasonography
- Vaginal examination
- Hormonal evaluation
- Uterine culture (if infection is suspected)
A veterinarian should always examine the animal before starting treatment.
Treatment and Management
1. Nutritional Correction
- Provide balanced ration
- Ensure adequate energy and protein
- Regular use of mineral mixture
- Supplement vitamins if needed
2. Proper Heat Detection
- Observe animals early morning and late evening
- Use teaser bulls or heat detection aids
- Train farm workers
3. Correct Insemination Timing
- Follow AM–PM rule
- Inseminate 12–18 hours after onset of heat
- Use skilled inseminators
4. Hormonal Therapy
- Use of GnRH, PGF2α, or progesterone under veterinary guidance
- Treatment of ovarian cysts
5. Treatment of Uterine Infections
- Intrauterine antibiotics or antiseptics
- Systemic treatment when required
- Maintain hygiene at calving and AI
6. Stress Management
- Provide shade and cooling
- Adequate clean drinking water
- Proper housing and comfort
Prevention of Repeat Breeding
Prevention is better than treatment.
Key preventive measures:
- Good nutrition and mineral supplementation
- Clean and hygienic calving practices
- Regular reproductive health check-ups
- Proper record keeping
- Skilled AI services
- Heat stress management
Conclusion
Repeat breeding in cows and buffaloes is a complex reproductive problem with multiple causes. It significantly affects farm profitability if not addressed properly. Early identification, accurate diagnosis, balanced nutrition, good management practices, and timely veterinary intervention are essential for successful control of repeat breeding. With proper care and scientific management, most repeat breeder animals can be successfully treated and returned to normal fertility. You can use FERTY-7 KIT , it is a reliable natural product by BLUE HORNET PHARMA { https;//bluehornetpharma.com/ferty-7/ }. For more information see our yuotube channel TIPS DIARY WITH VIKASDEEP .