How to prevent cystic ovarian disease in dairy cattle

The disease mainly affects cows in the very early postpartum period, with older and high-yielding cows at greater risk

Katie Fallon
Livestock Specialist
clock • 5 min read
Few or no signs of heat, known as anoestrus, is one of the key signs that indicate cystic ovarian disease could be present, says vet Esme Moffett.
Image:

Few or no signs of heat, known as anoestrus, is one of the key signs that indicate cystic ovarian disease could be present, says vet Esme Moffett.

A common disease affecting between 5% and 60% of dairy cattle in the UK, cystic ovarian disease negatively impacts cow productivity, with effects on both farm efficiency and profitability. Vet...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Dairy

Heat stress in pregnant dairy cows could impact autumn-born calves

Heat stress in pregnant dairy cows could impact autumn-born calves

High temperatures are now more likely and less predictable so dairy farmers need to be prepared to combat the negative impact of heat stress on health and productivity in their herds

clock 22 July 2026 • 2 min read
Focus on consistency to improve farm labour and calf performance

Focus on consistency to improve farm labour and calf performance

Consistent hygiene and provision of a well-mixed milk replacer will have a knock-on effect on calf performance and health, translating into labour savings in the calf shed

clock 21 July 2026 • 4 min read
Dairy Talk: Robert Reed - "We haven't been this long bTB-free for nearly 15 years"

Dairy Talk: Robert Reed - "We haven't been this long bTB-free for nearly 15 years"

Farming 405 hectares (1,000 acres), a mix of tenanted and owned land at Gatcombe Farm, near Seaton, Devon, Robert Reed and his family milk 350 all-year-round calving Holstein cows via five robots and are achieving average yields of 12,000 litres

clock 16 July 2026 • 4 min read