Reproduction

Pregnant mare? Why you need to know about Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)

What is Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT)? At birth, the newborn foal lacks protective immunoglobulins (disease-fighting proteins) so is defenceless against infection by bacteria or viruses. The neonate is therefore dependent upon the passive transfer of immunoglobulins in the mare’s colostrum. Foals which fail receive these antibodies, or receive inadequate levels of these antibodies are […]

The iSperm is changing the way we assess bull sperm

The iSperm device, despite its eyebrow raising name, is a fantastic piece of technology that alows us to analyse bull sperm counts and motility without a microscope. The iSperm provides a rapid, repeatable and objective assesment of semen quality that doesn’t require the judgement of the vet looking down the microscope. As Dr Howlett demonstrates […]

Why BVDV (Pestivirus) may be affecting conception rates in your herd?

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) is a very common infection in Australian cattle with around 90% of herds showing evidence of past infection. It is capable of causing 25-50% production losses in recently infected herds and also increases susceptibility to other common diseases. The effects of Bovine Pestivirus – Reproduction BVDV is a significant cause […]