Farm-level risk factors associated with reproductive performance in small-scale dairy farms in Mexico.

The profitability of dairy farms is closely linked to reproductive performance. Identifying risk factors that compromise this performance is vital to implementing strategies to improve productivity. An analysis was done of the effects on reproductive performance of artificial insemination (AI) use, herd size and high seroprevalence of reproductive infectious diseases. Data on reproductive events were collected from 52 farms (10-100 cows; 959 lactations) over 18 mo (births 2011-2012). Neosporosis, bovine infectious rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) seroprevalences were documented at each farm. Multiple logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the degree of association (odds ratio, OR) between potential risk factors and reproductive variables. Herds of 33 or more cows (OR= 1.5) and high neosporosis seroprevalence (OR= 2.3) were risk factors for assisted calving. High IBR and BVD seroprevalences (OR= 1.3 and 1.9, respectively) were risk factors for days to first service over 70 d in milk (DFS>70). Artificial insemination was a common risk factor for DFS>70 (OR= 2.4) and days open over 110 days in milk (OR= 1.3). Herds of 33 or more cows was a risk factor for nonpregnant cows at first service (OR= 1.7). Artificial insemination, herds of 33 or more cows and high neosporosis, IBR and BVD seroprevalences are factors associated with reproductive performance in small-scale dairy farms in various geographical regions in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]