The use of hormones to treat dairy cattle reproductive diseases: An integrated epidemiological and socio-economic analysis

Summary

Reproductive diseases commonly occur on dairy farms, posing an impact to cow reproductive performance. To mitigate reproductive diseases, hormonal treatments can be used. This research aimed to support decision-making on the use of reproductive hormones to treat reproductive diseases in Dutch dairy farms. Results showed that an increased use of hormones improves cow reproductive performance, increases milk production, and reduces culling rates, thereby offering economic benefits to dairy farmers. However, a farmer’s decision to use more hormones must be balanced with their preference to implement non-hormonal fertility management. Moreover, these decisions should also meet societal concerns regarding the use of hormones and their preference for natural dairy production practices. Therefore, in order to balance economic and ethical considerations regarding reproductive management in dairy herds, fertility guidelines should align the use of hormones in reproductive programs with societal demands.