The Rural Voice, 1988-07, Page 51HOG SLATS
12" Wide x 6"
8", 12" 8 24" long.
Wlth these multiples, which can be bolted together
with stainless steel bolts which are supplied with
slats, it is possible to have many different lengths of
span up to 48". Non slip sand cast surface.
9 GAUGE
PUNCHED
Metal -Black or
Galvanized
Up to 12" wide.
Any length to
10' long.
Buy Direct From
ELAM M. MARTIN
MACHINERY MANUFACTURING
R.R. 3, Wallenstein, Ont.
519-669-3786
FOUR WIRE
PERMANENT
ELECTRIC FENCE
10'
For pasture sub -division to contain cattle,
sheep and goats. Not recommended as
a boundary fence when tall grass and
brush conditions exist. Excellent for the
control of dogs.
Dealer or Fence Installer
Inquiries Welcome
NEW ZEALAND
FENCE SYSTEMS
BOX 47 HAWKESVILLE,ONT.
NOB 1 XO
519-699-4246
CANOLA MARKETING
AND
ELEVATION
• Forward Contracts
• Quick Unloading
• Prompt Payment
• Drying Service Available
4111111111
p' Seed for
CRYSTAL
FALL CANOLA
Supplies Limited
Order Early
HARRISTON, ONTARIO (519) 338-3840
50 THE RURAL VOICE
ADVICE
EXAMINE BREEDING
FAILURE IN COWS
The first five weeks after breeding
are the most critical in achieving a full-
term pregnancy in either beef or dairy
cattle, says Dr. Laura Rutter, a reproduc-
tive physiologist with the Alberta De-
partment of Agriculture.
During this five-week period, some
crucial events must occur to ensure egg
fertilization and embryo survival.
If a cow returns to heat 20 to 40 days
after the fust breeding, producers often
assume that the cow failed to conceive.
In fact, the egg may have been fertilized,
but the embryo may be lost.
According to Dr. Rutter, the three
main reasons for pregnancy losses at
this time are: (1) failure of the egg to be
fertilized, (2) embryonic death at some
stage between 6 and 23 days after breed-
ing, and (3) abortion.
Most fertilization failures can be
attributed to: (a) genital tract abnor-
malities which impair transport of the
egg or sperm, (b) inappropriate timing
of insemination and/or lack of sire fertil-
ity, (c) heat stress, and (d) nutritional de-
ficiencies. Fertilization failure is appar-
ent within three days after breeding.
After a cow does conceive, there is a
high risk of embryonic death during the
first month. This often occurs at day 6 to
8, day 16, or day 33. These are critical
periods in the oviduct and uterus.
Hormonal imbalances, ovarian dys-
function, or disease could all contribute
to a hostile uterine environment. Chro-
mosome abnormalities of the egg or
sperm would also cause embryo death at
this stage. Cattle losing embryos in this
period will usually return to heat at the
normal interval.
If producers have breeding prob-
lems in their herd, corrective manage-
ment of nutrition, health, heat detection,
and breeding techniques should be ex-
amined. But Dr. Rutter says that pro-
ducers shouldn't overlook the possibil-
ity that the cow is at fault. Because
breeding problems don't generally go
away, a cow that has problems once may
always have problems. Repeat -breed-
ing cows that need three or more serv-
ices is simply uneconomical.0
Barry Sinclair
Farm Management Specialist