Heat Stress Risk to Fertility in Sheep and Cattle

Heat Stress, Handling and Environmental Risks to Fertility in Sheep and Cattle

Heat stress mitigation is key to mitigating fertility issues

The Impact of Environmental Stressors on Livestock Fertility in Dubbo

Fertility in sheep and cattle is influenced by many factors, but environmental stressors such as heat stress, handling practices, and general environmental conditions can have a profound effect on reproductive success.

For producers in Dubbo and the Central West NSW, understanding and mitigating these risks is critical to maintaining high conception rates, healthy pregnancies, and strong lamb or calf crops.

How Heat Stress Affects Fertility

High temperatures, especially during the critical breeding and early pregnancy periods, can:

•  Reduce ovulation rates in ewes and cows

•  Decrease sperm quality and libido in rams and bulls

•  Increase early embryonic loss and abortions

•  Lower overall conception rates

Heat stress causes physiological changes such as elevated body temperature and reduced feed intake, which impair reproductive hormone function and fertility.

The Role of Handling and Management Stress

Stressful handling during joining or pregnancy, including rough yarding, transport, or

excessive mustering, can trigger:

•  Hormonal imbalances affecting ovulation and conception

•  Increased risk of abortion or premature birth

•  Reduced immune function, making animals more susceptible to reproductive diseases

Low-stress livestock handling techniques are essential to reduce these risks.

Other Environmental Risks to Fertility

•  Nutritional stress from drought or poor pasture quality

•  Toxic plants ingestion causing abortion or infertility

•  Parasite burdens that reduce body condition and reproductive performance

•  Poor water quality affecting overall health and fertility

Veterinary Strategies to Manage Environmental Fertility Risks

Veterinarians in Dubbo and the Central West provide vital support by:

•  Advising on shade, water, and cooling strategies during hot weather

•  Training producers in low-stress stock handling methods

•  Designing nutrition and parasite control programs to maintain condition

•  Conducting reproductive health checks and early pregnancy diagnosis

•  Advising on safe grazing and pasture management to avoid toxic plants

Frequently Asked Questions

Can heat stress be completely avoided?

While it can’t be fully prevented, management strategies can greatly reduce its impact on fertility.

How can I reduce handling stress on my livestock?

Using calm, quiet handling techniques and minimising yard time during sensitive periods is key.

Are environmental fertility risks worse in drought?

Yes, drought compounds nutritional and heat stress, making veterinary support crucial.

Protect Your Livestock Fertility with Expert Vet Advice

Environmental and handling stressors are major, yet often overlooked, contributors to fertility problems in sheep and cattle. With veterinary guidance, producers in Dubbo and the Central West can implement practical solutions to safeguard reproductive success.

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At Central West Genetics, our vets offer on-farm assessments and tailored management plans to help you navigate environmental risks effectively.

Contact us today to schedule a fertility risk assessment and protect your breeding

program.