RISK-FACTORS FOR INFERTILITY IN NURSING COWS LINKED TO CALVING

An ecopathological survey was conducted between 1987 and 1989 in 116 F rench herds with 3 590 cows in order to study the risk factors for inf ertility linked to calving. Based upon an analysis model of etiologica l interactions, the complementary use of a logistic model and factoria l analysis followed by classification allowed demonstration of the dir ect and indirects, effects upon infertility, breed factors, parity, fa ttening, comfort, calf characteristics (number, sex, weight, presentat ion), as well as the difficulty and complications which may have been associated with calving. By association, these factors determine the p rofile of the cows at risk.