Kreis IA ,
Does M de ,
Hoekstra JA ,
Lezenne Coulander C de ,
Peters PWJ ,
Wentink GH
125 p
in Dutch
1991
Toon Nederlands
English Abstract The possible effects of cadmium on the reproduction of
cattle after lifelong exposure were investigated with a historical
follow-up. The cattle lived on farms were surveilled by the regional
veterinary health services between 1976 and 1986. 10 exposed farms in the
Kempen were compared to 40 farms from a reference area. Decreased
fertility, congenital malformations, foetal death, complications at birth
and a decreased twinning rate were expected. An increased rate of slaughter
of the cows was expected as well. 19591 gestations and 3798 cows were
compared. Logistic models and Cox proportional hazard models were used.
Fewer twins were born, more complications at birth occurred for both calf
and cow and more inseminations were needed. No other differences were
found. The results are consistent with those of other investigations. The
conclusion is that there are differences in the reproduction of cattle
between the Kempen and the reference area. These differences are possibly
related to reduced implantation of embryos due to
cadmium.
