An abattoir survey of reproductive organ abnormalities in beef heifers.

During the period from April 1984 to March 1985, a survey of abnormalities in beef heifer reproductive tracts was performed in an Ontario abattoir. Data concerning both pregnancy and gross pathology were collected on 5800 heifers. Pregnancy was found in 382 (6.6%) of the heifers examined. Various abnormalities were detected in 1499 (27.7%) of the remaining 5418 heifers. Cystic ovaries were found in 807 nonpregnant heifers (14.9%) and ovarian bursal adhesions and mucometra affected 5.4% and 5.0% of heifers, respectively. The prevalence of cystic ovaries and mucometrs was higher (p<0.05) in heifers exposed to melengestrol acetate.