Successful reproduction on modern dairy farms
requires an understanding of reproductive
processes of the dairy cow and a working
knowledge of the anatomy or parts of a cow’s
reproductive tract. This knowledge can be useful in
identifying and correcting many situations leading
to poor reproductive efficiency.
Except for the vulva, all parts of the reproductive
tract are located within the body of the cow.
Parts (Fig. 1) encountered as one proceeds into the
reproductive tract include the vestibule, vagina,
cervix, uterus, oviducts and ovaries. The internal
parts are located beneath the rectum, which
allows rectal palpations of the tract to be done
easily. The uterus, oviducts, and ovaries are
attached to a ligament and suspended in the
cow’s pelvic area. This suspension allows these
organs to move freely in the pelvic canal and into
the body cavity, providing space to accommodate
a growing fetal calf.