Economic consequences of infectious abortion in dairy cows in Türkiye: a literature-based production modeling approach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the economic consequences of infectious abortion in dairy cows in Türkiye using a literature-based production modeling approach. Data were compiled from published studies reporting infectious agents identified in investigated bovine abortion cases and complemented by expert elicitation to define production and cost parameters under Türkiye field conditions. The random-effects meta-analysis indicated that infectious agents were identified in 25.3% of investigated bovine abortion cases. Among the etiologically confirmed cases, bacterial, viral, and protozoal agents accounted for 74%, 17%, and 9% of identified cases, respectively. Economic losses were estimated per cow according to gestational stage and included milk yield reduction, prolonged calving interval, culling and replacement costs, additional feeding, and veterinary and diagnostic expenses. All values were expressed in U.S. dollars at constant 2026 prices. The mean estimated economic cost of infectious abortion was US$2,217.2 per cow. Economic losses increased with advancing gestation stage, with estimated losses per cow calculated as US$1,885.2 during early gestation (0–3 months), US$1,975.8 during mid-gestation (3–6 months), and US$2,790.7 during late gestation (6–9 months). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that infectious abortion imposes a considerable economic burden on dairy production systems in Türkiye. In this context, effective preventive measures and herd health management strategies are considered essential for reducing abortion-associated economic losses and improving the sustainability of dairy enterprises.