Trichomoniasis—Trich for short—isn’t just another hard-to-pronounce disease. It’s a serious and costly problem that can infiltrate your herd and significantly impact your bottom line. We’re talking fewer calves on the ground, lower weaning weights, and a longer, more frustrating breeding season. And the worst part? You often don’t realize it’s there until it’s already done the damage.
Trich is a reproductive disease that spreads through breeding. It can leave cows temporarily infertile and cause early embryonic loss. That means open cows, delayed calving, and ultimately, fewer calves to sell at the end of the season. Bulls often carry it without any signs, passing it from one cow to the next without anyone realizing it.
But here’s the thing—Trich is preventable. Stopping it starts with awareness and a few simple, proactive steps. Whether it’s testing bulls before turnout, keeping a close eye on your fences, or tightening up your recordkeeping, you have the tools to protect your herd.
It may not be the most talked-about topic around the coffee pot, but understanding Trich and how to prevent it can save you thousands in lost production. So, before the breeding season gets underway, take the time to get ahead of it. A few smart decisions now can help you avoid a whole lot of headaches (and empty pastures) later.
In the sections that follow, we’ll break down exactly what Trich is, how it spreads, and the best steps you can take to keep it far away from your operation.
