The aim of this thesis was to identify, based on a literature review, the key factors affecting the welfare, health and fertility of suckler cows and to present possible approaches for their improvement. Welfare, health and reproductive performance in suckler cows are closely interrelated and influenced by numerous factors, among which nutrition, body condition, housing conditions, health management, pasture conditions and animal handling play an important role. Adequate nutrition and appropriate body condition before and after calving are particularly important, as a negative energy balance and suboptimal body condition may prolong the postpartum interval and reduce subsequent reproductive success. Preventive measures are essential for reducing the risk of health and reproductive problems and include appropriate nutrition, suitable housing and grazing conditions, effective biosecurity and hygiene, prevention of diseases and injuries, and regular monitoring of body condition, health status and animal behaviour. Reproductive management is also an important component of successful herd management. In artificial insemination programmes, timely and reliable oestrus detection and appropriate timing of insemination are crucial, whereas in natural mating systems, adequate bull fertility and a planned breeding period are essential. Particular attention should also be given to the selection and rearing of replacement heifers, as appropriate growth and development and their timely introduction into the breeding herd have an important influence on the future reproductive and overall performance of the herd.
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