Demont, Kaylee JadeWebb, E.C. (Edward Cottington)Treadwell, RobertMasenge, Andries2026-02-182026-02-182025-10-30Demont, K., Webb, E.C., Treadwell, R. & Masenge, A. The Effects of Environmental and Management Factors on the Quality of the Corpus Luteum and Subsequent Conception Rates of Beef and Dairy Cows in South Africa. Life 2025, 15, 1687: 1-13. https:// doi.org/10.3390/life15111687.2075-1729 (online)10.3390/life15111687http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108348DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.The corpus luteum (CL) controls the success of pregnancy. The current study investigated the effects of some environmental and management factors on the development of the CL and the subsequent impact on conception rates of beef and dairy cows in South Africa. Cows (Jersey, Holstein, Nguni, Bonsmara, Tuli, Ankole, Charolais and Angus crosses) receiving an embryo were synchronized based on the breed type and status. Standing estrus was observed from day 9 to day 12 after synchronization. Embryo transfer occurred on day 18. CLs were graded based on size and consistency of each CL by an experienced veterinarian. Production type (beef versus dairy types) was marginally associated with conception after the first synchronization cycle (p = 0.065). Cows were moved between groups, and this influenced the CL (p = 0.08). Climatological factors, maximum THI (p = 0.017) and precipitation (p = 0.061) influenced the quality of the CL in dairy cows. By contrast, precipitation (p = 0.067) influenced the quality of CLs in beef cows. More attention needs to be paid to the management of maximum THI and shelter from precipitation in dairy production systems, while precipitation alone was more important in beef cows. Climate affects the corpus luteum quality of cows of different production types differently.en© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.ReproductionBeefDairyConception rateClimatological effectsManagementEmbryo transfersCorpus luteumArticle