Effect of Echinops spinosus (Teskra) and PGF2α on reproductive performance in cows with clinical endometritis

Abstract

The efficacy of Echinops spinosus (Teskra) and PGF2α in the treatment of clinical endometritis (CE) on clinical recovery and reproductive performance was evaluated. A total of 20 Holstein-Friesian cows with CE that were 21-40 days in milk (DIM) were assigned to one of two experimental groups. Cows in the PGF group (n=10) received two doses of d-cloprostenol (analogue of PGF2α) 14 days apart. Cows in the Teskra group (n=10) received a decoction of Teskra root administered orally once daily for three days. The control group consisted of 20 clinically healthy cows (n=20; HE group). The clinical recovery rate was 70% and 40% in PGF and Teskra groups, respectively (P>0.05). The proportion of pregnant cows at first service was 35%, 40%, 20% in the HE, PGF, and Teskra groups, respectively (P>0.05). However, the conception rate until 120 DIM was significantly higher in the HE group compared to the Teskra group (P<0.05). The mean days from calving to the first service interval (CFSI) were significantly lower in the HE group compared to the PGF and Teskra groups (P<0.001). Cows in the Teskra group conceived approximately 35 d and 26 d later than cows in the HE and PGF groups, respectively (P<0.05). Cows in the Teskra group required about 2.4 services to become pregnant, compared to 1.8 and 1.6 for those in the HE and PGF groups, respectively (P>0.05). Except for CFSI, no significant differences were found between the HE and PGF groups for any of the tested parameters. The results indicate that endometritic cows treated with PGF2α had nearly the same reproductive performance as healthy cows and Teskra was not effective in treating CE in dairy cows.