Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with hydrometra in dairy goat herds

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The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiological features of hydrometra in dairy goats. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1,604 dairy goats from 21 farms in the Southeastern region of Brazil. Goats were examined by transrectal ultrasound (US) in order to determine the prevalence of hydrometra. To survey risk factors, it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire with questions about general farm characteristics, technological resources, goat performance records, and the management of reproduction, health, and nutrition. The prevalence of hydrometra was 9.2% (147/1,604). The variables associated with hydrometra in the univariate analysis were: age (P = 0.012); Saanen breed (P = 0.003); hormonal induced estrus (P = 0.0029); size of the herd (P = 0.0014); production system (P = 0.0080); duration of lactation (P = 0.0166); presence of dogs and/or cats in the herd (P = 0.0306); dogs and/or cats eating placenta or fetal remains (P = 0.0035); CAEV control (P = 0.0012) and absence of veterinary medical assistance (P < 0.00001). In the multivariate analysis, the variables that remained associated with hydrometra independently of the others were: age (P = 0.0003); breed (P = 0.006) [Saanen (P = 0.0725) CI 95%: 4.57 (0.87–24.05)], hormonal induced estrus (P = 0.0157) [CI 95%: 2.13 (1.15–3.93)], size of the herd (P = 0.004) [From 150 to 199 animals (P = 0.0367) CI 95%: 1.98 (1.04–3.76)], and presence of dogs and/or cats in the herd (P = 0.033) [CI 95%: 1.59 (1.03–2.43)]. Thus, the retention of older goats in reproductive activity must be re-evaluated for its relative merits and risks, Saanen goats must be mated according to the technical instructions of the Dairy Goat Breeding Program (Capragene®), and hormonal treatment for estrus induction must be used only if necessary. In larger herds, individual goats must receive attention beyond the data record of each animal. Finally, the presence of dogs and/or cats among goats should be avoided.