Fertility following uterine torsion in dairy cows: A cross-sectional study.

Marlene Sickinger,Eva-Maria Erteld,Axel Wehrend

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2020.92-95

Abstract

Background and Aim:Dairy cows with uterine torsion often are susceptible to reduced fertility resulting in more costs and effort to restore the economy of those cows. The aim of our study was to examine and evaluate the possible associations between uterine torsion and consequent uterine involution disturbances, on the one hand, and between the degree and duration of uterine torsion with fertility parameters, on the other hand.Materials and Methods:Within 1.5 years, 115 dairy cows (German Browns, German Holsteins, and German Fleckvieh) that were suffering from uterine torsion were examined to evaluate the incidence of involution disturbances of the uterus and to examine the fertility after calving. Statistical analysis included correlation analyses between the degree and duration of torsion and fertility parameters (days open, days to conception, conception rate and services per conception, and intercalving interval) as well as incidence of involution disturbances.Results:The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between uterine involution and degree of uterine torsion. However, involution processes were significantly correlated to the time of the expulsion of the fetal membranes. Days to conception and intercalving intervals were significantly influenced by the presence of uterine torsion.Conclusion:Concerning fertility after uterine torsion, it was shown that reduced fertility is associated with the duration of uterine torsion (p=0.02) and time to drop of fetal membranes (p=0.02) but not with the degree of torsion (p=0.27).

Highlights

Dairy cows with uterine torsion often are susceptible to reduced fertility resulting in more costs and effort to restore the economy of those cows
Concerning fertility after uterine torsion, it was shown that reduced fertility is associated with the duration of uterine torsion (p=0.02) and time to drop of fetal membranes (p=0.02) but not with the degree of torsion (p=0.27)
Uterine torsion is a well-known cause of dystocia in dairy cattle that often results in the necessity to consult the local veterinarian [1,2]

Summary

Introduction

Uterine torsion is a well-known cause of dystocia in dairy cattle that often results in the necessity to consult the local veterinarian [1,2]. Published literature mainly deals with the incidence, pathogenesis and therapeutic possibilities, including prognostic parameters. These prognostic parameters are used to evaluate the outcome after uterine torsion for the calves on the one hand and for the cows on the other hand [2,3,4,5]. Uterine torsion is described in detail [6] According to these authors, uterine torsion is seen in 0.5-1% of all births and represents 2.7-65% of all reasons for dystocia that is presented to the local veterinarian. Pathogenesis still is not completely clear, but several risk factors have been suggested Among these are age, breed, anatomical reasons, electrolyte imbalances, abrupt movements of the pregnant cow as well as weight and gender of the calf [1]. The aim of our study was to examine and evaluate the possible associations between uterine torsion and consequent uterine involution disturbances, on the one hand, and between the degree and duration of uterine torsion with fertility parameters, on the other hand

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Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion