Impact of postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance and prevention of specific uterine disorders in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a second prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatment during Ovsynch on luteal regression and fertility in dairy cows, compared with standard Ovsynch. The study was conducted on 111 Holstein Friesian multiparous cows on commercial dairy farm. The cows in the experimental group (n=48) received two treatments of PGF2α 24 hours apart during Ovsynch. The cows in the control group (n=63) were synchronized with standard Ovsynch. To assess the progesterone (P4) concentration blood samples were collected at the day of PGF2α treatment and at the 2nd GnRH treatment. Pregnancy was evaluated by ultrasound examination 37-40 days after timed artificial insemination (TAI) by ultrasound. Cows diagnosed pregnant were re-examined between days 70-80 after TAI. The percentage of cows with complete corpus luteum (CL) regression (P4⟨0.5 ng/ml at the time of the 2nd GnRH treatment) was 89.6 % after two PGF2α treatments and 88.9 % after one PGF2α treatment. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the pregnancies per artificial insemination (P/AI) between the experimental and control group (P/AI). However, the pregnancy loss rate was lower in cows receiving two PGF2α treatments than in the control animals (0.0 % vs. 6.4 %; p⟨0.05). In conclusion, the second PGF2α treatment during Ovsynch protocol had no significant effect on CL regression and P/AI in dairy cows. The pregnancy losses until days 75-80 after TAI were significantly lower after two PGF2α treatments than after one PGF2α treatment.

This study estimated the degree of uterine inflammation and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in postpartum dairy cows. In addition, the prevalence of health problems during calving and the postpartum period was investigated. A total of 224 Holstein dairy cows from four dairy farms in Chungcheong Province were used for the study. Uterine discharge was scored on a 0 to 5 rank scale (metricheck score) using a metricheck instrument from 1 to 8 weeks postpartum and uterine cytology (neutrophil level) was examined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum to evaluate uterine inflammation. Resumption of ovarian cyclicity was evaluated based on progesterone analysis (≥ 1 ng/mL) at 4, 6 and 8 weeks postpartum. Postpartum disorders were diagnosed by veterinarians in the research team. The metricheck score decreased linearly (p 0.05). The neutrophil levels determined by uterine cytology assays also decreased (p 0.05). The proportion of cows exhibiting the ovarian cyclicity increased linearly (p < 0.0001) from weeks 2 (12.1%) to 8 (74.3%) postpartum. The prevalence of dystocia and retained placenta were 20.5% and 30.4%, respectively. The prevalence of ketosis, milk fever, abomasal displacement, septicemic metritis, endometritis, subclinical endometritis, pyometra, and ovarian cysts were 18.8%, 3.6%, 4.0%, 36.2%, 29.5%, 17.0%, 4.5%, and 14.7%, respectively. The prevalence of digestive problems and mastitis were 5.4% and 9.6%, respectively. The prevalence of culling and death were 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. The prevalence of dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, endometritis, ovarian cysts, digestive problems, mastitis, and culling differed among farms (p < 0.05 to 0.01). In conclusion, proper examinations for uterine inflammation and ovarian cyclicity during 4 to 8 weeks postpartum are useful clinical tools to maintain herd reproductive health. Dystocia, retained placenta, septicemic metritis, and endometritis were predominant disorders in dairy cows of the survey area.

Effects of 3-nitrooxypropanol on rumen fermentation, lactational performance, and resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows

Peripartum disorders in dairy cows negatively influence their productivity and reproductive performance. However, only a few reports have clearly indicated the influence of such disorderson the productivity and reproductive performance at a local-area or cow-level in Japan. This study aimed to elucidate the influence of diseases occurring within 60 days after calving onsubsequent productivity and reproductive performance. Accordingly, a wide-area database on dairy production was used for epidemiological analysis; subsequently, multivariable analysis wasperformed to investigate the association of such diseases with productivity or reproductive performance in 6,545 cows from 178 farms in Fukuoka. We used 305-day energy-corrected milk (305ECM) as an index of productivity and conception and culling as indices of reproductive performance. With regard to causality, mixed-effects model was used for analyzing the associationbetween disease and productivity, and Cox proportional hazard model was used for analyzing the association between disease and reproductive performance. Compared to the disease absencegroup, the disease presence group demonstrated significantly lower 305 ECM [−154 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI), −229 to −79] and risk of pregnancy [hazard ratio (HR), 0.85; 95% CI,0.80–0.91] and higher risk of culling (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.17–1.59). These results indicate that, in Fukuoka, dairy cows affected by diseases within 60 days after calving exhibit lowerproductivity and reproductive performance. Therefore, proper dairy cow management during the peripartum period to prevent diseases during early lactation may maintain or improveproductivity.

Impact of endometritis on post-partum ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows

Simple SummaryWe fed dairy cows diets with anionic salts and synthetic zeolite with an oral Ca bolus before calving and compared their feed intake, milk yield and compositions, plasma Ca concentration, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders. There were significant differences in the milk production traits among groups, and the highest values belonged to the anionic group. The plasma Ca concentrations of the zeolite and anionic groups were higher than the control group during calving time and were for hours after that. The frequency of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders was also lower in the mentioned groups. The levels of blood metabolites in the experimental groups were also significantly lower than in the control group, and the use of an oral Ca bolus caused a further decrease in the values. Therefore, supplementation of anionic salts and synthetic zeolite, along with the use of an oral Ca bolus, has positive effects on milk production traits and improves the health and reproduction traits of fresh dairy cows.Hypocalcaemia is an important disorder associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, and many studies have been going on for decades. This study investigated the effects of anionic and zeolite with an oral Ca bolus in the prepartum phase on milk yields and compositions, and plasma Ca concentrations, blood metabolites and the prevalence of some reproductive disorders in dairy cows after parturition. Ninety pregnant non-lactating Holstein-Friesian cows were randomly assigned to three isoenergetic diets and their counterparts using an oral Ca bolus: (1) Control (CON): low Ca (0.44%); (2) Anionic (ANI): high Ca (1.00%); (3) Zeolite (ZEO): low Ca (0.44%). The feed and energy intakes of the CON and ZEO groups were higher than the ANI group. The raw milk yield, Pr%, and feed efficiency did not differ between the groups, while the corrected milk yield, fat% and total corrected milk yield at 305 days differed between groups. Total plasma and the ionized Ca concentration of the ANI and ZEO groups, at calving time and in 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after that, were higher than in the CON group. The frequencies of hypocalcaemia and reproductive disorders in the ANI and ZEO groups were lower than in the CON. The blood metabolite levels in the CON group were higher than in other groups. In conclusion, the ANI and ZEO diets and their counterparts supplemented with an oral Ca bolus improved the milk production traits, plasma calcium and metabolites concentration and also effectively prevented reproductive disorders.

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of Trueperella pyogenes in cows with clinical endometritis (CE) on reproductive performance and milk production in affected cows. In total, 230 lactating Holstein dairy cows from six commercial dairy herds were sampled once between 28 and 33days post-partum. Cows included in the present study did not receive antibiotic or anti-inflammatory treatments prior to the experimental period. Clinical endometritis (CE) was characterized as cow with vaginal mucus score=3 (>50% of purulent vaginal discharge) and >18% polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocyte (PMNL). The body condition scores (BCS) and milk production were evaluated at the time of enrolment. The identification of isolated bacteria was carried out through the analysis of MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry). According to uterine health, three groups of dairy cows were formed: healthy control cows without T.pyogenes (n=147), CE cows with T.pyogenes (n=22) and CE cows without T.pyogenes (n=61). CE cows with T.pyogenes had lower BCS, milk production and conception at first AI (p<.01) than CE cows without T.pyogenes and control cows. Furthermore, CE cows with T.pyogenes had higher (p<.01) service per pregnancy and had greater (p<.01) days to get pregnant than CE cows without T.pyogenes and control cows. This study demonstrates that CE cows with T.pyogenes had impaired reproductive performance and milk production when compared to cows without CE and CE cows without T.pyogenes. This information can contribute to a strategic treatment in cows affected by clinical endometritis, favouring the rational use of antibiotics on dairy farms.

Clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SE) are two of the main uterine diseases in dairy cows during the puerperium period that can directly affect milk production and fertility in dairy herds. The first objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the CE and SE on the subsequent reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cows in Brazilian herds, and the second objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cows according to the positive or negative isolation of bacteria in the uterine environment. A total of 279 lactating Holstein dairy cows (28-33 days in milk) from six commercial farms were studied. These were classified into three groups: healthy cows (without CE and SE, n=161), cows with CE (vaginal discharge score=3 and ≥18% PMNL, n=83) and cows with SE (absence of signs of CE and >18% PMNL, n=35). According to the presence of bacteria isolated from the uterine environment, the animals were classified as healthy cows (n=161), CE cows with positive (n=68) and negative (n=15) bacterial isolation; and SE cows with positive (n=21) and negative (n=14) bacterial isolation. Cows with CE (20.5%) and SE (31.4%) had a lower (p < .05) conception rate at first AI than healthy cows (47.8%). Furthermore, both cows with CE (3.1) and SE (2.8) needed more service to become pregnant than healthy cows (1.7) and more days to be pregnant (50.3 days in CE and 43.1 days in SE than healthy group; p < .001). Cows with CE (23.8kg) and SE (23.7kg) produced less milk than healthy cows on the day of sampling (28.2kg); however, milk production during 305 DIM of cows with CE and SE was not impaired when compared to healthy cows. The logistic regression showed that parity, body condition score, 305 days milk production, last calving (eutocia or dystocia), twin birth and stillbirth were not associated with the incidence of CE and SE. In addition, we highlight that cows with CE and SE, but with negative bacteria isolation, did not have reproductive performance and milk production impaired during the postpartum period. These results support that the use of antibiotics would not be beneficial in these cows, contributing to the strategic and rational use of antibiotic therapy on dairy farms.

This study compared blood metabolites during peri-and postpartum periods among cows with clinical or subclinical endometritis and cows without endometritis.Blood samples from 207 Holstein dairy cows were collected at 4 weeks prepartum, just after calving, and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postpartum to measure serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), total cholesterol, albumin, urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase, glucose, and phosphorus.Clinical endometritis was diagnosed by the observation of vaginal discharge (> 50% pus) and subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the evaluation of uterine cytology (> 18% neutrophils) at 4 weeks postpartum.Cows were divided into three groups based on the presence or absence of clinical or subclinical endometritis: the control group (n = 104), the clinical endometritis group (n = 66), and the subclinical endometritis group (n = 37).Calcium and magnesium concentrations were lower in the clinical endometritis group than in the control and subclinical endometritis groups throughout the study period (p < 0.05 to 0.0001), whereas the NEFAs concentration was higher in the clinical endometritis group than in the control group throughout the study period (p < 0.01).The total cholesterol concentration was lower in the clinical endometritis group than in the control and subclinical endometritis groups throughout the pre-and postpartum periods (p < 0.05 to 0.001).The albumin concentration was lower in the clinical endometritis group than in the control and subclinical endometritis groups during the postpartum period (p < 0.05 to 0.001).The urea nitrogen concentration was lower in the clinical endometritis group than in the control and subclinical endometritis groups at 4 and 6 weeks postpartum (p < 0.01).At 1 week postpartum, the BHBA concentration was higher in the clinical endometritis group than in the control group (p < 0.05), whereas the AST concentration was higher in the clinical endometritis and subclinical endometritis groups than in the control group (p < 0.05).In conclusion, lower serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, total cholesterol, albumin, and urea nitrogen, but higher concentrations of NEFAs, BHBA, and AST during the postpartum period were associated with the incidence of clinical endometritis, indicating the importance of balanced nutrition during the transition period.

Effect of time interval between prostaglandin F 2α and GnRH treatments on occurrence of short estrous cycles in cyclic dairy heifers and cows

Relationship between serum metabolites, body condition, peri- and postpartum health and resumption of postpartum cyclicity in dairy cows

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Simple SummaryRapid and successful involution of the reproductive system is necessary for reproductive efficiency in dairy cows. This study aimed to examine the effect of lameness on uterine involution and the ovarian onset of cows with otherwise healthy puerperium. Retrospectively, the involvement of cows’ energy status and its interaction with lameness was assessed. Lame cows showed delayed involution of the reproductive tract (cervix and formerly pregnant uterine horn), lower ovulation rates, higher rates of atresia or cyst formation, and worse energy profiles regarding NEFA concentrations compared to sound cows. High NEFA concentrations affected these parameters separately and in relation to lameness, with the cows experiencing both conditions being most impacted regarding their reproductive physiology.The aim of the study was to examine the effect of lameness and energy status on the involution of the uterus and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows. Lame (lameness score of four and the presence of hoof lesions, n = 22) and sound (normal gait and the absence of hoof lesions, n = 25) multiparous cows with healthy puerperium were enrolled simultaneously in the study and were monitored from day 10 antepartum (ap) to day 50 post-partum (pp). Ultrasonography of the cervix, the formerly gravid uterine horn and the ovarian structures was performed on d 8, 11, 14, 23, 30, and 42 pp. Blood sampling for progesterone, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) was used to assess cyclicity and energy status. Lame compared to sound cows had higher NEFA concentrations on day 14 pp (0.54 ± 0.05 vs. 0.37 ± 0.05, respectively, p = 0.005), delayed involution of the cervix and the formerly pregnant uterine horn (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.02, respectively), lower ovulation rates within the experimental period (63.6% vs. 88%, respectively, p = 0.05), and higher rates of atresia or cyst formation on day 50 pp (36.4% vs. 12%, respectively, p = 0.05). Independently of lameness status, cows with high NEFA concentrations had lower ovulation rates within the experimental period (65.5% vs. 94.4%, p = 0.02), lower normal ovarian activity on day 50 pp (58.6% vs. 88.9%, p = 0.03), and higher rates of atresia or cyst formation on day 50 pp (34.5% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.02) compared to cows with optimal NEFA concentrations. Furthermore, an interaction between lameness and increased NEFA concentrations was observed regarding the ovulation rate within the experimental period and the percentage of atresia or cyst formation on day 50 pp. Sound cows with low NEFA levels had the lowest mean cervical diameter compared to cows with lameness (both with elevated and optimal NEFA concentrations, p = 0.009 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusively, lameness during puerperium negatively affected ovarian function and uterine involution. These effects were exacerbated (through interaction or cumulation) in relation to elevated NEFA concentrations.

Metritis in dairy cows: Risk factors and reproductive performance

Reproduction is one of the key pillars of production in many herds and individual animals. In female animals, reproduction can be affected by uterine diseases including metritis and endometritis. The objective of this review is to understand metritis and endometritis, diagnosis and treatment approaches, and the economic impact of uterine inflammations. Metritis is inflammation of the wall of the uterus, whereas endometritis is inflammation of the functional lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. Clinically, they are characterized by an enlarged uterus containing a watery red-brown fluid to viscous off-white purulent uterine discharge, which often has a fetid odor within 10 to 14-days after postpartum period in clinical metritis whereas clinical endometritis can also be observed its clinical signs after 21-days postpartum period. The risk factors for the occurrence of clinical metritis and endometritis include extrinsic factors include calving season and nutrition whereas intrinsic factors include retained fetal membrane (RFM), dystocia, metabolic disturbance, negative energy balance (NEB) and other non-specific diseases. These factors disturbing the normal physiology and weaken the immune system of dairy cattle. The factors favor the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria and cause inflammation of the uterus and results in metritis and endometritis. This result in increased conception interval increase the number of inseminations, loss of milk and meat production, marked drop in fertility and increase the cost of treatment. Clinical metritis and endometritis can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms and cytological examinations. Clinical metritis and endometritis can be treated by anti-inflammatory drugs flunixin meglumine, antibiotics (pens-trip and long-acting oxytetracycline), intrauterine infusion by using saline or iodine tincture solutions. Clinical metritis and endometritis are the most frequent uterine disorders in dairy cows causing decreased fertility leading to high economic losses. Therefore, management of these production diseases can be achieved by early diagnosis and treatment, supplementation of balanced feed containing minerals, vitamins, appropriate proteins and carbohydrates, good quality management during and after calving of the female animals.