Nutritional condition in the dry period is related to the incidence of postpartum subclinical endometritis in dairy cattle.

Tatsuya Nishikawa,Asako Taniguchi,Yasuhiro Morita

doi:10.5713/ajas.20.0198

Abstract

ObjectiveEndometritis is a major disease, that causes infertility in cattle, and is usually categorized as clinical or subclinical endometritis (SCE). The nutritional condition during the dry period is important for recovery after the last stage of the lactation period, and for postpartum production and reproduction. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between nutritional and metabolic characteristics in the dry period, and the risk of postpartum SCE.MethodsMultiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 25, raised in a tied stall) were used. Endometrial cytological analysis was performed around 30 days post-partum, with 5% to 14% polymorphonuclear (PMN) as a cut-off point to define SCE. Serum levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were measured in the cows at the dry period to evaluate energy status, protein metabolism, and mineral metabolism.ResultsThe incidence of SCE in the cows was 60.0% (n = 15/25) and the mean PMN% in postpartum cows diagnosed as SCE was 8.05%±2.6%. Overall, 17 and 8 samples were collected from the cows in the far-off and close-up periods, respectively. The serum concentration of BHBA in the far-off period and serum glucose concentration in the close-up period were correlated with postpartum PMN% (r = 0.62, p<0.01; r = −0.74, p<0.05, respectively). Serum levels of calcium and magnesium in the dry period were associated with the incidence of postpartum SCE (healthy vs SCE cows, p<0.05).ConclusionBlood levels of glucose, BHBA, calcium, and magnesium in dry periods could be useful parameters for predicting the risk of postpartum SCE. The present study also suggests that management in the close-up period is essential for promoting recovery from calving fatigue.

Highlights

Endometritis is a disease that often causes infertility in cattle
The present study demonstrated correlations between energy parameters (Glu and BHBA) in the dry periods and PMN% after delivery, suggesting that the energy status of blood pa rameters in the dry periods is a risk factor for postpartum SCE, and these parameters may predict the occurrence of
We described that blood levels www.animbiosci.org 543 of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the close-up period had a weak correlation with the postpartum PMN% and NEFA, that could be important parameters for improving postpartum uterine conditions

Summary

Introduction

Endometritis is a disease that often causes infertility in cattle. Infection and inflammation of the uterus and cervix affects approximately one-third of dairy cows, resulting in a sub stantial negative impact on the probability and timing of pregnancy [1]. There have been few studies on the relationship between the ante partum nutritional condition and the incidence of postpartum endometritis, SCE. Many reports to date have indicated an importance of specific management during the close-up and far-off periods sepa rately. The close-up period is important for fetal growth, and the cow requires more energy and protein in this period than during the far-off period [15]. Other studies have suggested that excessive en ergy intake during the far-off period had a more negative effect on metabolism after delivery than overfeeding during the close-up period [16,17]. In terms of the effect of energy management, the far-off period and the close-up period should be considered separately.

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Results

Conclusion