RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RETAINED PLACENTA AND BODY CONDITION CHANGES DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD IN HOLSTEIN DAIRY COWS IN NORTH-EASTERN ALGERIA

Abstract

Retained placenta (RP) is a common complication of bovine parturition. It is a multifactorial reproductive disorder that predisposes to infection and hence, to infertility. The impact of body condition changes during the transition period on the risk of RP appearance was evaluated in 12 Holstein dairy cows calving from October to January in north-eastern Algeria. The animals were body condition scored (BCS) 3 weeks antepartum and two weeks postpartum to assess the peripartum body fat loss (BCS loss). The statistical analysis involving variables related to BCS and parity was performed using the principal component analysis (PCA). An RP critical occurrence of 41.66% exceeding significantly the threshold prevalence of 10% (p<0.05) was recorded. This could be related to the BCS loss that exceeded one unit over the transition period (r=0.84, p<0.01), expressing the high body fat mobilisation in response to stressor factors such as negative energy balance, feed availability and climatic condition. Scoring the body condition, particularly around the peripartum, may serve as a tool to monitor the risk factors related to the energetic status of dairy cows.