Risk Assessment and Consequences of Retained Placenta for Uterine Health, Reproduction and Milk Yield in Dairy Cows

László Könyves,Norbert Solymosi,Lászlóné Tegzes,Viktor Jurkovich,Gyula Gyulay,Ottó Szenci,Attila Tirián,Endre Brydl

doi:10.2754/avb200978010163

László Könyves, Norbert Solymosi + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200978010163

Copy DOI

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the value of metabolic indicators characterising the energy and acid-base metabolism of dairy cows for predicting the risk of retained placenta (RP). The connection between RP and different factors analysed, and the effect of RP on the development of puerperal metritis (PM) as well as on reproduction and milk production was studied. A total of 105 Holstein-Friesian cows were included and sampled between days -14–0 prepartum and then on days 4, 10–14, 28–35, 56–63 and 84–91 postpartum, for metabolic tests. From day 4, at times coinciding with the days of metabolic sampling, uterine involution and metritis were monitored by clinical examination, and from days 28–35 ovarian activity was monitored by ultrasonography. On days -14–0, the plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration showed a positive Odds Ratio (OR) 102.1, P < 0.05; while urinary net acid-base excretion (NABE) exhibited a negative correlation (OR 0.99; P < 0.05) with the odds of RP. NEFA and NABE were negatively correlated (Pearson’s coefficient: -0.24; P < 0.05). Ketonuria of grade ≥ 2+ increased the probability of RP (OR: Infinite; P < 0.05). On day -14–0 prepartum, elevated plasma NEFA concentration, decreasing urinary NABE and grade ≥ 2+ ketonuria indicates a higher risk of RP. The odds of RP were not influenced by parity, sex and viability of the calf, and the calving assistance. RP increased the risk of PM (OR: 27.3; P < 0.0001). The RP alone did not exert an influence on the metabolic status, reproductive performance or milk production of cows.

Highlights

In recent decades, the milk production of dairy cows has increased steadily, while their reproductive performance has declined
Elevated plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration and ≥ 2+ ketonuria measured on days -14–0 prepartum are in all probability suitable metabolic indicators for characterising the increased risk of Retained placenta (RP) because of negative energy balance (NEB)
This acidotic shift might have contributed to the prepartum development of NEB, which is supported by the significant negative correlation found between plasma NEFA and urine net acid-base excretion (NABE)

Summary

Introduction

The milk production of dairy cows has increased steadily, while their reproductive performance has declined. This is mostly due to production diseases, commonly occurring in the peripartal period (Brydl et al 2003, 2008; Ingvartsen 2006; Thatcher et al 2006). Certain metabolic indicators may be suitable for predicting the risk of RP and serve as a basis for the development of preventive and monitoring strategies for practice For this reason, the correlations between RP and indicators characterising the energy balance and acid-base status of dairy cows as well as certain environmental and animal-dependent predisposing factors were studied. The effects of RP on the development of puerperal metritis as well as on metabolic status, reproductive performance, and milk production were analysed

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion