Abstract
Background: The therapy of retained fetal membranes (RFM) is a controversial subject. In Switzerland, intrauterine antibiotics are routinely administered although their effect on fertility parameters is questionable. The objective of this study was to compare the post-partal period after a routine treatment of RFM in 2 groups: one group received a placebo additionally (A), whereas the other group received a phytotherapeutic substance (lime bark) (B) additionally. The routine treatment of RFM included an attempt to manually remove the fetal membranes (for a maximum of 5 min), intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline and intrauterine treatment with tetracycline. In case of an elevated rectal temperature (>39.0°C), an additional non-steroidal inflam-matory drug was allowed. Methods: Cows undergoing caesarean section, suffering from prolapse of the uterus, deep cervical or vaginal injuries, hypocalcaemia, and illnesses during the last 14 days before calving were excluded. Cows had to be more than 265 days pregnant. Only cows that were artificially inseminated after RFM were included. Group stratification was done according to the last number on the ear tag (even/uneven) with (n = 50) cows in group A and (n = 55) cows in group B. Results: The number of treatments after the initial treatment of RFM was not significantly different between groups. The median interval from calving to the first insemination was 77 days in group A compared to 82 days in group B (p = 0.72). The number of AI’s until conception was not significantly different between groups. The median number of days open was 89 days in group A compared to 96 days in group B (p = 0.57). The culling rate was not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: There was neither a difference between the groups concerning therapies within the first 50 days after RFM nor concerning the subsequent fertility variables.
Highlights
The incidence of retained fetal membranes (RFM) ranges from 4% to 11% of all calvings in a herd [1] with failure to expulse the fetal membranes within 12 to 24 hours after calving [2]-[4]
It has been estimated that cows suffering from RFM and clinical metritis produce 300 - 500 kg less milk compared with unaffected herd mates, based on a 305 day corrected milk yield [23]
There was no significant difference as to number of treatments and as to fertility variables evaluated between the groups
Summary
The incidence of retained fetal membranes (RFM) ranges from 4% to 11% of all calvings in a herd [1] with failure to expulse the fetal membranes within 12 to 24 hours after calving [2]-[4]. Following RFM, the uterus becomes contaminated with bacteria [5]. This has a negative impact on reproductive performance in cattle [5] including delayed uterine involution, a prolonged interval to first service [6] [7], an increased number of services per conception [8], a decreased conception rate [9] and a prolonged interval of days open [5]-[7]. A meta-analysis of different studies showed that RFM is associated with 2 to 3 more days to first service; the conception rate at the first service following RFM is 4% - 10% lower, resulting in a 6 - 12 day prolonged interval to conception [3]. The median interval from calving to the first insemination was 77 days
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