Normal Cows Research Articles

Next-generation Sequencing Analysis of Bacterial Flora in Bovine Prototheca Mastitic Milk

Prototheca zopfii is an achlorophyllic algae that causes bovine mastitis, resulting in a reduction in milk production and the secretion of thin, watery milk with white flakes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the bacterial flora in the udder environment in protothecal mastitis. We used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis to identify 16S rRNA genes from bacterial flora present in milk samples from protothecal mastitic dairy cows.Seven clinical strains of P. zopfii genotype 2 were isolated from 7 milk samples from 7 cases (Holstein cow) of protothecal mastitis; another 9 milk samples were obtained from 9 normal Holstein cows. The samples were collected in 2017 from cows in one dairy located in the Kushiro region in Hokkaido, Japan, which had a history of protothecal mastitis infection.The NGS produced 10,000 to 15,000 sequences in each DNA sample. To facilitate comparison, we grouped the sequencing results according to the culture-based protothecal mastitis diagnosis; sequences derived from the milk samples obtained from healthy cows were grouped separately.Sequences classified as Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Sphingomonas spp., Caulobacter segnis, Macrococcus caseolyticus, Methylobacterium tarhaniae, and Sphingomonas leidyi were the main sequences detected in the groups of samples from cows characterized by culture as having protothecal mastitis. Notably, Calothrix desertica (a cyanobacterium) sequences showed higher prevalence in these samples.To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that C. desertica sequences, effectively absent in the samples derived from healthy cows, are detected at high prevalence in samples from protothecal mastitic animals.

A comparative study on productive, reproductive and ovarian features of repeat breeder and normal cyclic cows in the selected areas of Bangladesh

Objective: The research was accomplished to appraise the productive and reproductive physiology of repeat breeder (RB) cows and compare to normal cyclic (NC) cows. Methodology: A total of 366 RB cows were surveyed from 1859 crossbred and indigenous cows using a questionnaire upon positive sampling of RB syndrome in dairy farms throughout the selected areas of Bangladesh. Out of 366 RB cows, 170 were randomly selected, which were at day 0 of estrous cycle. To compare the physiological characteristics, 170 NC cows at day 0 of estrous cycle were also selected randomly. Results: Results showed that age, BCS, and parity were higher in RB cows than NC cows. Survey on productive characteristics illustrated that milk production (P

Milk amyloid A as a biomarker for diagnosis of subclinical mastitis in cattle.

Background and Aim:Mastitis is one of the most vital noteworthy monetary risks to dairy ranchers and affects reproductive performance in dairy cattle. However, subclinical mastitis (SCM) negatively affects milk quality and quantity and associated with economic losses as clinical mastitis. It is recognizable only by additional testing. Somatic cell count (SCC) is currently used worldwide for the screening of intramammary infection (IMI) infections. However, somatic cells (SC) are affected by numerous factors and not always correlate with infection of the udder. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the milk amyloid A (MAA) in the milk of normal and SCM cows and compare the sensitivity of both MAA secretion and SCC in response to mammary gland bacterial infection.Materials and Methods:A total of 272 quarter milk samples collected from 68 Friesian cows after clinical examination for detection of clinical mastitis were employed in this study. All quarter milk samples (272) were subjected to bacteriological examination, while SCs were assessed in samples (220). Following SCC estimation and bacteriological examination, the apparently normal quarter milk samples were categorized into 7 groups and MAA concentration was estimated in normal and subclinical mastitic milk samples.Results:Prevalence of clinical mastitis was 19.12 % (52 quarters), while 80.88 % (220 quarters) were clinically healthy with normal milk secretion. Of those 220 clinically healthy quarter milk samples, 72 (32.73%) showed SCM as detected by SCC (SCC ≥500,000 cells/ml). The most prevalent bacteria detected in this study were streptococci (48.53%), Staphylococcus aureus (29.41%), Escherichia coli (36.76%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (11.76%). Results of MAA estimation revealed a strong correlation between MAA secretion level and SCC in agreement with the bacteriological examination. Interestingly, there was a prompt increase in MAA concentration in Group III (G III) (group of milk samples had SCC ≤200,000 cells/ml and bacteriologically positive) than Group I (G I) (group of milk samples with SCC ≤500,000 cells/ml and bacteriologically negative), as MAA concentration in G III was about 4 times its concentration in G I.Conclusion:Our study provides a strong evidence for the significance of MAA measurement in milk during SCM, and MAA is more sensitive to IMI than SCC. This can be attributed to rapid and sensitive marker of inflammation. The advantage of MAA over other diagnostic markers of SCM is attributed the minute or even undetectable level of MAA in the milk of healthy animals, it is not influenced by factors other than mastitis, and could be estimated in preserved samples. Therefore, we recommend that estimation of MAA concentration in milk is a more useful diagnostic tool than SCC to detect SCM and to monitor the udder health in dairy cattle.

Comparative study of lameness in crossbred cows on sand and pucca floor

A total of 40 (20 normal and 20 lame) lactating crossbred Karan Fries cows were randomly divided, considering their age, stage of lactation and parity, into four equal groups so as to rear on sand and pucca floor. Therefore, each group of sand and pucca floor included 10 normal and 10 lame cows for comparative study. All the lactating cows were recorded for milk fat %, rumen pH and lying time at fortnightly interval to find out existence of any kind of association with lameness. Parameters were recorded from each animal at fortnightly interval for duration of four months. Locomotion score of all the animals was recorded by visual examination of posture and gait of cows. Rumen pH was significantly (P<0.01) lower in lame KF cows in comparison to normal (non-lame) cows irrespective of type of floor. Similarly, locomotion score differed significantly (P<0.01) between lame and normal KF cows on both the floors. There was no significant difference with respect to milk fat percentage and lying time between lame and normal group of cows on both the floors. However, cows on sand floor showed significantly (P<0.01) higher lying time as compared to cows on pucca floor. Lower ruminal pH in lame cows could be one of the possible reasons for other complications related to lameness in lactating cows. Hence, soft bedding and diet management can be recommended for efficient management of crossbred lactating dairy animals with respect to hoof related problems.

444 Influence of temperament on skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity of Brahman cows

To investigate a potential relationship between animal temperament and mitochondrial function, 5-yr-old Brahman cows were stratified into one of three temperament groups based on herdsman scores: T1 (n = 4; calm), T2 (n = 4; normal), or T3 (n = 4; temperamental). The cows were processed at the departmental meats lab and samples from the longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinous muscles were collected. All samples were assessed for mitochondrial density (via citrate synthase activity) and function (via cytochrome c oxidase activity); samples from the LD were also evaluated for mitochondrial capacity utilizing high-resolution respirometry. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (9.4). Relative to mg of tissue (integrative mitochondrial capacity), temperamental cattle (T3) had greater state 3 oxidative phosphorylation capacity with complex I substrates (PCI), PCI plus complex II substrates (PCI+II), maximum electron transport capacity (ECI+II), and ECII than T1 (P = 0.009, P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P = 0.04 for PCI, PCI+II, ECI+II, and ECII, respectively) or T2 (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, P = 0.03, and P = 0.03 for PCI, PCI+II, ECI+II, and ECII, respectively). Temperamental cattle (T3) also had a higher fractional control ratio of PCI+II (0.890 ± 0.023) than T2 (0.780 ± 0.025; P = 0.02), with T1 being intermediate (0.814 ± 0.023). This indicates a greater contribution of complex II to oxidative phosphorylation and energy production in temperamental animals, the effects of which are unknown at this time. Temperamental animals (T3) also had the greatest citrate synthase activity across muscle groups (9.49 ± 0.70 nmol/min*mg tissue) compared to T1 (6.44 ± 0.68; P = 0.009) or T2 (5.29 ± 0.59; P = 0.0008), indicating greater skeletal muscle mitochondrial density in T3. Intrinsic mitochondrial capacity (relative to CS activity) and cytochrome c oxidase activity (mitochondrial function) were not different between muscles, nor between temperament groups. Research is needed to clarify the significance of different patterns of energy production in temperamental cattle. Further, skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity may be a useful early indicator of animal performance and carcass quality at harvest. High-resolution respirometry data from longissimus dorsi muscles between calm (T1), normal (T2), and temperamental (T3) Brahman cows P = state 3 oxidative phosphorylation; CI = pyruvate + malate + glutamate; CI+II = pyruvate + malate + glutamate + succinate; E = electron transport system capacity. High-resolution respirometry data from longissimus dorsi muscles between calm (T1), normal (T2), and temperamental (T3) Brahman cows P = state 3 oxidative phosphorylation; CI = pyruvate + malate + glutamate; CI+II = pyruvate + malate + glutamate + succinate; E = electron transport system capacity.

Effect of temperament on performance of primiparous dairy cows

Abstract This study was designed to analyse the effect of milking behaviour (temperament) of primiparous dairy cows on their milk and reproductive performance as well as survival to the second lactation. Milk performance, reproductive performance and culling data on 12028 Polish Holstein-Friesian primiparous dairy cows were acquired from the SYMLEK database. Using the methodology of the Polish Federation of Cattle Breeders and Dairy Farmers, the temperament of the cows was assessed as: 1 - calm, 2 - normal, 3 - excitable or aggressive. Primiparous cows from the analysed population were characterized by averagely normal temperament and optimal milking speed. Daily and lactation yield depended (P≤0.01) on the temperament of cows. Excitable (aggressive) cows had higher daily and lactation yield compared to normal and calm cows. The temperament trait was found to correlate (P≤0.01) also with functional traits such as milking speed, survival to the second lactation, and culling level. As milking speed increased, the proportion of cows with calm temperament decreased and that of excitable (aggressive) primiparous cows increased. As the temperament score increased, so did the proportion of primiparous cows sold for further breeding. Excitable (aggressive) primiparous cows had the lowest chance of survival to the second calving.

Depressed polymorphonuclear cell functions in periparturient cows that develop postpartum reproductive diseases.

The study was planned to see if there is any important and significant changes in the PMN function in cows suffering from postpartum reproductive diseases (PRD). Blood sampling was done from 41 pregnant cows on 15days prepartum (-15d), calving day (0d), 15days (15d) and 30days (30d) postpartum and thorough gynaecological examination was performed on 0d, 15d, 30d and 45d for diagnosis of PRD like retained placenta (RP), clinical metritis (CM), clinical endometritis (CE) and delayed involution of uterus (DIU). The heparinised blood was used for isolation of PMN leukocytes for estimation of superoxide (SO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in each group of cows. The SO production (ΔOD) was greater for normal (0.19±0.05) than cows suffering from RP (-0.12±0.09), CM (-0.15±0.13) and CE (-0.07±0.05) at -15d. The mean value was greater for normal cows (0.12) than the cows with PRD (0.05 to 0.9) at 30d. The H2O2 production was greater for normal than cows with PRD at all sampling days and significantly greater than cows with RP and CE at 15d (p<0.01) and 30d (P<0.05). The MPO activity (μmol/1×107) was greater for normal (18.77±1.27) than for RP (12.52±2.57) and CM (11.31±3.30) cows on 0d. The depressed capability of the PMN from the cows with PRD to produce SO, H2O2 and MPO during the periparturient period indicated their association with the development of RP, CM and CE.

Postpartum serum biochemical profile of Sudanese cystic ovarian crossbred dairy cattle

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is an ovarian dysfunction in cows resulting in a serious economic loss in the dairy industry. This study was conducted to examine the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, serum total protein (TP), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) levels of Sudanese crossbred (Friesian x Kenana) cows with COD in semi-closed condition. Forty-five dairy cows were divided into two groups. Group A (n= 30) were the cows with COD, and group B (n= 15) were healthy normal cycling cows (NC) that served as healthy control. Diagnosis of COD was based on history of frequent prolonged signs of estrus and per rectal palpation. Per rectal palpation for the uterus and ovaries was done weekly. A cow having a large follicle in the ovary that remained at the same position for three successive palpations or more was considered having COD. Results of the blood analysis showed that the serum levels of P, Cu, Zn and Mn of cows with COD were significantly lower (P 0.05) in Hb concentration (7.5 ± 1.2 vs. 7.4 ± 1.1 g/dl), serum TP (6.8 ± 1.2 vs. 6.5 ± 0.7 g/dl) and Fe (3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 3.7 ± 1.9 ppm) were observed between the two groups. This study reported reduced serum minerals (P, Cu, Zn and Mn) levels in Sudanese crossbred dairy cows with COD as compared to NC cows. Future studies are still needed to highlight the contribution of these minerals in inducing COD. Key words: Cystic ovarian disease, deficiency of minerals, dairy cow.

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Inflammation-related microRNA expression level in the bovine milk is affected by mastitis

MicroRNA (miRNA) in tissue and liquid samples have been shown to be associated with many diseases including inflammation. We aimed to identify inflammation-related miRNA expression level in the bovine mastitis milk. Expression level of inflammation-related miRNA in milk from mastitis-affected and normal cows was analyzed using qPCR. We found that expression level of miR-21, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-222, and miR-383 was significantly upregulated in California mastitis test positive (CMT+) milk. We further analyzed these miRNA using a chip-based QuantStudio Digital PCR System. The digital PCR results correlated with those of qPCR, demonstrating upregulation of miR-21, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-222, and miR-383 in CMT+ milk. In conclusion, we identified miRNA that are upregulated in CMT+ milk. These miRNA exhibited sensitivity and specificity greater than 80% for differentiating between CMT+ milk and normal milk. Our findings suggest that inflammation-related miRNA expression level in the bovine milk was affected by mastitis, and miRNA in milk have potential for use as biomarkers of bovine mastitis.

A comprehensive review on Vrishan Karma (aphrodisiac action) by Piyush (cow colostrum)

Piyush (Cow colostrum) is the first milk which cow gives after giving birth to calf. As per our Ayurvedic texts this Piyush is having Madhura Rasa and Guru-Snigdha Gunas. Due to its properties it is Vata-Pitta Dosha Nashak and Kapha Dosha Vardhak. Thus, these all factors affects in the nourishment of all the seven Dhatus (tissues) of human body. Nourishment of seven Dhatus lead to Vrishan Karma (aphrodisiac action) of body. Vrishan Karma of human body is directly related with the Vyadhiksamatava (Immunity). If Vyadhikshamatva of body is more then the Vrishyata of body increases. As per Modern Science Piyush is known as a cow colostrum. It contains more Immunoglobulin, lactose, protein, fat than normal cow milk. Ultimately these all factors help in increasing the level of Immunity which is acquired immunity. Thus Piyush provide a novel treatment option for the Vrishan Karma in body. This review explores the current knowledge on the beneficial effect of Piyush supplementation in the above condition.

Changes of hematological and biochemical parameters and levels of pepsinogen, histamine and prostaglandins in dairy cows affected with left displacement of the abomasum.

The aims of this study were to determine the serum levels of pepsinogen, histamine, and prostaglandins F2α and E2 in lactating dairy cows affected with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA). In addition, the hematological and serum biochemical parameters were also determined in cows affected with LDA. A total of 52 adult lactating Holstein-Friesian cows affected with LDA and 30 normal cows (control) were used. In LDA cows, the average age, BCS and body weight were 4.9 ± 1.2 years, 2.5 ± 0.75, and 525 ± 150kg respectively. The average days-in-milk (DIM) in affected cows was 14 ± 6 with a range between 7 to 45 days. There were no significant differences in values of rectal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate between LDA cows and control. Rumen motility was significantly (p≤0.05) decreased in LDA cows. Cows affected with LDA had significantly (p≤0.05) increased glucose levels, and decreased levels of calcium and magnesium. There were significantly (p≤0.05) increased serum levels of pepsinogen and histamine in LDA cows while levels of prostaglandin E2 were significantly decreased in comparison to those in control cows. There were no significant changes in serum levels of prostaglandin F2α. In the hematology analyses, there were no significant changes in cows with LDA when compared to those in control cows. This study provides evidence of a possible role for pepsinogen, histamine and prostaglandin E2 in the etiopathophysiology of LDA in dairy cows.

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Anestrus and Normal Cyclic Jersey Cross-Bred Cows

Comparative Studies on Blood Biochemical Profile of Anestrus and Normal Cyclic Jersey Cross-Bred Cows

Transcriptional abundance of antioxidant enzymes in endometrium and their circulating levels in Zebu cows with and without uterine infection

Oxidative stress during peripartum period may compromise the uterine immunity. In the present study, we assessed the oxidative stress and antioxidant status during peripartum period and studied their relationship with postpartum uterine infection in dairy cows. Peripheral blood concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined (day −21, −7, on the day of calving and day +7, +21, +35) in normal (n=11), puerperal metritic (n=7) and clinical endometritic (n=6) cows. Endometrial biopsy was performed on the day of calving and expression of CAT, GPx4 and SOD2 genes was studied using qRT-PCR. Puerperal metritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day −7, day 0, day +7, +21 & +35), higher MDA (on day −21, −7 & on the day of calving) and NO (on day 0, +7 & day +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. Similarly, clinical endometritic cows had significantly (P<0.05) lower TAC (on day −7, 0, +7 & +21), higher MDA (on day −21, −7, +7 and +35) and NO (on day +7, +21 & +35) concentrations compared to normal cows. The expression of CAT and GPx4 genes was lower (P<0.05) and SOD2 gene was higher (P<0.05) in endometrial tissue of cows that developed uterine infection compared to normal cows. The relationship of peripheral levels of MDA and NO with antioxidant enzymes expression in endometrial tissue was found significant. Receiver operator characteristic analysis revealed that the concentrations of TAC on day −7 to day +35, MDA on day −21 to day +7 and NO on the day of calving to day +35 were highly correlated to the development of postpartum uterine infection in cows. It may be inferred that the low serum TAC level and high level of lipid peroxidation and NO during peripartum period influenced the endometrial expression of anitioxidative genes that compromised the uterine health during postpartum period.

Effect of supplementation of rumen bypass fat with chromium on milk yield and milk fat per cent in dairy cow

The present study was undertaken with the objective to evaluate the effect of rumen bypass fat with chromium supplementation on milk yield and milk fat per cent in dairy cows. Total 12 normal healthy advanced pregnant cows (1 week before expected parturition) was selected and divided randomly into two equal groups. One group (Group I) was kept without supplementation of bypass fat and given only basal diet as a control group. The second group (Group II) was supplemented with rumen bypass fat @ 100 g per animal per day along with basal diet for one week prepartum and upto the period of 4 weeks after parturition. The milk yield and milk fat per cent recorded before supplementation ('0' day) and on 7 th , 14 th , 21 st and 30 th day after supplementation of bypass fat, respectively. The milk yield was increased by 12.73 per cent in group supplemented with bypass fat (Group II) as compared to control group (7.02%) on 30 th day post supplementation. The milk fat per cent was higher (4.18%) in group supplemented with bypass fat (Group II) as compared to control group (3.75%) on 30 th day of post supplementation. The study concluded that, the supplementation of rumen bypass fat @ 100 g per cow per day for one week before expected parturition and upto 4 weeks after parturition improved milk yield and milk fat per cent and proved to be beneficial in fulfilling the energy demand for milk production.

Characterization of E. coli pathotypes of bovine and livestockfarm environment origin

In the environment of the farms, feed, fodder and water could be contaminated with fecal material especially which could constitute a reservoir of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria.Total of 80 fecal samples collected from diarrheic calves, normal calves, diarrheic cattle, healthy cattle and shed of cattle were included in this study. Of which 67 (83.75%) isolates were biochemically identified as E.coli. Among 67 E.coli isolates, 12 (17.91%) isolates were of diarrheic cases (10 isolates from 1 month-6 months calf and 2 isolates from diarrheic cow), 51 (76.11%) isolates were of healthy cows (14 isolates from 1 month-6 months calf and 37 isolates from normal cows), 2(2.98%) from water samples, one isolate (1.49%)each from cow manure and air sample at farm respectively, from cow shed. Eleven (16.41%) out of 67 isolates were found to cause lysis on sheep erythrocytes and 55 (82.089%) out of 67 isolates were found to be biofilm producers on Congo red. Twenty-four (35.82%) isolates out of 67 were positive for bfpA gene, eight (11.94%) for eaeC gene, while five (7.46%) for both the genes of E.coli strain.

0138 Fecal microbial shifts of the German Holstein dairy cows with left-sided displacement of the abomasum

One of the most common diseases in high-performance German Holstein dairy cows is left-sided displacement of the abomasum (LDA). Hypomotility of the abomasum is detrimental during the pathogenesis of LDA. Also, it is known that the improper interactions between the gut microbiota and the enteric nervous system contribute to dysfunctions of gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, we hypothesized that the gut microbial composition will be different between German Holstein dairy cows with and without LDA. We compared the fecal microbiota between cows with and without LDA using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene analysis. A total of 20 German Holstein dairy cows at one dairy farm in South Korea, including eight cows without LDA (control group) and 12 cows with LDA (LDA Group), were enrolled in this study. All cows were housed under the same conditions and were fed the same feed without any antibiotics or supplementary additives. Right after LDA was diagnosed, fecal samples were collected immediately from the rectum. Total DNA representing the fecal microbial communities was extracted from individual fecal samples using the stool DNA extraction kit, and the 16S universal primers 27F (5′ GAGTTTGATCMTGGCTCAG 3′) and 800R (5′ TACCAGGGTATCTAATCC 3′) were used to amplify 16S rRNA genes (V1-V4 hyper variable regions). The composition and relative abundance of each member of the microbiota in feces from the control group were different from the LDA group. The proportion of Spirochaetes was significantly different between groups at the phylum level (P < 0.001). An average of 1.5% of the microbiota was members of Spirochaetes in the feces of the control group. On the other hand, there were no Spirochaetes detected in the feces of the LDA group. At the genus level, relative abundance of five genera was significantly different between groups. The proportion of the genus Enterohabdus (a member of Actinobacteria), the proportions of members of Firmicutes including Cellulosilyticum, Streptococcus, and Turicibacter, and the proportion of Treponema (a member of Spirochaetes) were all significantly higher in the control group than in the LDA group. However, further studies will be needed to elucidate the roles of these genera in the pathogenesis of LDA. Overall, results from this study show that the fecal microbial compositions of German Holstein dairy cows with LDA shifted and were less diverse than those in normal cows.

Conception rate in Holstein dairy cows having both normal sized follicles and cystic follicles at estrus

ObjectiveTo investigate the conception rate when cows showing clear signs of estrus and having both normal sized follicles and cystic follicles were artificially inseminated. MethodsThirty parous Holstein cows showing clear signs of estrus and having both normal sized follicles (diameter <25 mm) and cystic follicles (diameter ≥25 mm) simultaneously in their ovaries were artificially inseminated. Changes in the ovaries were observed using real-time ultrasonography for 25 d after artificial insemination. The concentration of plasma progesterone (P4) was measured simultaneously to monitor the function of the corpus luteum. ResultsThe normal sized follicles ovulated in 21 out of 30 cows (ovulation rate: 70.0%), and 11 of these cows successfully conceived (conception rate: 36.7%) (Group C) while 10 cows did not conceive (Group NC). The maining 9 cows, normal sized follicles did not ovulate (Group NO). The change in P4 in cows that ovulated was similar to that in normal cows. Although there were no significant differences in median number and size of cystic follicles among the groups, all cows in Group C only had one cystic follicle. ConclusionThese results support artificially inseminated of cows that show clear signs of estrus even if they have both cystic follicles and normal sized follicles, and especially when the cows have only one cystic follicle.

Effect of estrus synchronization on plasma progesterone profile and fertility response in postpartum suckled anestrous Kankrej cows

The study was designed at evaluating early postpartum ovarian activity through plasma progesterone profile at 10 days interval up to 90 days, followed by induction of estrus in postpartum anestrous suckled Kankrej cows (n=18) using Ovsynch, CIDR and Ovsynch + CIDR treatment protocols with FTAI (6 cows in each protocol), keeping six normal cyclic cows as control. The plasma P4 profile (ng/ml) varied in the range of 0.15±0.03 to 1.70±0.80 in treatment groups and 0.62 ±0.19 to 4.09±1.60 in control group up to 90 days postpartum. The mean P4 concentration on the day of calving was low (&lt;1 ng/ml) in all the groups, which gradually increased to reach peak levels by day 40 in cyclic control (4.09±1.60 ng/ml), Ovsynch (1.70±0.80 ng/ml) and CIDR (1.68±0.47 ng/ml) and by day 20 in Ovsynch + CIDR (1.09±0.23 ng/ml) groups. Most of the cows turned into subestrous or anestrous condition between days 40 and 90 postpartum. The estrus induction response in Ovsynch, CIDR and Ovsynch + CIDR groups initiated at day 90-92 postpartum was 66.66, 83.33 and 50.00 per cent, respectively. The conception rates at induced estrus were 16.66, 33.33 and 16.66 per cent, and overall of 3 cycles 33.33 (2/6), 50.00 (3/3) and 33.33 (2/6) per cent, respectively. In normal cyclic control group, the conception rates at first cycle and overall of 3 cycles were 33.33 and 50.00 per cent. The mean plasma P4 (ng/ml) concentrations were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher on day 7 in Ovsynch (1.41 ±0.10), CIDR (4.92±0.83) and Ovsynch + CIDR (3.87±0.84) protocols as compared to their corresponding values on day 0 and day 9/10 (AI). The mean values of plasma P4 from days 20 to 40 post-AI were higher in conceived cows than in non-conceived cows of CIDR and Ovsynch + CIDR groups, compared to the animals in Ovsynch and normal cyclic groups. It is opined that the use of different protocols, mainly CIDR, may serve as an effective tool for induction and synchronization of estrus and improvement of conception rate in postpartum anestrous suckled Kankrej cows.

Risk factors of postpartum uterine infection and its subsequent effect on fertility of crossbred dairy cows in Bangladesh

Postpartum uterine infection is extremely important in dairy cattle. It is both common and detrimental to reproductive performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the factors responsible for postpartum uterine infection and its subsequent effect on fertility of crossbred dairy cows in Chatmohar Upazila, Pabna District. A total of 317 cows were selected and registered and then follow up them in postpartum period. Reproductive histories and data of the studied cows were assessed by direct interviewing and from record book of the owners and nearby government veterinary hospital. Totally 33 cows were found uterine infected (10.41%) in postpartum period. The case of pyometra was substantially higher in present study in contrast to others. The incidence of uterine infection puerperal metritis, pyometra and endometritis were 1.89%, 5.99% and 2.52% respectively. Dairy cattle calving season and parity reflected greatly on the incidence of uterine infection. Potentially significant (p&lt;0.05) and higher incidence of uterine infection were associated with poor management system where minimum complications were found with good management practice (3.20%) compared to poor management farms. The dairy cows suffering from endometritis significantly showed prolonged days to first estrus interval, days open and number of services per conception and calving interval values (68.5±0.05 days; 115.4±0.4 days , 4.75±0.50, and 398±6 respectively) than normal healthy cows. Further researches in the near future must be directed for prevention of uterine infection, as most of effective treatments don’t prevent the negative impacts of such disease upon dairy, reproduction and culling percentage within dairy herd.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2015), 5(2) 107-111