Placenta In Dairy Cows Research Articles

METHODS OF TREATMENT OF RETAINED PLACENTA IN FRIESIAN COWS

Retained placenta in dairy cows is when the fetal membrane or placenta does not exit the uterus within 9-12 hours after calving. Retained placenta is a pathological disorder when the placenta does not fall out within a certain period of time after calving. The placenta in cows is most often expelled 6 (77.3%) to 8 hours after calving (Van Werven et al., 1992). The incidence of placental abruption in cows averages 8.6%. The cause of placental exit is not fully understood. There are several factors on which the separation of the fetal placenta from the uterus depends, they can be: genetic (inherited), nutritional, immunological, and as a result of some diseases of the reproductive tract. The causes of placental retention can be: fatigue of the uterus, inflammatory conditions of the bed, an insufficient amount of some hormones, lack of vitamins and/or minerals, toxic effects of some substances and poisons, and mechanical obstacles. The conclusion is that cows with retained placenta belong to the risk group because they are prone to inflammation of the uterus, so they have a prolonged service period and delayed or absent recovery of the cyclic activity of the ovaries, which can be the cause of sterility, temporary or permanent. Treatment of retained placenta should be carried out in time, removing the fetal placenta manually and inserting foaming tablets for intrauterine use. After that, PgF2α and oxytocin are applied.

Use of vitamin E and selenium injections as supportive treatment of retained placenta in dairy cattle

The placenta is considered retained when it cannot separate from the uterus beyond the normal time limit. Physiologically, a cow's placenta comes out 3-8 hours postpartum. This study aims to determine the diagnosis and treatment of retained placenta in dairy cows using vitamin E and selenium as supportive treatment. On physical examination the patient had a body temperature of 39.9°C, was weak, unable to stand, and had decreased appetite. General examination in this case showed the following clinical symptoms: the placenta was still hanging from the vulva and there was an unpleasant odor from the vulva area. The retained placenta was removed manually, followed by flushing the uterus with 0.2% povidone iodine (in water). Antibiotic (Colibact bolus) were introduced into the uterus and penicillin-streptomycin was injected intramuscularly along with vitamin E and selenium as supportive treatment. The results showed that the cow recovered and returned to estrus 14 days after therapy. It could be concluded that injections of vitamin E and selenium helped restore the estrous cycle in cows with retained placenta.

Use of vitamin E and selenium injections as supportive treatment of retained placenta in dairy cattle

The placenta is considered retained when it cannot separate from the uterus beyond the normal time limit. Physiologically, a cow's placenta comes out 3-8 hours postpartum. This study aims to determine the diagnosis and treatment of retained placenta in dairy cows using vitamin E and selenium as supportive treatment. On physical examination the patient had a body temperature of 39.9°C, was weak, unable to stand, and had decreased appetite. General examination in this case showed the following clinical symptoms: the placenta was still hanging from the vulva and there was an unpleasant odor from the vulva area. The retained placenta was removed manually, followed by flushing the uterus with 0.2% povidone iodine (in water). Antibiotic (Colibact bolus) were introduced into the uterus and penicillin-streptomycin was injected intramuscularly along with vitamin E and selenium as supportive treatment. The results showed that the cow recovered and returned to estrus 14 days after therapy. It could be concluded that injections of vitamin E and selenium helped restore the estrous cycle in cows with retained placenta.

Retained placenta in dairy cows living in an all-day cowshed rearing system

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors that influence the incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows reared under an all-day cowshed housing system at KUD Tani Wilis, Sendang District, Tulungagung. This study used 216 dairy cows, that had already calved, that had been identified to have medical and reproductive records for data exploration. Data collected included the sex and weight of calf, single or twin calves, age of the dam, cowshed structure (floor, puddles on the floor, gutter, distance of cowshed to waste disposal, type of floor and roof, and sunlight exposure), feed of the dam (forage, concentrate, mineral supplements), frequency of retained placenta cases on calving intervals and days open of the dams. The prevalence of retained placenta was presented descriptively. Factors related to the retained placenta and its effect on calving interval and days open were analyzed by Chi-square test using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) software version 20 for Windows. The result showed that the prevalence rate of retained placenta was 19.91% of all dairy cow populations in the district. Furthermore, the sex of the calf, age of the dam, sunlight exposure, and the quantity of feed (forage and concentrate) were related to the retained placenta (p <0.05). In addition, retained placenta increased along with extending of days open and calving interval. It could be concluded that the factors that influenced the prevalence of retained placenta were the sex of the calf, the age of the cow, the feed and concentrate, and the cowshed that is not facing the sun.

Retained placenta in dairy cows living in an all-day cowshed rearing system

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors that influence the incidence of retained placenta in dairy cows reared under an all-day cowshed housing system at KUD Tani Wilis, Sendang District, Tulungagung. This study used 216 dairy cows, that had already calved, that had been identified to have medical and reproductive records for data exploration. Data collected included the sex and weight of calf, single or twin calves, age of the dam, cowshed structure (floor, puddles on the floor, gutter, distance of cowshed to waste disposal, type of floor and roof, and sunlight exposure), feed of the dam (forage, concentrate, mineral supplements), frequency of retained placenta cases on calving intervals and days open of the dams. The prevalence of retained placenta was presented descriptively. Factors related to the retained placenta and its effect on calving interval and days open were analyzed by Chi-square test using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) software version 20 for Windows. The result showed that the prevalence rate of retained placenta was 19.91% of all dairy cow populations in the district. Furthermore, the sex of the calf, age of the dam, sunlight exposure, and the quantity of feed (forage and concentrate) were related to the retained placenta (p <0.05). In addition, retained placenta increased along with extending of days open and calving interval. It could be concluded that the factors that influenced the prevalence of retained placenta were the sex of the calf, the age of the cow, the feed and concentrate, and the cowshed that is not facing the sun.

Potential prognostic markers of retained placenta in dairy cows identified by plasma metabolomics coupled with clinical laboratory indicators

: Background The complex etiopathology of retained placenta (RP) and hazards associated with it has made it crucial for researchers and clinical veterinarians to study pathogenesis, early-warning diagnosis, and treatment. Objectives This study aimed to screen the potential prognostic markers of RP in dairy cows using plasma metabolomics coupled with clinical laboratory indicators. Methods Blood samples were collected from 260 dairy cows at 21, 14, 7, and 0 days before parturition and 7, 14, and 21 days after parturition. Consequently, 10 healthy cows and 10 cows with RP with similar parity, body condition score, and age were included in the study. The changes in clinical laboratory indicators of the enrolled cows from 21 before parturition to 21 days after parturition were assessed. After initial overview of the multivariate statistical data using PCA analysis, the data were subjected to orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Results Compared with cows with RP at 7 days before parturition, the levels of endothelin and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α were increased in healthy cows while the level of estradiol and progesterone decreased. Adenine dinucleotide phosphate, hypoxanthine, guanine dinucleotide phosphate, inosine monophosphate, and L-arginine were revealed as potential prognostic markers of cows with RP at 7 days before parturition involved in the regulation of taste transduction, purine and glutathione metabolism, and autophagy. Conclusions The best period for the early-warning diagnosis of RP in dairy cows is 7 days before parturition, and purine metabolism and autophagy may play a vital role in the occurrence and development of RP in dairy cows.

A Targeted Serum Metabolomics GC-MS Approach Identifies Predictive Blood Biomarkers for Retained Placenta in Holstein Dairy Cows.

The retained placenta is a common pathology of dairy cows. It is associated with a significant drop in the dry matter intake, milk yield, and increased susceptibility of dairy cows to metritis, mastitis, and displaced abomasum. The objective of this study was to identify metabolic alterations that precede and are associated with the disease occurrence. Blood samples were collected from 100 dairy cows at −8 and −4 weeks prior to parturition and on the day of retained placenta, and only 16 healthy cows and 6 cows affected by retained placenta were selected to measure serum polar metabolites by a targeted gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) metabolomics approach. A total of 27 metabolites were identified and quantified in the serum. There were 10, 18, and 17 metabolites identified as being significantly altered during the three time periods studied. However, only nine metabolites were identified as being shared among the three time periods including five amino acids (Asp, Glu, Ser, Thr, and Tyr), one sugar (myo-inositol), phosphoric acid, and urea. The identified metabolites can be used as predictive biomarkers for the risk of retained placenta in dairy cows and might help explain the metabolic processes that occur prior to the incidence of the disease and throw light on the pathomechanisms of the disease.

Plasma Metabolomics Reveals Pathogenesis of Retained Placenta in Dairy Cows

The complex etiology and pathogenesis of retained placenta (RP) bring huge challenges for researchers and clinical veterinarians in investigating the pathogenesis and treatment schedule. This study aims to investigate the pathogenesis of RP in dairy cows by plasma metabolomics. As subjects, 10 dairy cows with RP and 10 healthy dairy cows were enrolled according to strict enrollment criteria. Imbalanced antioxidant capacity, reduced Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, and deregulation of total bilirubin (T-bil), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and reproductive hormones were shown in dairy cows with RP by detecting biochemical indicators, oxidation and antioxidant markers, and cytokines in serum. Plasma metabolites were detected and analyzed by a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) system coupled with multivariate statistical analysis software. A total of 23 potential biomarkers were uncovered in the plasma of dairy cows with RP. The metabolic pathways involved in these potential biomarkers are interconnected, and the conversion, utilization, and excretion of nitrogen were disturbed in dairy cows with RP. Moreover, these potential biomarkers are involved in the regulation of antioxidant capacity, inflammation, and autocrine or paracrine hormone. All of these findings suggest that an imbalance of these potential biomarkers might be responsible for the imbalanced antioxidant capacity, reduced Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, and deregulation of reproductive hormones in dairy cows with RP. The regulation of metabolic pathways involved in these potential biomarkers represents a promising therapeutic strategy for RP.

Blood urea nitrogen may serve as a predictive indicator of retained placenta in dairy cows

Retained placentae (RP) results in significant economic losses to dairy farmers. In Experiment 1, to screen biochemical indicators of RP, 21 cows with RP and 21 cows with no retained placenta (NRP) were selected as a control group, and blood was collected at -7 d, 0 h (parturition) and 12 h. Serum biochemical indicators were ascertained. Results indicate serum concentrations of phosphorus (P) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in cows of the RP group were markedly greater than in cows of the NRP group at -7 d (P < 0.01). In Experiment 2, to evaluate predictive indicators for RP, 34 cows with RP and 34 cows with NRP were selected, and there was blood sampling at -15 d, -10 d, -7 d, -4 d, and -1 d. Serum P, BUN, and total protein (TP) were evaluated. Associations of values among the three indicators and occurrence of RP were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results indicate there was a negative correlation between only the values for BUN and RP (P = 0.016). In Experiment 3, to test hypothesis that relatively greater concentrations of BUN effects immune function in placental tissues, four cows were selected, placentae were collected at 0 and 12 h, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed. Results indicated that the extent of inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular proliferation were less at the 12 than 0-hour timepoint. Taken together, BUN at -7 d may serve as a predictive indicator of RP in cows.

Risk Factors Associated to Retained Placenta in Holstein Cows

Background: Retained placenta (RP) is characterized by a failure to remove the fetal membranes within the first 12-24 h after calving. This condition appears to be related to a decrease in neutrophil activity and to the suppression of the immune response in the prepartum period. The specific reasons for some cows to retain the placenta after parturition is still not fully understood, but numerous predisposing factors have been related, which may include mechanical, nutritional, infectious and handling factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of retained placenta in dairy cows and to correlate the main predisposing factors related.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: This study was conducted in nine dairy farms located in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, with an average of 45 lactating dairy cows producing 10,100 kg / dairy cow in a period of 305 days. The total diet for postpartum cows was estimated to meet or exceed the requirements of dairy cows according to previously established guidelines (NRC 2001). A total of 393 calving Holstein cows (126 primiparous and 267 multiparous) were analyzed, of which 203 were kept in a semi-confined production system (free-stall and pasture system) and 190 animals were kept in a free-stall production system. Statistically, the cows were the experimental unit, and the results were analyzed using the Pearson's Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for the comparisons of occurrence of peripartum disorders. In addition, linear and logistic regression models were constructed to determine the effect of the dependent variable on the other indicators, which may be continuous or categorical. Possible correlations of the occurrence of peripartum disorders related to production system (free-stall or semi-confined), calving order (primiparous or multiparous), season of the year (heat or cold), ECC at calving (1 to 5), calf sex, rectal temperature and dystocia were analyzed. Of the 393 deliveries followed up in this study, 72 presented retained placenta as a postpartum complication. Cows that delivered male calves had a 3.45 times higher chance of presenting dystocia birth (P = 0.0007) and had 1.85 times more chances of presenting placental retention (P = 0.066) when compared to cows with female calves. Cows with dystocia were more likely to present RP (P = 0.0433). Twin pregnancies increased 3.9 times chances of RP (P = 0.0193).Discussion: The incidence of RP in our study was 18.3%, which is close to the previously reported by another Brazilian study (22%) and similar to another study that also verified the risk factor indicators (19.9%). Dystocia, twin births and male births were predisposing factors for RP, similarly to previous studies. The frequency of dystocia was significantly affected by the production system employed, with the semi-confined system presenting more cases of dystocia, unlike other studies. The season of the year had no influence in the RP occurrence, unlike other studies that showed RP may have an increase in spring and summer months. A possible correlation between RP and body condition score at calving and with the production system employed was not observed. The limited options of effective treatments for RP emphasizes the importance of prevention. RP prevention includes the reduction of stressful factors, especially in the peripartum period, with a focus one nutrition and animal health.

Targeted metabolomics: new insights into pathobiology of retained placenta in dairy cows and potential risk biomarkers

A targeted quantitative metabolomics approach was used to study temporal changes of serum metabolites in cows that normally released their fetal membranes and those that retained the placenta. We identified and measured serum concentrations of 128 metabolites including amino acids, acylcarnitines, biogenic amines, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and hexose at −8 and −4 weeks before parturition, during the week of retained placenta (RP) diagnosis, and at +4 and +8 weeks after parturition. In addition, we aimed at identifying metabolite signatures of pre-RP in the serum that might be used as predictive biomarkers for risk of developing RP in dairy cows. Results revealed major alterations in the metabolite fingerprints of pre-RP cows starting as early as −8 weeks before parturition and continuing as far as +8 weeks after calving. Biomarker candidates found in this study are mainly biomarkers of inflammation which might not be specific to RP. Therefore, the relevance of serum Lys, Orn, acetylornithine, lysophophatidylcholine LysoPC a C28:0, Asp, Leu and Ile as potential serum biomarkers for prediction of risk of RP in dairy cows will have to be tested in the future. In addition, lower concentrations of LysoPCs, Trp, and higher kynurenine in the serum during prepartum and the week of occurrence of RP suggest involvement of inflammation in the pathobiology of RP.

Metabolic and mineral conditions of retained placenta in highly productive dairy cows: pathogenesis, diagnostics and prevention – a review

The time around calving in highly productive dairy cows is a critical period in terms of their metabolism, which is connected with high demands of the foetus as well as with the onset of lactation. Retained placenta in cows may have multifactorial aetiology, but in herds which are free from infectious diseases, the most important reasons are; periparturient metabolic changes and disturbances to the internal balance and stress. During the periparturient period, the most important factor causing immune suppression and hypotony of uterus in cows is metabolic stress due to hormonal and nutritional factors, including metabolic fluctuations, negative energy balance, as well as shortage of proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. This metabolic stress as a result of an imbalance in the internal metabolic homeostasis activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) and increases serum corticosterid (cortisol) concentration, especially on the day of calving. Cortisol is a powerful immune suppressive factor that causes depression of leukocyte proliferation and their functions. The periparturient metabolic stress may also stimulate the production of catecholamines, especially adrenalin. Elevated levels of adrenalin activate adrenoreceptors of the myometrium, which in turn cause hypotony or atony of the uterus at calving in cows. Elevated levels of cortisol and adrenalin may significantly inhibit the rejection and expulsion of foetal membranes in cows, resulting in an increased incidence of their retention. These important mechanisms for placental retention in highly productive dairy cows often have primary nutritional metabolic aetiology, but they also occur during secondary metabolic disturbances and metabolic stress during calving. This metabolic and immunological aetiology and pathogenesis of retained placenta usually occur in highly productive periparturient cows on dairy farms in the absence of bovine infectious diseases, which can couse placentitis, stillbirth and the infectious origin of foetal membrane retention. The paper presents the most important metabolic, mineral and immunological disturbances as conditions for retained placenta in dairy cows. It also shows different methods of herd monitoring, important examples of clinical and laboratory diagnostics, and methods of nutritional and veterinary prevention of this health problem in dairy cows.

Treatment of the retained placenta in dairy cows: Comparison of a systematic antibiosis with an oral administered herbal powder based on traditional Chinese veterinary medicine

Cows affected with retained placenta are at a higher risk of developing puerperal metritis. Herbal remedies bear a high potential to treat postpartum uterine diseases in cows. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare an herbal powder and ceftiofur hydrochloride in the treatment of cows affected with retained placenta and for puerperal metritis prevention. The herbal powder was prepared from a combination of Leonurus artemisia (Laur.) S.Y. Hu F, Angelica sinensis (OLIV.) DIELS (radix), Ligusticum chuanxiong HORT (radix), Sparganiumstoloniferum (Graebn.) Buch.-Ham.exJuz (radix), Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) ROSC (radix), Cyperu srotundus Linn. (radix), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis FISCH (radix). A total of 157 cows diagnosed with retained placenta were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups. Cows in the herbal group (n=85) were treated with an oral dose of 0.5g crude herb/kg bw once daily for 1–3day(s), and cows in the control group (n=72) were treated with ceftiofur hydrochloride (2.2mg/kg bw, i.m.) twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Seventy-three cows had total expulsion of the placenta within 72h following initial herbal treatment, yet no cows in the control group expelled the placenta during the same time period, and 50 out of 73 cows achieved total expulsion of the placenta following only one herbal treatment. The median time of retained placenta shedding (20.0 vs. 101.5h; P<0.01) was shorter in the herbal group than in the control group. The logistic regression analysis indicated that the oral administration of the herbal powder tended to have superior clinical efficacy in metritis prevention compared to the systemic administration of ceftiofur hydrochloride in cows affected with retained placenta (8.2% vs. 11.1%, P=0.057, OR 5.771) within 21 days after parturition. Additionally, fewer cows in the herbal group required additional therapeutic antibiotics compared to the controls (8.2% vs. 26.4%, P=0.003). Evidence from this randomized controlled clinical trial suggested that the herbal powder is a clinically effective treatment for retained placenta and the prevention of puerperal metritis and, thus, might have great potential for the medical management of retained placenta in dairy cows.

Efficacy of herbal tincture as treatment option for retained placenta in dairy cows

Retained placenta remains therapeutic challenge in cattle. Certain traditional medicines are believed to be able to alleviate retained placenta condition and improve overall fertility in cows. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal tincture for treatment of retained placenta. The herbal tincture was extracted from a combination of Herba Leonuri, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Flos Carthami, Myrrha and Rhizoma Cyperi by percolation with 70% ethanol to a concentration of 0.5g crude herb/ml. Cows diagnosed with retained placenta (n=48) were randomly divided into one of two treatment groups (A and B), with animals in group A (n=26) receiving herbal tincture orally, and cows in group B (n=22) receiving oxytetracycline infusion into the uterus. Eighty six cows with no clinically visible pathological conditions, given birth alone and with no retained placenta diagnosis were included into control group (C). Retained placenta was expelled within 72h following initial treatment in 19 cows in group A, yet no cows in group B were recorded to expel placenta in the same time. The median number of days to first service (70.0 vs. 102.5 days; P<0.05) and median number of days open (76.0 vs. 134.0 days; P<0.01) were lower in group A than in group B. Percentage of cows pregnant within 100 days postpartum was the highest for animals in group A compared to controls (61.5% vs. 39.5%, P<0.05), and for animals in group B (61.5% vs. 22.7%; P<0.01). Herbal tincture used in the present study might facilitate expulsion of retained placenta and improve subsequent fertility, thus could present effective treatment option for retained placenta in cows.

Profile of Bovine Proteins in Retained and Normally Expelled Placenta in Dairy Cows

Tissue-specific protein profile is determined by its function, structure, intensity of metabolism and usefulness. This profile remains under hormonal control. Any disturbance in the general metabolism may be reflected in changes in both protein quantity and quality. These changes can be of low or high specificity, and some can be used as clinical markers of pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare the protein profile of caruncle and foetal villi of bovine placenta that was either properly released or retained. Placental tissues were collected from healthy cows, divided into releasing and retaining foetal membranes, homogenized and subjected to 1D and 2D electrophoresis. Computer-aided analysis of gel images showed essential qualitative and quantitative alterations in protein profile between tissues that were properly released and retained. Alterations concerned both the number of fractions and spots as well as the intensity of staining. This preliminary study provides a general overview of the differences in the protein profile between released and retained foetal membranes. It may allow for selecting the group of proteins or single molecules, which should be further analysed in detail as possible markers differentiating the retention of foetal membranes in cows from placentas that were released spontaneously. The continuation of the study for the identification of particular spots detected in 2D gels is necessary.

Effect of oxytocin hormone after parturition on rate of retained placenta of dairy cows in south- west of Baghdad

The aims of this research was showed the effect of oxytocin injection after parturition on rate of retained placenta in dairy cows. The research done in the biggest dairy cow station south - West of Baghdad which have cow with Friesian and Holsteincross breed. Divided these research cows in two group , first group had 120 unipara cows and second group 150 multipara cows, the resultes was show before used the oxytocin hormone 54% and 63.3% normal partertion for first and second groups of cows with dystocia 46% and 36.7% , retained placenta rate was 26% and 20.7% of both group. After used the hormon 50 I.U /i.m within 3 hours after parturition . the first group ( 111 ) unipara cows and 140 multipara cows, the normal parturition showed 56% and 64.5% with dystcoia 44% and 35.5% with retained planet rates 18% and 16.5% or both group.The result A now No significant (P&lt;0.05) different in the value between groups.

The effect of antioxidants on preventing the retained placenta in dairy cows

Retaining of placenta is one of the most common ailments in dairy cows and it occurrs if placenta is not removed in the period of 12-14 hour after calving. The ailment is of multifactorial etiology and a primary cause is often unknown. During periparturient period in cows the metabolical, hormonal and biochemical changes are observed. Immunosuppression also characterizes this period and it is associated with endocrinal changes and decreased feed intake. Reduced function of neutrophiles before parturition is in correlation with increased frequency of incidence of postparturition ailments. Selenium and vitamin E are the most important antioxidants which have a positive effect on neutrophiles function protecting them from oxidative damage.

Efficacy of Ozone and Other Treatment Modalities for Retained Placenta in Dairy Cows

Retained placenta is a worldwide recognized clinical condition in puerperal cows, which can significantly affect their health and fertility. Available treatment modalities are often of questionable efficacy or associated with time constraints, practicality or monetary considerations for their wide application in a routine dairy practice. The objective of this study was to compare and assess the efficacy of different treatment options, including a novel ozone treatment, for the retained placenta. Two hundred cows diagnosed with retained placenta were divided into five treatment groups, each receiving a different treatment option. Group A (n = 40) was given a combination treatment of intrauterine ozone and parenteral cephalexin; group B (n = 40) was given intrauterine ozone; group C (n = 40) was given a combination of parenteral cephalexin and intrauterine antibiotic tablets; group D (n = 40) was given only parenteral cephalexin and group E (n = 40) was given parenteral prostaglandins in 11-day intervals. The control group (group Z, n = 200) included cows that gave birth without assistance and were not diagnosed with a retained placenta. The ozone treatment (groups A and B) was found to be the most effective modality resulting in the shortest period of days open, the smallest number of artificial inseminations until pregnancy, the smallest number of animals diagnosed with fever within 10 days post-calving, the highest percentage of animals pregnant within 200 days after calving and the smallest number of animals culled because of infertility, when compared to the other treatment groups. The intrauterine ozone flush therefore has a potential as an efficacious and cost-effective treatment option for retained placenta, with an overall positive effect on puerperal health and fertility in cows.

Intermittent parenteral administration of endotoxin triggers metabolic and immunological alterations typically associated with displaced abomasum and retained placenta in periparturient dairy cows

This study sought to investigate the effects of induced intermittent endotoxemia on plasma mediators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, humoral immunity, and clinical health status in periparturient dairy cows. Sixteen pregnant Holstein cows were blocked by parity and day of calving, and were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 different treatment groups. Eight cows were infused intravenously (i.v.) with 100mL of sterile saline and served as the control group (CON). The other 8 cows were infused i.v. with 100mL of sterile saline containing 3 increasing doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), from Escherichia coli O111:B4, for 3 consecutive weeks during the 2 wk before and 1 wk after parturition as follows: (1) 0.01μg of LPS/kg of body weight (BW) on d −14 and −10; (2) 0.05μg of LPS/kg of BW on d −7 and −3; and (3) 0.1μg of LPS/kg of BW on d 3 and 7 postpartum. Nine blood samples were collected during the experimental period (i.e., from −14 to 28 d postpartum) and analyzed for calcium, zinc, iron, copper, glucose, lactate, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), cholesterol, insulin, cortisol, serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), haptoglobin (Hp), and anti-LPS IgA, IgG, and IgM. Results showed that intermittently induced endotoxemia decreased feed intake and milk production and triggered alterations in plasma cholesterol, BHBA, Hp, Ca, Cu, and anti-LPS IgG and IgM. All of these changes were associated with a greater number of cows affected by metabolic disorders such as left displaced abomasum (LDA, 2 from 8 LPS cows vs. 0 from 8 CON cows) and retained placenta (RP; 4 from 8 LPS cows vs. 0 from 8 CON cows). In addition, the discriminant analysis differently clustered the cow responses within LPS group, each corresponding to LDA, RP, and the cows displaying no clinical health problems (LPS-NO). The stepwise selection procedure of the best discriminant variables revealed that plasma Ca and anti-LPS IgG, as well as glucose and cortisol, were the best discriminating variables for cows affected by LDA, whereas NEFA and cholesterol better discriminated for cows affected by RP. This analysis also revealed that the cluster of plasma variables including plasma Cu, SAA, BHBA, and anti-LPS IgA were the best discrimination for the LPS-NO group. In conclusion, our results indicate a role of endotoxemia, during the periparturient period, in development of metabolic and immune disturbances, as well as in the etiopathology of displaced abomasum and retained placenta in dairy cows.

Comparative Effect on Clinical use of PGF2α and REPROCINE in the Treatment of Retained Placenta in Dairy Cows at TIARET Region (Algeria)

Comparative Effect on Clinical use of PGF2α and REPROCINE in the Treatment of Retained Placenta in Dairy Cows at TIARET Region (Algeria)