Postpartum Uterine Disease Research Articles

Development of a rapid test to determine endometritis of cows after calving.

Postpartum uterine disease, such as endometritis, is widespread in highly productive dairy cows, leading to fertility problems and economic losses. Despite existing diagnostic methods, early and effective detection of uterine infections remains problematic due to the subclinical nature of some conditions. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rapid diagnostic test for endometritis in cows on different days postpartum (PP). The study was carried out on dairy Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 121) kept on farms in northern Kazakhstan. The study included both clinically normal cows and those diagnosed with endometritis, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the diagnostic methods across different stages of uterine health. The following laboratory tests were performed to diagnose and evaluate the presence and severity of endometritis in the cows: Nagorny-Kalinovsky test, Whiteside test, Katerinov test, Gavrish silver nitrate test, peroxide test, and clinical tests (rectal and vaginal examination). These tests were specifically chosen to identify inflammatory processes in the uterus, particularly focusing on detecting endometritis. From day 21 to 30 PP, rectal and vaginal examinations were 32% and 28% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test and the Whiteside test. From day 61 postpartum, the Whiteside test was 37.5% more effective than the Nagorny-Kalinovsky test. Comparatively, among laboratory diagnostic methods from days 10 to 110 PP, the peroxide test showed the greatest effectiveness in identifying 80.9% of sick animals. In sick animals from day 10 to 20 PP, during the interaction of the cervicovaginal mucus with 10%, 20%, and 30% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), an 8.1 ± 1.9-8.8 ± 1.6 cm foam column was formed within 4-5 min. The experiment showed that a 10% H2O2 solution yielded better results. Using H2O2 as a diagnostic agent for endometritis in cows has several advantages, including ease of use, it does not require special laboratory conditions and provides a visual reading of the reaction within 4-5 min. A limitation of this study is the focus on H2O2 without exploring other potential reagents that may enhance diagnostic accuracy. Future research could explore the long-term stability of cervicovaginal mucus samples and investigate the integration of additional substances that may expedite the detection of subclinical endometritis and improve the clarity of diagnostic results.

Reproductive Tract Microbial Transitions from Late Gestation to Early Postpartum Using 16S rRNA Metagenetic Profiling in First-Pregnancy Heifers.

Studies in recent years indicate that reproductive tract microbial communities are crucial for shaping mammals' health and reproductive outcomes. Following parturition, uterine bacterial contamination often occurs due to the open cervix, which may lead to postpartum uterine inflammatory diseases, especially in primiparous individuals. However, investigations into spatio-temporal microbial transitions in the reproductive tract of primigravid females remain limited. Our objective was to describe and compare the microbial community compositions in the vagina at late gestation and in the vagina and uterus at early postpartum in first-pregnancy heifers. Three swab samples were collected from 33 first-pregnancy Holstein Friesian heifers: one vaginal sample at gestation day 258 ± 4, and vaginal and uterine samples at postpartum day 7 ± 2. Each sample underwent 16S rRNA V4 region metagenetic analysis via Illumina MiSeq, with bioinformatics following Mothur MiSeq SOP. The reproductive tract bacterial communities were assigned to 1255 genus-level OTUs across 30 phyla. Dominant phyla, accounting for approximately 90% of the communities, included Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria. However, the results revealed distinct shifts in microbial composition between the prepartum vagina (Vag-pre), postpartum vagina (Vag-post), and postpartum uterus (Utr-post). The Vag-pre and Utr-post microbial profiles were the most distinct. The Utr-post group had lower relative abundances of Proteobacteria but higher abundances of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Tenericutes compared to Vag-pre, while Vag-post displayed intermediate values for these phyla, suggesting a transitional profile. Additionally, the Utr-post group exhibited lower bacterial richness and diversity compared to both Vag-pre and Vag-post. The unsupervised probabilistic Dirichlet Multinomial Mixtures model identified two distinct community types: most Vag-pre samples clustered into one type and Utr-post samples into another, while Vag-post samples were distributed evenly between the two. LEfSe analysis revealed distinct microbial profiles at the genus level. Overall, specific microbial markers were associated with anatomical and temporal transitions, revealing a dynamic microbial landscape during the first pregnancy and parturition. These differences highlight the complexity of these ecosystems and open new avenues for research in reproductive biology and microbial ecology.

Metritis and the uterine disease microbiome are associated with long-term changes in the endometrium of dairy cows†.

Cows with metritis (uterine disease) during the first 1 to 2weeks postpartum have lower pregnancy rates when inseminated later postpartum (typically >10weeks). We hypothesized that metritis and the disease-associated uterine microbiome have a long-term effect on endometrial gene expression. Changes in gene expression may inform a mechanism through which disease lowers pregnancy rates. A total of 20 cows were enrolled at 1 to 2 weeks postpartum to either metritis (clinical disease; n = 10) or healthy (control; n = 10) groups and randomly assigned to be slaughtered at approximately 80 and 165 dpp (mid-lactation). The microbiome of the reproductive tract was sampled to confirm the presence of pathogens that are typical of metritis. In addition to the original clinical diagnosis, study cows were retrospectively assigned to uterine-disease and control groups based on the composition of their microbiome. There was no effect of early postpartum uterine disease on the uterine microbiome at mid-lactation (time of slaughter). Nonetheless, early postpartum metritis and the disease microbiome were associated with a large number of differentially-expressed genes at mid-lactation primarily in the caruncular compared with the inter-caruncular endometrium. Gene enrichment analysis identified oxidative phosphorylation as the primary pathway increased in caruncular endometrium of diseased cows whereas growth factor signaling pathways were reduced. The current study demonstrated that metritis and a uterine disease microbiome leave a sustained imprint on gene expression in the caruncular endometrium that may explain lower fertility in cows with postpartum uterine disease.

Molecular Mechanisms Associated with the Development of the Metritis Complex in Dairy Cattle.

The metritis complex (MC), a group of post-partum uterine diseases, is associated with increased treatment costs and reduced milk yield and fertility. The goal of this study was to identify genetic variants, genes, or genomic regions that modulate MC disease. A genome-wide association study was performed using a single-locus mixed linear model of 1967 genotypes (624,460 SNPs) and metritis complex records. Then, in-silico functional analyses were performed to detect biological mechanisms and pathways associated with the development of MC. The ATP8A2, COX16, AMN, and TRAF3 genes, located on chromosomes 12, 10, and 21, were associated with MC at p ≤ 0.0001. These genes are involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism in the stromal tissue of the uterus, which can be directly associated with the mode of transmission for pathogens causing the metritis complex. The modulation of cholesterol abundance alters the efficiency of virulence factors and may affect the susceptibility of the host to infection. The SIPA1L1, DEPDC5, and RNF122 genes were also significantly associated with MC at p ≤ 0.0001 and are involved in the PI3k-Akt pathway, responsible for activating the autophagic processes. Thus, the dysregulation of these genes allows for unhindered bacterial invasion, replication, and survival within the endometrium.

Postpartum Uterine Diseases; Diagnostic Approaches and Management in Farm Animals: A Review

Postpartum uterine infections results from uterine contamination with bacteria during parturition. The postpartum environment of the uterine lumen supports the growth of a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. There are a number of risk factors for post-partum uterine disease in dairy cattle; cows having dystocia, retained placenta, twins or stillbirths and various metabolic disorders are more likely to develop uterine disease. Inflammation of the uterus slows down the process of involution in the uterus and delays the onset of activities of the ovaries leading to economic loss due to systemic illness, loss of milk and meat production and marked drop in fertility. Pyometra, metritis, clinical and subclinical endometritis are some of the most important illnesses during the postpartum period. A variety of methods such as uterine palpation, ultrasonographic features of the uterus, vaginoscopy, endometrial cytology, uterine culture, and uterine biopsy has been reported to identify postpartum diseases. Prevention of postpartum uterine disease would be better than cure, for both the animals and the economy. Thus, early diagnosis or predictions of uterine infections are important for effective postpartum management.

Postpartum Uterine Diseases; Diagnostic Approaches and Management in Farm Animals; A Review

Postpartum uterine infections result from uterine contamination with bacteria during parturition. The postpartum environment of the uterine lumen supports the growth of a variety of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. There are a number of risk factors for post-partum uterine disease in dairy cattle; cows having dystocia, retained placenta, twins or stillbirths and various metabolic disorders are more likely to develop uterine disease. Inflammation of the uterus slows down the process of involution in the uterus and delays the onset of activities of the ovaries leading to economic loss due to systemic illness, loss of milk and meat production and marked drop in fertility. Pyometra, metritis, clinical and subclinical endometritis are some of the most important illnesses during the postpartum period. A variety of methods such as uterine palpation, ultrasonographic features of the uterus, vaginoscopy, endometrial cytology, uterine culture, and uterine biopsy has been reported to identify postpartum diseases. Prevention of postpartum uterine disease would be better than cure, for both the animals and the economy. Thus, early diagnosis or predictions of uterine infections are important for effective postpartum management.

Testing the Induction of Metritis in Healthy Postpartum Primiparous Cows Challenged with a Cocktail of Bacteria.

Metritis is a postpartum uterine disease with greater incidence in primiparous than in multiparous cows. In primiparous cows, the impact on production and health is lessened, presumably due to a superior immune response. Here, we tested whether an in vivo model of clinical metritis induction developed for postpartum multiparous Holstein cows would produce similar results in primiparous cows. Thirty-six cows were randomly assigned to one of three groups and received intrauterine infusion within 24 h of parturition. The controls were infused with sterile saline; the low-dose group received a bacterial cocktail containing 103 cfu of Escherichia coli, Trueperella pyogenes, and Fusobacterium necrophorum; and the high-dose group were infused with 106 cfu of the same cocktail. Production, health traits, and the vaginal discharge culture were assessed daily, from enrollment until 14 d in milk. Clinical metritis occurred in 64% of high-dose cows, 33% of the controls, and 42% of low-dose cows, with no significant difference of incidence between groups. However, when accounting by time, high-dose cows had a 2.7 times greater hazard of metritis compared with the controls. The bacterial challenge affected milk production and dry matter intake tended to decrease. In the high-dose group, a greater growth of F. necrophorum in the selective medium was also observed, suggesting an association with metritis. Therefore, this study suggests intrauterine inoculation with 106 cfu of this bacterial cocktail elicits physical and clinical outcomes consistent with clinical metritis.

Proteomic analysis of uterine lavage fluid of dairy cows at different time after delivery by mass spectrometry

Endometritis is a common disease in the reproductive system, which is the infection and inflammation of the endometrium. In severe cases, it can affect the myometrium and adversely affect the subsequent fertility of dairy cows. We used a mass spectrometry-based technique to compare proteomics of uterine lavage fluid between healthy cows and cows with cytological endometritis classified according to 100-day postpartum pregnancy results and diagnosis result. The uterine lavage fluid of dairy cows collected at 15 and 30 days after delivery was analyzed. 15 days postpartum, we identified a total of 1129 proteins in the control and cytological endometritis (CEM) groups. Among them, 160 proteins were accurately screened out. 30 days postpartum, we identified a total of 846 proteins in the control and cytological endometritis (CEM) groups. Among them, 186 proteins were accurately cytological endometritis (CEM). Endometritis is a costly reproductive disease in lactating cows, which needs to be diagnosed in time. Using proteomics method based on gel mass spectrometry, we compared the proteome of uterine lavage fluid of dairy cows with and without cytological endometritis to characterize the changes of proteomic characteristics associated with postpartum uterine disease. To provide reference for clinical application and basic research.

177 Postpartum uterine disease reduces Forkhead box A2, a critical regulator of uterine gland function, within the uterus of lactating dairy cows

177 Postpartum uterine disease reduces Forkhead box A2, a critical regulator of uterine gland function, within the uterus of lactating dairy cows

A QUINOSOL-BASED DRUG FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM COMPLICATIONS IN COWS

The paper presents the study results of a drug designed to treat and prevent postpartum uterine inflammatory diseases in cows based on quinazoline - Hinasept-gel. The authors used the results of a toxicological study, the study of antimicrobial activity, its study of hematological parameters, natural resistance, and the identification of the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Hinasept-gel. The authors also found that the drug has a complex therapeutic effect, showing a high preventive (85.2%) and therapeutic (96.4%) effect, accompanied by improved livestock reproduction. In addition, the drug does not have a toxic effect on animals in therapeutic doses, does not have an allergenic and sensitizing impact, and does not irritate the uterine mucosa. Also, the medicine normalizes the main hematological and immunological parameters within 15 days of its use.

Ultrasonographic Screening of Dairy Cows with Normal Uterine Involution or Developing Postpartum Uterine Disease Using B-Mode, Color, and Spectral Doppler.

Uterine involution, ovarian activity, and incidence of postpartum uterine disease (PUD) were assessed in forty-eight dairy cows from calving until the 10th postpartum week. Postpartum follow-up included evaluation of uterine involution and ovarian structures by B-mode, Doppler color, and Doppler spectral ultrasound of the right uterine artery in cows with no calving or postpartum uterine problems (healthy cows). Data from cows that developed PUD (PUD cows) were compared with healthy cows matched by herd and days in milk (DIM). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, simple regression, one-way ANOVA, or repeated ANOVA measures, and in data analysis of healthy cows, uterine horn diameter assessed by B-mode ultrasound ranged from 22.9 ± 2.4 to 19.4 ± 1.4 mm and 19.9 ± 2.2 to 20.5 ± 2.3 mm from the fourth to the seventh postpartum week in the left and right uterine horns, respectively (P > 0.05). During the study, 15 and 7 cows had corpus luteum in the left and right ovaries, respectively. The mean time for the first postpartum CL was 30.1 ± 3.2 DIM (min 8, max 67 DIM). In data analysis of PUD cows, uterine blood flow assessed by color Doppler ranged from 7.4 ± 4.0 to 43.75 ± 10.3% in cows that developed PUD compared to 16.7 ± 11.0% in healthy cows (P > 0.05). No statistically significant changes were found in resistance index, pulsatility index, time-averaged maximum velocity, time-averaged mean velocity, or diastole/systole ratio (D/S) in cows that developed PUD compared to healthy cows (P > 0.05). Finally, no correlation was found between Doppler spectral parameters and uterine involution (P > 0.05). Our data suggest that cows receiving transition diets and exhibiting normal calving undergo a rapid macroscopic uterine involution and ovarian follicular dynamics resumption. Complete ultrasound evaluation provides valuable data for assessing uterine involution in postpartum dairy cows.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Postpartum Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cows

The goal of treating postpartum uterine diseases in dairy cows is to reach clinical cure in a reasonable amount of time and to improve reproductive performance while minimizing milk and meat residue issues. The ultimate goal is to reduce the economic losses caused by uterine diseases. This article focuses on postpartum uterine diseasess in dairy cows, in particular acute puerperal metritis, pyometra and endometritis. The usual treatment approach for these conditions is systemic or local antibiotic therapy to control bacterial growth. Based on clinical signs and bacteria identification using dependent- and independent-based methods, antibiotic use appears to be the most logical and effective therapeutic approach. However, despite considerable research, the treatment of uterine diseasess remains a subject of considerable controversy in the literature. Although some local and systemic antibiotic therapies are effective at mitigating the consequences of postpartum uterine diseases, antibiotic use in the current global context is a serious concern because it is associated with selective pressures on bacteria and the emergence of resistant bacteria in humans and animals. Research on mucosal immunology and the genital microbiota of cows has improved our understanding of uterine involution and how pathological agents behave during uterine diseases in dairy cows. And while antibiotic therapy remains the most common therapeutic option chosen by veterinarian practitioners to treat PUDs, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine is increasingly being considered in response to a demand from animal owners. However, because of the small number of randomized clinical trials and a lack of evidence-based medicine, there is widespread concern regarding the adequacy of evidence for the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. The objectives of this article are to describe uterine involution and the main postpartum uterine diseases that occur during the postpartum period in dairy cows, briefly review the current approaches to treating postpartum uterine diseases, and critically review the evidence pertaining to complementary and alternative veterinary medicine in postpartum reproductive veterinary medicine.

Endometrial cytology and transrectal ultrasonography in diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in postpartum crossbred cattle

Postpartum diseases of uterus represent a foremost predicament in cattle farms affecting reproductive efficiency. Postpartum (PP) uterine diseases include metritis, endometritis and subclinical endometritis (SCE). Barring SCE, all other diseases project the clinical signs. Diagnosis of SCE at the early stage of PP has been a challenging task for many veterinarians. The present study aimed to validate and correlate the proficiency of transitional changes in uterus and cervix assessed by transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and endometrial cytology (EC) in the diagnosis of SCE in PP cattle. The research was carried out in two phases i.e, 30th day postpartum (DPP) (n=74) and first exhibited oestrus after 45th DPP (n=24) (54.63 ± 1.13 d) to emphasise the proficiency of both the diagnostic modalities. Endometrial cytology could discriminate between cows positive and negative for SCE significantly at 30th DPP (20.54 ± 0.48 vs 5.55 ± 0.41). It was potent in diagnosing SCE after 45th DPP also, as a significant reduction in the per cent of PMN cells (20.54 ± 0.48 to 7.56 ± 0.32) was noticed. Uterine parameters assessed by TRUS like cervical and uterine diameter and endometrial thickness in both the phases of assessment did not correlate to the EC changes and also could not discriminate between SCE positive and negative animals. The results of the study signify that EC is efficacious in the diagnosis of SCE in cows, while TRUS is impractical as a sole diagnostic modality for SCE.

Assessment of Sensitivity and Profitability of an Intravaginal Sensor for Remote Calving Prediction in Dairy Cattle.

One critical point of dairy farm management is calving and neonatal first care. Timely calving assistance is associated with the reduction of calf mortality and postpartum uterine disease, and with improved fertility in dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and profitability of an intravaginal sensor for the prediction of stage II of labor in dairy farms, thus allowing proper calving assistance. Seventy-three late-gestating Italian Holstein cows were submitted to the insertion of an intravaginal device, equipped with light and temperature sensors, connected with a Central Unit for the commutation of a radio-signal into a cell phone alert. The remote calving alarm correctly identified the beginning of the expulsive phase of labor in 86.3% of the monitored cows. The mean interval from alarm to complete expulsion of the fetus was 71.56 ± 52.98 min, with a greater range in cows with dystocia (p = 0.012). The sensor worked correctly in both cold and warm weather conditions, and during day- or night-time. The intravaginal probe was well tolerated, as any cow showed lesions to the vaginal mucosa after calving. Using sex-sorted semen in heifers and beef bull semen in cows at their last lactation, the economic estimation performed through PrecisionTree™ software led to an income improvement of 119 € and 123 €/monitored delivery in primiparous and pluriparous cows, respectively. Remote calving alarm devices are key components of “precision farming” management and proven to improve animal welfare, to reduce calf losses and to increase farm incomes.

The morphofunctional pattern of neuronal biogenic amines in postpartum involution period-an in vivo study.

Postpartum uterine diseases are associated with significant imbalance in the levels of biogenic amines (BAs) in rat uterus. Mast cells (MCs) are the main suppliers of BAs such as serotonin, catecholamines, and histamine in uterus. There is limited evidence of the BA-positive elements involved in the physiological regulation of uterus during postpartum involution. The aim of present study is to determine the concentration and distribution of biogenic amines (BAs) such as histamine, serotonin, and catecholamines in the uterine endometrium, myometrium, and peritoneal fluid (PF) during the postpartum uterine involution. A total of 110 nulliparous outbred female nonpregnant Wistar rats of mature age were divided into eleven groups (n=10 per group) according to days of postpartum involution. Tissue specimens of uterine segments, PF were prepared. Serotonin, catecholamines, and histamine concentrations were examined by fluorescence-histochemical techniques. The fluorescence of the BA-positive elements was detected and analyzed by microspectrofluorimetry. Results were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared test and pairwise Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests with "Benjamini-Hochberg correction" in R 3.6.3. Mast cells in uterine segments, PF exhibited characteristic yellowish-green fluorescence. The highest MCs number was reported in corpus uteri on the 15th day of postpartum involution. Serotonin, catecholamines, and histamine levels were significantly higher in BA-positive elements in the initial days. BA content was dynamic and relies on the time elapsed after parturition. There was statistically significant difference in the levels of BAs in the cornu and cervix uteri. A single morphofunctional complex of BA supply was noticed in the reproductive system of the rats. The coupled interactions of intra- and extra-organic BA-positive elements was associated with anabolic/catabolic equilibrium in uterus through the metabolism of serotonin, catecholamines, and histamine during postpartum involution.

Alternative Treatments of Postpartum Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cows

Alternative Treatments of Postpartum Uterine Diseases in Dairy Cows

Risk factors for purulent vaginal discharge and its association with reproductive performance of lactating Jersey cows

Despite the rapid growth in popularity of the Jersey breed, most research on dairy cows in the United States has been done with the Holstein breed. Postpartum uterine diseases negatively influence reproductive performance of dairy cows and limited data are available regarding predisposing factors for uterine diseases in Jersey cows. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) and its effect on fertility of lactating Jersey cows. This was a retrospective observational study with data collected from 3,822 Jersey cows. The Metricheck device was used for PVD diagnosis, and positive cases (≥50% of pus in exudate) were further classified for severity using the following 4 categories based on the amount of pus observed: 50 to 60% pus in exudate, 60 to 90% pus in exudate, 90 to 100% pus in exudate, and 90 to 100% pus in exudate + uterine fluid detected by palpation per rectum. Univariable and multivariable regression analyzes were conducted to dissect the risk factors for PVD and severity of PVD in Jerseys cows. The major risk factors for PVD were calving-related problems, retained fetal membrane, metritis, and days in the close-up diet. A subgroup of cows (n = 740) was scored for body condition and locomotion scores and had blood sampled in the peripartum for determination of plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate. In the multivariable analysis that considered data collected for the subgroup of cows, peripartum nonesterified fatty acids, postpartum β-hydroxybutyrate, and peripartum locomotion and body condition scores were not retained in the reduced model of predictors of PVD. Not surprisingly, pregnancy per artificial insemination following the first and second services was reduced in cows diagnosed with PVD compared with cows without PVD. In addition, PVD was associated with increased odds of pregnancy loss after the first service and reduced hazard of pregnancy by 305 d in milk. The stratification of PVD severity according to the amount of pus observed and the consistency of the uterus was meaningful, as observed by the differences in reproductive outcomes between cows with diverging amounts of pus in the retrieved exudate. Risk factors for PVD in Jersey cows was similar to previously reported for Holstein cows, and a strong detrimental effect of PVD on fertility was also observed in Jersey cows.

Incidence, clinical patterns, and risk factors of postpartum uterine diseases in dairy cows from high-altitude tropical herds

The cow's uterus sustains bacterial contamination and active inflammation after calving as part of the normal physiological process of uterine involution. Although the definition, incidence, and risk factors for postpartum uterine diseases (PUD) have been documented in annual calving systems with high-producing cows on total mixed ration, the literature contains little information for other production systems. The objective of this study was to quantify the incidence risk and factors associated with metritis, clinical endometritis, and cytological endometritis in high-altitude tropical dairy herds in a pasture-based system. A total of 248 cows from 5 commercial dairy herds in northern Antioquia, Colombia, were enrolled in this prospective observational longitudinal cohort study. Data collection and PUD diagnosis were performed at d 0, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, and 52 (±1) after parturition. Between 60 and 70 d, cows were systematically enrolled in a synchronization protocol, and herds were visited monthly for pregnancy diagnosis until 180 ±15 d. The multivariable logistic regression model of variables associated with PUD occurrence included (a) parity, season of calving, transition diet, and body condition score at calving; (b) blood calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations, and milk urea nitrogen, β-hydroxybutyrate and fat-to-protein ratio; and (c) dystocia, retained placenta, and delayed uterine involution. The incidences of puerperal metritis, clinical metritis (MET), clinical endometritis (CE), and cytological endometritis (CYTO) were 2.8, 25, 29, and 26%, respectively. Retained placenta and dystocia were associated with MET, and MET was associated with CE. Low blood calcium concentration at calving was associated with CYTO. Overall, 51.2% of the cows suffered at least 1 category of PUD during the first 60 d postpartum (DPP). However, cows also suffered from different consecutive clinical events of PUD (MET, CE, and CYTO) during the follow-up period (0 to 180 ±15 DPP). These events could be grouped into 4 types (which were referred to as "clinical patterns") based on interactions between MET, CE, and CYTO.

The deleterious effect of postpartum pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of dairy cows.

Background and Aim:Postpartum uterine infectious diseases, such as pyometra, have discrepancy with both health and, subsequently, productivity of dairy cows due to its high prevalence and the high cost of treatment. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of the pyometric animal compared to those of healthy ones.Materials and Methods:The study included 30 cows. The animals were differentiated into two groups of 15 cows each: A group of pyometra and a control group. All pyometric cows were subjected to breeding soundness examination after the end of pyometra and were compared to the control group. Blood samples were obtained to assess the levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus, sodium, potassium, progesterone hormone (P4), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase.Results:Results revealed significant prolonged duration of first estrus, the days open, and the required number of services due to pyometra. The pyometra group yielded increased levels of NEFA, TGs, ALP, BUN, creatinine, MDA, and progesterone hormone. In addition, significant decrease in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, albumin, Ca, phosphorus, sodium, TAC, GPx, and superoxide dismutase was observed in the pyometra group. Finally, no difference in the concentrations of total protein, ALT, AST, and potassium was observed in the pyometra group.Conclusion:The reproductive indices was adversely influenced in cows with postpartum pyometra, and metabolic profile, involving energy balance signals and liver function indicators, revealed differences between the two groups. Increased levels of oxidative stress parameters and decrease levels of antioxidant levels were also found, suggesting that pyometra is an incentive for oxidative stress. Overall, checking the energy balance, metabolic imbalances, and oxidant/antioxidant profile, accompanied with pre-emptive procedures during the postpartum period, is essential and can reduce the chances of such diseases and possible noxious results in highly productive cows.

Reproductive Tract Infections in Dairy Cows: Can Probiotics Curb Down the Incidence Rate?

Postpartum uterine diseases are common in dairy cows and are a great concern for the dairy industry as they are associated with various consequences, including lower fertility, lower milk yield, and an overall negative impact on the host health. An infected uterus is a source of bacterial compounds and cytokines that spill into the systemic circulation, spreading inflammation to other organs. In this review article, we discuss a short overview of the anatomy of the reproductive tract of dairy cows and several infectious diseases of the uterus including metritis, endometritis, and pyometra. Additionally, we discuss the microbiome of the reproductive tract in health and during uterine diseases. As well, diagnostic criteria for metritis and endometritis and contributing factors for increased susceptibility to metritis infection are important topics of this review. To better understand how the uterus and reproductive tract respond to bacterial pathogens, a section of this review is dedicated to immunity of the reproductive tract. Both the innate and adaptive immunity systems are also discussed. We conclude the review with a factual discussion about the current treatments of uterine diseases and the new developments in the area of application of probiotics for uterine health. Mechanisms of actions of probiotics are discussed in detail and also some applications to prevent uterine infections in dairy cows are discussed.