The effect of atonic uterus treatment on metritis, reproduction, removal, and milk yield in Holstein cows

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the effects of medical treatment of postpartum uterus pathologies on uterine health, and the reproductive and productive performance of dairy cows during the lactation period. In total, 206 cows were examined to monitor the uterus involution process at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days in milk (DIM). Cows with retained placenta were treated with carbetocin and cows with uterus atony were treated with PGF2α. Cows with puerperal metritis received ceftiofur hydrochloride. All of the dairy cows with proven uterine health were then enrolled in a synchronization protocol with artificial insemination. Intercalving interval, service period, insemination index, milk yield per lactation (kg), average milk protein and fat per lactation, parity (heifers/cows), and culling rate were analyzed. The statistical analysis revealed only a weak trend (P = 0.07) of association between the retained placenta and the inter-calving interval. The odds of having a decrease in daily milk yield in cows without metritis were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.99) times the odds of cows with metritis. Thus, the metritis was associated with a reduction (P < 0.05) in milk yield of 0.92 kg/cow per day and a total of 281 kg in the 305 days of lactation. Reproductive and productive variables like service period, insemination index, milk protein and fat, and culling rate were not associated with uterus disorders. In conclusion, intensive monitoring and care of the reproduction health of dairy cows early after calving can decrease the risk of economic losses.

Keywords

• uterus health
• metritis
• reproduction
• milk yield
• dairy cows