Prevalence of retained fetal membranes in a dairy cattle farm located in Mureș county, Romania

Abstract

A clinical study was conducted at the Bălţată Românească cattle farm in Sângeorgiu de Mureş, Mureș County, Romania (46°34′35″N - 24°36′15″E, altitude 320 m) with a continental-moderate climate, average annual temperature of 8-9°C, and humidity of 86%. The study spanned January to December 2021, involving 240 cattle, including 105 adult cows. The population comprised three breeds: Baltata Romaneasca (n=89), Pinzgau (n=12), and Red Holstein (n=4), with age groups 2-4 years (n=57), 5-7 years (n=41), and >7 years (n=7). The study analyzed the prevalence of retained placenta, dystocia, and endometritis by breed, age, calf sex, and season. Results showed a 13% prevalence of retained placenta (14/105), 2% dystocia (2/105), and 4% endometritis (4/105). Among Baltata Romaneasca, retained placenta was 15.73% (14/89), and Pinzgau had 1 case (8.33%). Dystocia was observed at 2.25% (2/89) in Baltata Romaneasca, and endometritis at 33.33% (4/12) in Pinzgau. Age influenced disease prevalence, with cows over 7 years showing higher rates: retained placenta (28.57%) compared to younger groups (≤12.28%). Endometritis and dystocia followed similar age-related trends. Seasonally, retained placenta cases were highest in spring (16.67%) and winter (14.29%), and lower in summer (9.25%). Endometritis was seen only in summer (12.5%), and dystocia in autumn. Retained placenta was more prevalent in cows with male calves (18.18%) versus female calves (8%). Differences in endometritis and dystocia by calf sex were not significant.

Keywords

• Prevalence, retained placenta, risk factors, Bălţată Românească