Abstract
Transition cows are facing dramatic changes in metabolic activity and immune response, making them more susceptible to develop production diseases. One example is metritis and endometritis, which may affect fertility traits. Reproduction is one import key for determining dairy profitability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the
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prevalence of metritis, endometritis and their effects on production diseases and subsequent fertility. A total of 1.197 cows were enrolled during cool season (November 2012-January 2012) and hot season (June 2013-July 2013). The presence of production diseases and fertility were evaluated and characterized.
At time of calving, calving problems, including; dystocia, twin birth, stillbirth, abortion were recorded. Also the presence of retained placenta was documented and in this study used as a single variable. On day 4, 7 and 10 postpartum, cows were evaluated for metritis and at day 30 ± 3 for clinical endometritis (CE), using a metricheck device for scoring vaginal discharge.
At day 7, the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) level in blood was evaluated. Subclinical ketosis was considered when the concentration of BHBA in the blood ≥ 1.200 µmol/L. Also, two body condition scores (BCS) were determined. One around calving and one around 40 days, ultimately BCS loss was calculated. Cows were also evaluated for lameness at day 37 ± 3.
During the first 60 days of lactation, prevalence of mastitis, abdominal displacement (DA) and respiratory disease were recorded.
Ovaries were scanned on day 36 ± 3 and 46 ± 3 for determination of cyclicity. Cows were either enrolled in a timed AI program of inseminated by showing estrus after 64±3 days postpartum.
Overall, prevalence of metritis and CE were respectively 41.6 and 32.3%. Primiparous cows, cows with BCS<3 at calving, cows with calving problems and retained placenta increased the odds for developing metritis. Whereas calving in winter, having calving problems, RP, metritis and DA increased the odd of developing CE.
(Endo)metritis was not associated with cyclicity, pregnancy at first service and pregnancy loss. However, these fertility traits have similar (interrelated) risk factors as metritis and CE and are more or less related to the high demand of energy and impaired immune function because of the negative energy balance in combination with disturbed mineral utilization and stressors around parturition. Managing transition cows should be focused on reducing postpartum production diseases and lipid mobilization. An important key factor is to target cows to a BCS ≥ 3 at time of calving.
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