Maladaptation to the transition period and consequences on fertility of dairy cows

Pascottini, Osvaldo Bogado; Leroy, Jo; Opsomer, G.

doi:10.1111/rda.14176

Cited by 20 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 114 publications

(167 reference statements)

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“…Although potentially pathogenic bacteria are commonly present in the genital tract of healthy cows (Galvão et al, 2019), they are maintained at relatively low numbers by adequate modulation of inflammation, and probably by signalling molecules of ‘beneficial bacteria’ within the same ecosystem (Pascottini & LeBlanc, 2020). Nevertheless, maladaptation to metabolic stress driven by the high milk production (notably high circulating fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate) in the postpartum period of dairy cows weakens the innate immune function, and consequently, uterine diseases may occur (Pascottini et al, 2022). Thus, current evidence indicates that the genesis of uterine diseases in postpartum dairy cows lies in the unbalance of the following trifecta: immune function, shifts in the microbiota and metabolic stress.…”

Section: Pathogenesismentioning

confidence: 99%

General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review

Pascottini

Aurich

Grahofer

2023

Reprod Domestic Animals

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Endometritis is a leading cause of sub‐ and infertility in domestic animal species. The healthy uterus is colonized by commensal bacteria, viruses and yeast/fungi that represent the nonpathogenic microbiota. A shift in the number or type of organisms accompanied by immune dysfunction, however, may trigger uterine infection and inflammation. Metritis is associated with inflammation of all uterine layers (endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium), whereas endometritis is a more superficial inflammation involving solely the endometrium. Endometritis generally occurs at two time points in domestic animal species, postpartum and postmating. Postpartum endometritis may chronically persist, either as a low‐grade disease that often manifests as a vaginal discharge but not a systemic illness (in some species termed clinical endometritis) or sometimes subclinical where features are only detected by endometrial sampling. Contamination of the uterus at the time of mating occurs by direct deposition of semen (ejaculated or artificially inseminated) into the uterus. Improper drainage of the ejaculatory fluid or an inadequate immune response may result in persistent mating‐induced endometritis. Both postpartum and postmating endometritis interferes with fertility by creating a suboptimal environment for embryo development and placentation, and chronic endometritis may have an impact on sperm survival and fertilization ability. In the postpartum animal, there may also be changes in milk production and maternal behaviour, which can affect offspring health and survival. Preventive strategies for endometritis largely depend on monitoring their known risk factors, which are sometimes specific with regard to the species. Effective, nonantibiotic therapy for endometritis is not available to date. Overall, extensive research has been performed in cattle and horses to unravel key aspects of endometritis, but in sows and bitches, the available literature is scant. Thus, the need and opportunity to investigate the condition vary considerably among domestic species and necessitate their comparative assessment. This article reviews general and comparative aspects of the diagnosis and classification, pathogenesis, preventive strategies and therapeutics of endometritis in domestic species with a specific focus on cows, mares, sows and bitches.

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Section: Pathogenesismentioning

confidence: 99%

General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review

Pascottini

Aurich

Grahofer

2023

Reprod Domestic Animals

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“…According to the findings of Pascottini et al, even with the implementation of good managerial practices and other preventive strategies, there is still a possibility of some animals developing endometritis, although to a lesser extent. Additionally, it is important to note that there is currently no commercially available non-antibiotic therapy that has been proven effective for treating endometritis [50].…”

Section: Theriogenology -Recent Advances In the Fieldmentioning

confidence: 99%

Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle

Ahmadi¹

2023

Veterinary Medicine and Science

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Subclinical Endometritis (SCE) is a postpartum uterine disease that is characterized by inflammation of the uterus without any apparent clinical signs. This condition, despite lacking overt symptoms, has a significant impact on reproductive performance by decreasing pregnancy rates following the first insemination and prolonging the median days open. Risk factors for metritis include the metabolic status of the cow during the prepartum period and issues occurring at or after parturition, such as dystocia (difficult calving) and retained placenta. Elevated concentrations of haptoglobin during the postpartum period have been associated with metritis, cytological endometritis, and purulent vaginal discharge. Subclinical endometritis is a major contributor to the repeat breeder syndrome of bovine subfertility. Treatment of endometritis can cause the production of biofilm in the uterus. Biofilms inherently possess resistance to antibiotics as well as to cellular and humoral immune defenses. Treatment of subclinical endometritis is usually performed as clinical endometritis. Antibiotic infusion is a routine treatment method in dairy farms. But the use of alternative treatments such as hypertonic dextrose and hyperimmune serum mayhelp to improve treatment results. Management of pre- and postpartum periods of dairy cows is the best method for the control of subclinical endometritis.

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“…This will affect both the amount of adipose tissue deposition and the supply of energy going into the mammary gland for milk production. Van Eetvelde and Opsomer [ 138 ] reviewed ways in which fetal programming might predispose cows to the development of metabolic imbalance in early lactation and many previous reviews have highlighted the negative effects of metabolic imbalance on fertility (e.g., [ 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 ]).…”

Section: Follow-up Studies Investigating Fetal Programming and Fertilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle—Is It a Cause for Concern?

Wathes

2022

Animals

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Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam’s age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements.

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Maladaptation to the transition period and consequences on fertility of dairy cows

Cited by 20 publications

References 114 publications

General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review

General and comparative aspects of endometritis in domestic species: A review

Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle

Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle—Is It a Cause for Concern?

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