Risk factors for postpartum uterine diseases in dairy cows

Abstract

The objective of this observational study was to investigate the risk factors for metritis, purulent vaginal discharge, and cytological endometritis. The hypothesis was that purulent vaginal discharge and cytological endometritis would have different risk factors because they represent distinct manifestations of uterine disease. Data generated from 1,363 Holstein cows (3 herds) enrolled in a randomized clinical trial were used. Calving history, periparturient disease incidence, and body condition score at calving and at 63 d in milk (DIM) were recorded. Serum nonesterified fatty acid concentration was measured once during the week before expected calving. Serum nonesterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and haptoglobin (Hapto) concentrations were measured at 4 ± 3, 11 ± 3, and 18 ± 3 DIM. Serum progesterone concentration was measured at 21 ± 3, 35 ± 3, 49 ± 3, and 63 ± 3 DIM. Metritis was diagnosed by farm managers within the first 20 DIM using a standardized definition. Cows were examined at 35 ± 3 DIM by a veterinarian for purulent vaginal discharge (mucopurulent or worse vaginal discharge; Metricheck device) and cytological endometritis (≥ 6% polymorphonuclear cells on endometrial cytology; cytobrush device). Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression models for each disease, accounting for the random effect of herd. Risk factors for metritis included increased nonesterified fatty acid prepartum (≥ 0.6 mmol/L), dystocia, retained placenta, and increased Hapto in the first week postpartum (≥ 0.8 g/L). Risk factors for purulent vaginal discharge included twinning, dystocia, metritis, and increased Hapto (≥ 0.8 g/L) in the first week postpartum. Risk factors for cytological endometritis included low body condition score at parturition (≤ 2.75), hyperketonemia (≥ 1,100 μmol/L), and increased Hapto (≥ 0.8 g/L) in the first week postpartum. These results support the hypothesis that some of the risk factors for purulent vaginal discharge and cytological endometritis are different, which supports that they are distinct manifestations of uterine disease.

Risk factors associated with detailed reproductive phenotypes in dairy and beef cows

“…Corroborating the results from the present study, others have shown an association between parity and the presence of cystic structures (Erb and Martin, 1980;Zulu and Penny, 1998;Roche, 2006), embryonic death (Santos et al, 2009) as well as a deterioration in uterine health (Dubuc et al, 2010). The increased incidence of cystic structures in older parity cows could be potentially related to their greater milk production and its known effect on the presence of cystic structures (Zulu and Penny, 1998).…”

“…Substantiating the results from the present study (Figure 6), others (El-Din Zain et al, 1995) have shown that uterine involution takes longer in older parity cows. Furthermore, both the incidence and severity of uterine infection is greatest in later parity cows (Erb and Martin, 1980;Dubuc et al, 2010).…”

“…Furthermore, dairy cows that experienced dystocia had a greater incidence of metritis and endometritis postpartum (Dubuc et al, 2010). Sheldon and Dobson (2004) documented that dystocia was associated with an increase in bacterial infections postpartum resulting in delayed uterine recovery.…”

Perfil metabólico de vacas Jersey clinicamente saudáveis

“…Em vacas Holandesas, criadas na América do Norte e Europa, a bioquímica sérica tem sido intensamente empregada como ferramenta na prevenção de doenças no periparto (Dubuc et al 2010, Chapinal et al 2011, Roberts et al 2012. Entretanto, em vacas Jersey, especialmente no Brasil, ainda não existem trabalhos que apresentem o perfil metabólico sérico normal de vacas em produção e nem correlacionando com doenças e desempenho reprodutivo pós-parto.…”

The effects of periparturient events, mastitis, lameness and ketosis on reproductive performance of Holstein cows in a hot environment

“…Moreover, cows that present periparturient diseases are more susceptible to develop other diseases (Opsomer et al 2000; thus, a healthy passage through the transition period is essential for proper reproductive efficiency in dairy cows. The assessment of the impact of gynecological diseases on the overall level of reproductive processes has been well documented in European dairy cattle in temperate climates (Dubuc et al 2010, Gilbert 2011. A great number of these studies were carried out in herds with two milkings per day, without the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) throughout lactation and at latitudes where heat load is not a serious hurdle for dairy operations.…”