Cytological endometritis in dairy cows: a preliminary study

Abstract

The current study was carried out as a preliminary study to determine the incidence of cytological endometritis (CE) and to investigate its effects on pregnancy in dairy cows. Forty nine dairy cows belonging to two farms were included in the study. Cows were enrolled between 28-42 days in milk (DIM) in farm 1 (n=25), while in farm 2 (n=24), some cows (n=8) were enrolled at DIM>200. Cows were fed three times daily on totally mixed ration (TMR) and were milked three times using automatic parlours. Uterine samples were obtained from examined cows and were stained with Diff-Quick stain to determine the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN). A PMN% greater than 18 was taken as indicator of CE. Data pertaining to parity, breed, milk production, conception were obtained from automatic records. Results showed numerically higher incidence of CE in Holstein cows and in low producing cows. In addition, postpartum problems during the first ten days as retained placenta and metritis increased the incidence of CE in examined cows. Furthermore, CE was associated with numerically higher figures of culling among cows and cows with CE achieved lower pregnancy rates, compared to those without CE.