Fertility following uterine torsion in dairy cows: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

<jats:p>Background and Aim: Dairy cows with uterine torsion often are susceptible to reduced fertility resulting in more costs and effort to restore the economy of those cows. The aim of our study was to examine and evaluate the possible associations between uterine torsion and consequent uterine involution disturbances, on the one hand, and between the degree and duration of uterine torsion with fertility parameters, on the other hand. Materials and Methods: Within 1.5 years, 115 dairy cows (German Browns, German Holsteins, and German Fleckvieh) that were suffering from uterine torsion were examined to evaluate the incidence of involution disturbances of the uterus and to examine the fertility after calving. Statistical analysis included correlation analyses between the degree and duration of torsion and fertility parameters (days open, days to conception, conception rate and services per conception, and intercalving interval) as well as incidence of involution disturbances. Results: The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between uterine involution and degree of uterine torsion. However, involution processes were significantly correlated to the time of the expulsion of the fetal membranes. Days to conception and intercalving intervals were significantly influenced by the presence of uterine torsion. Conclusion: Concerning fertility after uterine torsion, it was shown that reduced fertility is associated with the duration of uterine torsion (p=0.02) and time to drop of fetal membranes (p=0.02) but not with the degree of torsion (p=0.27).</jats:p>

Effect of uterine torsion intrapartum on concentrations of placental estrogens and progesterone in cattle

“…However, the biological necessity of an auxiliary/placental minor P4 source, which becomes evident after the 240th day of pregnancy is still elusive (Hoffmann et al, 1979;Hoffmann & Schuler, 2002;Schuler et al, 1994;Schuler et al, 2006;Schuler, 2000). In late pregnant or intrapartum cattle, uterine torsion can endanger the life of the offspring and may lead to severe degenerative and inflammatory lesions in the uterus (Sickinger et al, 2020). Impairment of uterine perfusion can develop in the uterus depending on the degree of rotation and the duration of the torsion.…”