Risk factors and impact of retained fetal membranes on performance of dairy bovines reared under subtropical conditions

Abstract

The risk factors and impact of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on productive and reproductive performance of crossbred cattle, Zebu cattle, and Murrah buffalos were evaluated using data spread over 12 years. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors and to quantify their odds ratio (OR). Overall incidence of RFM in crossbred cattle, Zebu cattle, and Murrah buffalos were 26, 16, and 13 %, respectively; and significant risk factors for RFM in crossbred cattle were abortion (OR = 3.9), dead calf (OR = 4.1), dystocia (OR = 4.3), pluriparity (OR = 1.5), and shorter gestation length (OR = 4.3). In Zebu cattle, abortion (OR = 4.0), dead calf (OR = 3.7), dystocia (OR = 3.9), lower birth weight of calf (OR = 1.6), and shorter gestation length (OR = 6.4) were significant risk factors for RFM. In Murrah buffalos, abortion (OR = 19.2), dead calf (OR = 4.4), dystocia (OR = 4.7), pluriparity (OR = 1.7), shorter gestation length (OR = 12.7), and calving during summer season (OR = 1.8) were the risk factors for RFM. Although the occurrence of RFM did not affect fertility parameters, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in 305-day milk yield and total milk yield was observed in RFM-affected crossbred cattle. Taken together, it may be concluded that increased parity, abnormal calving, and short gestation length were the main risk factors for RFM in dairy bovine.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in placental separation in the bovine: A review

“…Bovine and buffalo fetal membranes are expelled within 12 hr after delivery of the calf (Drillich et al, ; El‐Malky et al, ); failure to expel it within this period results in retention of fetal membranes (RFM). The reported incidence of RFM varies: Friesian cows show from 3.6% in the United Kingdom (Esslemont and Kossaibati, ) to 24.9% in Egypt (Gaafar et al, ); in Zebu cows and its crosses, and in Murrah buffalo, the incidence of RFM is 26, 16, and 13%, respectively (Kumari et al, ). RFM results in considerable economic loss due to decreased milk production (Dubuc et al, ; Kumari et al, ); longer interval to first estrus and breeding; increased number of services per conception; lower conception rate and higher incidence of metritis (LeBlanc, ; Gaafar et al, ); and increased culling rate (Beagley et al, ).…”

“…The reported incidence of RFM varies: Friesian cows show from 3.6% in the United Kingdom (Esslemont and Kossaibati, ) to 24.9% in Egypt (Gaafar et al, ); in Zebu cows and its crosses, and in Murrah buffalo, the incidence of RFM is 26, 16, and 13%, respectively (Kumari et al, ). RFM results in considerable economic loss due to decreased milk production (Dubuc et al, ; Kumari et al, ); longer interval to first estrus and breeding; increased number of services per conception; lower conception rate and higher incidence of metritis (LeBlanc, ; Gaafar et al, ); and increased culling rate (Beagley et al, ). Cows with RFM or metritis produce 753 kg less milk per lactation, based on a 305‐day production period (Dubuc et al, ), which accounts for a ∼10% reduction in milk production—an estimated average loss of about £240 per RFM case (Esslemont and Peeler, ).…”

Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid for identification of indicators for subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

“…Cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in the uterine fluid obtained from subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes as compared to normal buffaloes. Lower serum cholesterol has been shown to be associated with retention of foetal membranes (Kumari et al., ) and metritis (Patbandha et al., ) in cows. High cholesterol levels lead to cholesterol accumulation in macrophages and other immune cells, which promotes inflammatory responses, including augmentation of Toll‐like receptor signalling.…”

An Insight into the Pathophysiology, Preventive and Treatment Strategies of Retained Fetal Membranes in Bovines A Review

“…Losses incurred due to decreased milk production from RFM result in significant economic drainage to the dairy industry (Dubuc et al, 2011;. It has been reported that in RFM affected buffaloes milk yield decreased by 239 kg in a single lactation (Kumari et al, 2016). Delayed uterine involution, resumption of ovarian activity, increase in days open, reduction in pregnancy rate McDougall (2001), increase in removal of affected animals Beagley et al (2010), increased services per conception Holt et al (1989) and reduction in conception rate and increase in frequency of metritis Gaafar et al (2010) are the major negative sequelae of RFM.…”