M.P. GREEN, A.M. LEDGARD, M.C. BERG, A.J. PETERSON and P.J. BACK
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 69: 37-42
The prevalence of sub-clinical endometritis (scEndo) and identification of serum markers of scEndo was investigated in pasture-fed, postpartum dairy cows. Mixed age lactating dairy cows (n = 169) were examined for uterine health status on day (D) 21 postpartum (± 3 days) by Metricheck classification. On D42 in a subpopulation (n = 47; 32 clean, 15 scEndo) Metricheck assessment was repeated and uterine cytology undertaken on D21 and D42 [scEndo = polymorphicnuclear (PMN) cells >18%]. Uterine bacteriology, as well as haematological, biochemical and milk parameters were also measured. The prevalence of scEndo was 15/169 (8.9%) and 4/47 (8.5%) cows on D21 and D42 respectively. A high incidence of self-resolving scEndo (11/15, 73%) was revealed. Numerous species of pathogenic bacteria were isolated from both scEndo and clean cows. Despite the uterine infection being sub-clinical, systemic markers were detectable as on D21 and D42 haematological and biochemical parameters differed. Irrespective of the scEndo classification method used, the mean blood neutrophil concentration was higher (P <0.05) and plasma albumin lower (<0.05) in scEndo cows compared to clean cows. Milk fat and protein % also differed (P <0.05) between scEndo and clean cows. The monitoring in early lactation of these markers could aid identification of scEndo, thereby preventing potentially detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
Keywords: NZSAPAB; sub-clinical; bacteriology; cytology; haematology; milk.
Last Updated 14/07/2009
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