Relationship between Postpartum Metabolic Status and Subclinical Endometritis in Dairy Cattle

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the importance of postpartum serum levels of certain metabolic markers as risk factors for subclinical endometritis (SE). Ninety-four Holstein cows were included in the study, and examinations were carried out between 30–45 days postpartum. Rectal palpation, vaginoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, endometrial cytology, and blood sample collections were performed. The percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (%PMN) on the endometrium was evaluated, as well as serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, hepatic enzymes, urea, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA). Samples with ≥8% PMN were classified as positive to subclinical endometritis. According to the serum levels of BHBA, cows were classified as clinical ketosis (>2.6 mmol/L), subclinical ketosis (1.2–2.6 mmol/L), and healthy (<1.2 mmol/L). Additionally, body condition score, parity, date of last labor, peripartum issues, insemination date, date of pregnancy diagnosis and milk production information were collected. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. The results showed that as serum levels of BHBA rose, also did the %PMN, so that up to 60% of cows with clinical ketosis suffered from SE. On the other hand, the %PMN fell as serum levels of urea and albumin increased. Consequently, good postpartum management practices and early detection of metabolic alterations are necessary measures to control predisposing factors and reduce the incidence of SE.