Effect of estradiol and cloprostenol combination therapy on expulsion of mummified fetus and subsequent fertility in four crossbred cows

Four crossbred cows with mummified fetus were utilized for the study. The cows were subjected to gynecological examination and based on the findings the cases were diagnosed as mummified fetus. The cows were treated with 2 mg estradiol valerate and 500 µg cloprostenol and were examined every 12 hr after 24 hr of the treatment for cervical dilatation and other signs related to fetal expulsion. The time duration between treatment and starting of cervical dilatation ranged from 48 to 58h (53.00 ± 2.08 hr). Complete dilatation of cervix was observed after 70.00 ± 2.94 hr post treatment (Range = 64-76 hr). The mean fetal crown-rump length (CRL) was 31.5 cm, which ranged from 27.5 to 38 cm. The number of cotyledons in pregnant horn also showed wide variation (Range 24-38 numbers) with mean ± SE of 30.3 ± 3.07 numbers. In the placenta of three animals irregular shaped large adventitious cotyledons were observed in the inter-cotyledonary areas. Out of the four animals treated, three animals were conceived within three estrous cycles and one animal had cystic ovary in the next cycle and was not conceived even after four cycles. It was concluded that the estradiol and prostaglandin F(2)α (PGF(2)α) combination therapy was effective for expulsion of mummified fetus in crossbred cows without affecting much on future fertility.