Uterine Involution and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows with Metabolic Diseases

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Metabolic diseases, such as hypocalcemia, ketosis and lipomobilization, cause financial losses in dairy farms, mainly due to the costs of treatment, milk discharges and decreased milk production of diseased animals. Four groups of dairy cows were selected. The uterine involution of the animals was evaluated by palpation and transrectal ultrasonography during the postpartum period. In conclusion, cows with metabolic diseases had a delayed uterine involution when compared to animals without metabolic diseases. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of metabolic diseases on uterine involution and reproductive performance during the postpartum period. Multiparous Holstein dairy cows (n = 50) were divided into four groups based on whether they were healthy (n = 14), or had lipomobilization (n = 14), hypocalcemia (n = 11), and hyperketonemia (n = 11). Transrectal palpation and transrectal B-Mode sonography were carried out on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 45 and 60 after parturition. Cows with metabolic disease had a greater (p < 0.05) uterine size as assessed transrectally compared with cows without metabolic disease. Sonographic measurements revealed a greater (p < 0.05) horn diameter and endometrial thickness in cows of the metabolic disease groups than in the healthy cows. Metabolic disease affected (p < 0.05) the milk yield, percentage of service per pregnancy, days to first ovulation and days open. In conclusion, metabolic disease affected the uterine involution and fertility during the postpartum period.