RESUMO

Clinical endometritis (CE) and subclinical endometritis (SE) are two of the main uterine diseases in dairy cows during the puerperium period that can directly affect milk production and fertility in dairy herds. The first objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the CE and SE on the subsequent reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cows in Brazilian herds, and the second objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cows according to the positive or negative isolation of bacteria in the uterine environment. A total of 279 lactating Holstein dairy cows (28-33 days in milk) from six commercial farms were studied. These were classified into three groups: healthy cows (without CE and SE, n = 161), cows with CE (vaginal discharge score = 3 and ≥18% PMNL, n = 83) and cows with SE (absence of signs of CE and >18% PMNL, n = 35). According to the presence of bacteria isolated from the uterine environment, the animals were classified as healthy cows (n = 161), CE cows with positive (n = 68) and negative (n = 15) bacterial isolation; and SE cows with positive (n = 21) and negative (n = 14) bacterial isolation. Cows with CE (20.5%) and SE (31.4%) had a lower (p < .05) conception rate at first AI than healthy cows (47.8%). Furthermore, both cows with CE (3.1) and SE (2.8) needed more service to become pregnant than healthy cows (1.7) and more days to be pregnant (50.3 days in CE and 43.1 days in SE than healthy group; p < .001). Cows with CE (23.8 kg) and SE (23.7 kg) produced less milk than healthy cows on the day of sampling (28.2 kg); however, milk production during 305 DIM of cows with CE and SE was not impaired when compared to healthy cows. The logistic regression showed that parity, body condition score, 305 days milk production, last calving (eutocia or dystocia), twin birth and stillbirth were not associated with the incidence of CE and SE. In addition, we highlight that cows with CE and SE, but with negative bacteria isolation, did not have reproductive performance and milk production impaired during the postpartum period. These results support that the use of antibiotics would not be beneficial in these cows, contributing to the strategic and rational use of antibiotic therapy on dairy farms.

Assuntos

RESUMO

New postpartum strategies have been developed in dairy cows to ameliorate uterine health and reproductive performance, especially the first service conception rates. This study aimed to assess the effect of intrauterine therapy with ozone (IUTO) in early postpartum on subclinical endometritis prevalence and reproductive parameters in dairy cows under commercial farm conditions. For this purpose, eighty clinically healthy cows with a body condition score between 3.0 and 3.5, from four dairy farms, were randomly allocated into two groups: ozone therapy group (OG, n = 40), which were subjected to IUTO, and control group (CG, n = 40). Content of uterine polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes and subclinical endometritis (SE) percentage were assessed at 35 days after calving by uterine cytology. A second cytology was performed 72 h after IUTO. Reproductive parameters such as interval calving to first service (IFS), number of services per conception (nSC), interval calving to conception (ICC) and first service conception rate (FSCR) were analysed. The second endometrial cytology demonstrated that IUTO reduced (P < 0.01) both PMN (3.7 ± 1.4 vs. 7.6 ± 1.1%) and SE (5.0 vs. 50.0%) percentages compared with CG. Likewise, after ozone treatment, both nSC (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 3.1 ± 0.2; P < 0.01) and ICC (126.2 ± 9.7 vs. 149.0 ± 9.0; P = 0.0672) decreased, and FSCR increased (50.0 vs. 16.2%; P < 0.01) compared with CG. In conclusion, intrauterine ozone therapy applied at 35 days after calving reduced subclinical endometritis prevalence and improved reproductive performance in postpartum dairy cows managed in a pasture-based system.

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The study was carried out to find the relation between subclinical endometritis (SCE) and postpartum (pp.) ovarian resumption as well as to evaluate serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP in buffaloes with and without SCE. Thirty-nine pluriparous buffaloes at the 3rd (W3), 5th (W5) and 7th (W7) week pp. were involved in this experiment. The parity of the buffaloes ranged from 4 to 8 with an average 5.8±0.2. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in uterine cytology obtained from endometrial cytobrush at W5 and W7. The cut-off point of PMNs% in buffaloes for SCE was ≥ 6% at W5 or ≥ 4% at W7. According to PMNs%, buffaloes were divided into SCE group (n=27) and non-SCE group (n=12). Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone assay at W3, W5 and W7. Serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP were estimated at W5 and W7. Buffaloes with SCE (55.6%) showed delayed ovarian activity as compared to non-SCE (16.7%) animals (P=0.036). Significant increase in serum cytokines and CRP levels were detected at W5 (P ˂0.05) and W7 (P <0.01) in SCE buffaloes as compared to non-SCE. Endometrial levels of cytokines were significantly (P ˂0.05) elevated in SCE buffaloes. Serum and endometrial cytokines showed significant positive correlation. Furthermore, levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP exhibited significant positive correlation with PMNs%. In conclusion, SCE delayed postpartum ovarian cyclicity in buffaloes. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP assessments could be efficient tools in prediction of SCE in buffaloes.

RESUMO

The study was carried out to find the relation between subclinical endometritis (SCE) and postpartum (pp.) ovarian resumption as well as to evaluate serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP in buffaloes with and without SCE. Thirty-nine pluriparous buffaloes at the 3rd (W3), 5th (W5) and 7th (W7) week pp. were involved in this experiment. The parity of the buffaloes ranged from 4 to 8 with an average 5.8±0.2. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in uterine cytology obtained from endometrial cytobrush at W5 and W7. The cut-off point of PMNs% in buffaloes for SCE was ≥ 6% at W5 or ≥ 4% at W7. According to PMNs%, buffaloes were divided into SCE group (n=27) and non-SCE group (n=12). Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone assay at W3, W5 and W7. Serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP were estimated at W5 and W7. Buffaloes with SCE (55.6%) showed delayed ovarian activity as compared to non-SCE (16.7%) animals (P=0.036). Significant increase in serum cytokines and CRP levels were detected at W5 (P ˂0.05) and W7 (P <0.01) in SCE buffaloes as compared to non-SCE. Endometrial levels of cytokines were significantly (P ˂0.05) elevated in SCE buffaloes. Serum and endometrial cytokines showed significant positive correlation. Furthermore, levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP exhibited significant positive correlation with PMNs%. In conclusion, SCE delayed postpartum ovarian cyclicity in buffaloes. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP assessments could be efficient tools in prediction of SCE in buffaloes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The study was carried out to find the relation between subclinical endometritis (SCE) and postpartum (pp.) ovarian resumption as well as to evaluate serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP in buffaloes with and without SCE. Thirty-nine pluriparous buffaloes at the 3rd (W3), 5th (W5) and 7th (W7) week pp. were involved in this experiment. The parity of the buffaloes ranged from 4 to 8 with an average 5.8±0.2. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in uterine cytology obtained from endometrial cytobrush at W5 and W7. The cut-off point of PMNs% in buffaloes for SCE was ≥ 6% at W5 or ≥ 4% at W7. According to PMNs%, buffaloes were divided into SCE group (n=27) and non-SCE group (n=12). Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone assay at W3, W5 and W7. Serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP were estimated at W5 and W7. Buffaloes with SCE (55.6%) showed delayed ovarian activity as compared to non-SCE (16.7%) animals (P=0.036). Significant increase in serum cytokines and CRP levels were detected at W5 (P ˂0.05) and W7 (P <0.01) in SCE buffaloes as compared to non-SCE. Endometrial levels of cytokines were significantly (P ˂0.05) elevated in SCE buffaloes. Serum and endometrial cytokines showed significant positive correlation. Furthermore, levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP exhibited significant positive correlation with PMNs%. In conclusion, SCE delayed postpartum ovarian cyclicity in buffaloes. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP assessments could be efficient tools in prediction of SCE in buffaloes.(AU)

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The objectives of this study were to determine: a) the agreement between postmortem endometrial cytology, uterine biopsy and presence of intrauterine fluid in apparently normal genital tracts collected from culled dairy cows; b) the agreement between results obtained from paired uterine horns using the different diagnosis methods; and c) the microorganisms isolated from uteri with cytological endometritis. One hundred grossly normal genital tracts from Holstein cows were collected at a local slaughterhouse. Samples for cytology, histopathology and bacteriology were obtained from both uterine horns, and presence of any intrauterine content was determined after opening the tracts. Cut-off values used for positive cytology were ≥5% PMN (polymorphonuclear neutrophils). Data were analyzed by ROC curve analysis, Cohen’s Kappa method and Chi-square tests. Presence of inflammatory infiltrate and its endometrial distribution were the only histological parameters significantly correlated with cytology results (AUC: 0.780 and 0.694, respectively). Agreement between histology and cytology was moderately high for presence of infiltrate (kappa = 0.55) and low for infiltrate distribution (kappa = 0.33). Other histological parameters (status of endometrial epithelium, endometrial glands or fibrosis), intrauterine content or bacteriology were not correlated with cytology. Presence of intrauterine content was significantly (P = 0.036) related with biopsy results. Moderately high agreement was observed between paired uterine horns for cytology (kappa = 0.65) and biopsy (kappa = 0.74). Bacteriology was not related with cytology or biopsy, but different bacteria were isolated from cytology negative or positive uteri. It was concluded that endometrial cytology, although less sensitive than biopsy, is a useful tool for diagnosing subclinical endometrial inflammation.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objectives of this study were to determine: a) the agreement between postmortem endometrial cytology, uterine biopsy and presence of intrauterine fluid in apparently normal genital tracts collected from culled dairy cows; b) the agreement between results obtained from paired uterine horns using the different diagnosis methods; and c) the microorganisms isolated from uteri with cytological endometritis. One hundred grossly normal genital tracts from Holstein cows were collected at a local slaughterhouse. Samples for cytology, histopathology and bacteriology were obtained from both uterine horns, and presence of any intrauterine content was determined after opening the tracts. Cut-off values used for positive cytology were ≥5% PMN (polymorphonuclear neutrophils). Data were analyzed by ROC curve analysis, Cohens Kappa method and Chi-square tests. Presence of inflammatory infiltrate and its endometrial distribution were the only histological parameters significantly correlated with cytology results (AUC: 0.780 and 0.694, respectively). Agreement between histology and cytology was moderately high for presence of infiltrate (kappa = 0.55) and low for infiltrate distribution (kappa = 0.33). Other histological parameters (status of endometrial epithelium, endometrial glands or fibrosis), intrauterine content or bacteriology were not correlated with cytology. Presence of intrauterine content was significantly (P = 0.036) related with biopsy results. Moderately high agreement was observed between paired uterine horns for cytology (kappa = 0.65) and biopsy (kappa = 0.74). Bacteriology was not related with cytology or biopsy, but different bacteria were isolated from cytology negative or positive uteri. It was concluded that endometrial cytology, although less sensitive than biopsy, is a useful tool for diagnosing subclinical endometrial inflammation.(AU)

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RESUMO

The objective of the present study was to test the association between the presence of fluid in uterine lumen and the fertility of repeat breeder cows (RBC). Grazing Holstein cows that were clinically normal and were not pregnant after at least 3 consecutive inseminations were defined as RBC and included in the study (n = 358). A cut-point ≥2 mm of uterine lumen visible by ultrasonography was used as indicative of the presence of fluid in the uterus. The effect of this fluid on the fertility of RBC was assessed by mixed logistic regression. Twenty percent of the RBC had ≥2 mm of fluid in their uterus, and this finding was associated with a marked reduction in the odds of conception (odds ratio = 0.46). Additional intrauterine sampling revealed that 24.0% of RBC showed signs of subclinical endometritis [≥5% neutrophils in endometrial cytology (SCE)]. However, we found no agreement between the finding of uterine fluid and the diagnosis of SCE (kappa coefficient = 0.03, 95% confidence interval = -0.07 to 0.14). In conclusion, the presence of fluid (≥2 mm) in uterine lumen, detected by ultrasonography, was associated with lower fertility in RBC, but was not related to the diagnosis of SCE. Thus, ultrasonographic evaluation is an important tool to assist in assessment of RBC.

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The objectives of this study were to assess the agreement between endometrial cytology and uterine biopsy for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis (SEND) in grazing dairy cows, the interobserver agreement of the biopsy's readings, and the bacterial population isolated from the uterus of cows having SEND. In experiment 1, lactating Holstein cows (n=44) 31 to 59 d in milk (DIM) at sampling were enrolled. Clinical endometritis was diagnosed by direct evaluation of vaginal discharge and SEND by endometrial cytology evaluation. Two hundred cells per smear were counted to determine the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes (PMNL). Cut-off values used were ≥8% PMNL at ≤33 DIM, ≥6% PMNL at 34 to 47 DIM, and ≥4% PMNL at ≥48 DIM. Biopsies were assessed blindly by 2 observers who categorized them into 4 groups according to their inflammatory changes: none, minimal, moderate, and severe inflammatory changes. Data were analyzed using the kappa coefficient and logistic regression. In experiment 2, lactating Holstein cows (n=60) 21 to 62 DIM were enrolled. Clinical endometritis and SEND were diagnosed as previously described. Samples were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria by routine methods of bacteriological testing. Data were analyzed with logistic regression. In experiment 1, little agreement was observed between cytology and biopsy outputs (kappa=0.151), and strong agreement between the 2 operators (kappa=0.854). The likelihood of having a normal biopsy (no inflammatory change) was greater for healthy cows than for those having SEND (odds ratio=13.145). The probability for getting normal uterine tissue decreased 2.1% for every increasing percentage point in PMNL. In experiment 2, no bacteria were isolated from cows with SEND, coagulase-negative staphylococci were commonly isolated from healthy cows, and Trueperella pyogenes was frequently isolated from cows with clinical endometritis. The likelihood of isolating T. pyogenes from uterine samples increased with the percentage of PMNL (odds ratio=1.100). In conclusion, biopsy showed low agreement with cytology for the diagnosis of SEND. Nevertheless, fertility trials using uterine biopsies to predict pregnancy outcomes are needed to determine its diagnostic usefulness. Finally, bacteriology would not be recommended as a diagnostic tool because no bacteria were isolated from cows with SEND.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gynecological examination and endometrial cytology in Holstein cows with more than three repetitions of estrus. The experiment was conducted in six commercial dairy herds both with similar reproductive and sanitary managements and assisted by veterinarians. It was included only Holstein cows up to five calving and more than three consecutive repetitions of estrus. Seventy-seven cows were identified and carried gynecological examination and endometrial cytology. The reproductive causes found in this study, subject to involuntary culling, were: clinical endometritis with purulent vaginal discharge and more than 3% neutrophils (7.79%), clinical endometritis with purulent vaginal discharge and less than 3% neutrophils (2.6%), subclinical endometritis (10.4%), urovagina (1.3%) and 77.9% cows with unknown causes and they were not associated with reproductive disorders evaluated. It was concluded: a) the rate of cows without diagnosis is very high and it interferes directly to the reproductive performance; b) the proposed examination diagnosed 22.1% of clinical disorders that might be prevented or treated and thus decreasing the involuntary culling.

AA eficiência reprodutiva é um dos principais fatores envolvidos na viabilidade econômica do setor de criação de bovinos. Objetivou-se realizar a avaliação ginecológica e citológica em vacas Holandesas com mais de três repetições de cio. O experimento foi desenvolvido em seis propriedades leiteiras comerciais, com manejos sanitários e reprodutivos semelhantes e assistidas por médicos veterinários. Foram incluídas apenas vacas da raça Holandesa, até cinco parições e mais de três repetições de cio consecutivas. Na propriedade, os animais foram identificados e procedidos o exame ginecológico e citologia endometrial. No presente estudo foram avaliadas 77 vacas e as causas reprodutivas encontradas em vacas Holandesas sujeitas ao descarte involuntário foram: endometrite clínica com secreção vaginal purulenta e mais que 3% de neutrófilos (7,79%), endometrite clínica com secreção vaginal purulenta e menos que 3% de neutrófilos (2,6%), endometrite subclínica (10,4%), urovagina (1,3%) e 77,9% que não se sabe a causa, porém não está associado aos distúrbios reprodutivos avaliados. Concluiu-se que: a) o índice de vacas que não apresentaram a causa diagnosticada é muito alto e isto interfere diretamente na eficiência reprodutiva; b) o exame proposto diagnosticou 22,1% de distúrbios clínicos que poderiam ser evitados ou tratados e desta forma reduzindo o descarte involuntário.

RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gynecological examination and endometrial cytology in Holstein cows with more than three repetitions of estrus. The experiment was conducted in six commercial dairy herds both with similar reproductive and sanitary managements and assisted by veterinarians. It was included only Holstein cows up to five calving and more than three consecutive repetitions of estrus. Seventy-seven cows were identified and carried gynecological examination and endometrial cytology. The reproductive causes found in this study, subject to involuntary culling, were: clinical endometritis with purulent vaginal discharge and more than 3% neutrophils (7.79%), clinical endometritis with purulent vaginal discharge and less than 3% neutrophils (2.6%), subclinical endometritis (10.4%), urovagina (1.3%) and 77.9% cows with unknown causes and they were not associated with reproductive disorders evaluated. It was concluded: a) the rate of cows without diagnosis is very high and it interferes directly to the reproductive performance; b) the proposed examination diagnosed 22.1% of clinical disorders that might be prevented or treated and thus decreasing the involuntary culling.

AA eficiência reprodutiva é um dos principais fatores envolvidos na viabilidade econômica do setor de criação de bovinos. Objetivou-se realizar a avaliação ginecológica e citológica em vacas Holandesas com mais de três repetições de cio. O experimento foi desenvolvido em seis propriedades leiteiras comerciais, com manejos sanitários e reprodutivos semelhantes e assistidas por médicos veterinários. Foram incluídas apenas vacas da raça Holandesa, até cinco parições e mais de três repetições de cio consecutivas. Na propriedade, os animais foram identificados e procedidos o exame ginecológico e citologia endometrial. No presente estudo foram avaliadas 77 vacas e as causas reprodutivas encontradas em vacas Holandesas sujeitas ao descarte involuntário foram: endometrite clínica com secreção vaginal purulenta e mais que 3% de neutrófilos (7,79%), endometrite clínica com secreção vaginal purulenta e menos que 3% de neutrófilos (2,6%), endometrite subclínica (10,4%), urovagina (1,3%) e 77,9% que não se sabe a causa, porém não está associado aos distúrbios reprodutivos avaliados. Concluiu-se que: a) o índice de vacas que não apresentaram a causa diagnosticada é muito alto e isto interfere diretamente na eficiência reprodutiva; b) o exame proposto diagnosticou 22,1% de distúrbios clínicos que poderiam ser evitados ou tratados e desta forma reduzindo o descarte involuntário.