The Effect of Lactation on Post-Partum Uterine Involution in Holstein Dairy Cows

• Published in: Reproduction in domestic animals 2013-12, Vol.48 (6), p.888-892
• Main Authors: Scully, S, Maillo, V, Duffy, P, Kelly, AK, Crowe, MA, Rizos, D, Lonergan, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal reproduction; Animals; Body Composition; Body Weight; Breastfeeding & lactation; Cattle; Cattle - physiology; Female; Lactation - physiology; Metabolism; Postpartum Period - physiology; Pregnancy; Uterus - physiology
• ISSN: 0936-6768; 1439-0531
• DOI: 10.1111/rda.12181

Contents The objective was to examine the effect of lactation on uterine involution in post‐partum dairy cows. Holstein primiparous cows were used (n = 19, mean age: 3.9 ± 0.1 years). At calving, cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, lactating (n = 11) or non‐lactating (i.e. dried off at calving, n = 8). Examination of the reproductive tract was carried out by ultrasonography twice weekly until week 7 post‐partum. Blood samples were collected twice weekly for the analysis of progesterone to indicate the resumption of cyclicity and metabolites indicative of energy status. Uterine involution was assessed in terms of size of the uterine horns, uterine body diameter and uterine fluid volume as assessed by the amount of non‐echogenic material measured by ultrasound and position of the uterus. Vaginal mucous score was taken on day 28 post‐partum for the assessment of uterine inflammation. Resumption of cyclicity (serum progesterone > 1 ng/ml) had occurred in both groups on average by day 21 post‐partum. Concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids and beta‐hydroxybutyrate were higher, whereas concentrations of glucose, insulin and IGF‐1 were lower (p