Disorders of the postpartum bovine uterus: A Literature Review

• Main Author: Wael MB. Noseir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mirror of Research in Veterinary Sciences and Animals (MRVSA) 2013-11-01
• Series: Mirror of Research in Veterinary Sciences and Animals
• Subjects: Uterine disorders; cattle; postpartum; infertility; uterine health; cow
• Online Access: http://mrvsa.com/upload/article%204%20Disorders%20of%20the%20postpartum%20bovine%20uterus%20A%20Literature%20Review.pdf

Uterine health condition plays a very important role in evoking cattle fertility or infertility. The major prerequisites to enhance and achieve postpartum bovine fertility are a normal physiological uterine involution and re-establishment of ovarian cyclicity. Uterine function is usually compromised in cattle by bacterial contamination of the uterine lumen after parturition, and pathogenic bacteria often persist, causing uterine disease, a key cause of infertility in cattle. The causes of uterine diseases are complex and multifactorial; therefore, a broad approach must be taken when trying to identify the causes or prevent them. The dairy cow undergoes a state of negative energy during the transition into lactation, which leads to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to disease. The main risk factors for uterine diseases are dystocia, stillbirth, abortion, prolapsed uterus, retained placenta. Uterine diseases are associated with lower conception rates, increased intervals from calving to first service or conception, and more cattle culled for failure to conceive. Health and management strategies should be applied to avoid the various risk factors that may affect cattle around parturition and postpartum. This review article will through light on conditions associated with uterine health and disorders and their significance on future fertility of parturient dairy cows.