Risk factors for ultrasound-diagnosed endometritis and its impact on fertility in Scottish dairy cattle herds

McKay, C. , Viora, L. , Denholm, K. , Cook, J. and Vazquez Belandria, R. (2023) Risk factors for ultrasound-diagnosed endometritis and its impact on fertility in Scottish dairy cattle herds. Veterinary Record, 193(3), e3168. (doi: 10.1002/vetr.3168) (PMID:37308310)

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for and the impact of ultrasound-diagnosed endometritis (UDE) on lactating dairy cows’ reproductive performance. Methods: Data were analysed from 1123 Holstein and Holstein-Friesian cows from two Scottish dairy farms. A reproductive ultrasound examination was conducted on two occasions, at 43 ± 3 and 50 ± 3 days in milk (DIM), to screen for hyperechoic fluid in the uterus. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression modelling and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The overall incidence of UDE was 8.8% (99/1123). Risk factors for UDE included calving during autumn/winter seasons, increased parity and the presence of two or more diseases in the first 50 ± 3 days postpartum. The presence of UDE was associated with a reduced odds of pregnancy after all artificial inseminations up to 150 DIM. Limitations: The retrospective design of this study led to some inherent limitations with the quality and quantity of data collected. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate which risk factors should be monitored in postpartum dairy cows to limit the impact of UDE on future reproductive performance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Vazquez, Mr Richard and Denholm, Mrs Katie and McKay, Ciara and Viora, Dr Lorenzo
• Authors: McKay, C., Viora, L., Denholm, K., Cook, J., and Vazquez Belandria, R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Veterinary Record
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0042-4900
• ISSN (Online): 2042-7670
• Published Online: 12 June 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Veterinary Record 193(3):e3168
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence