A dirty uterus causes longer calving interval and more inseminations
If the uterus does not clean up properly after calving, it can have far-reaching consequences for cows and dairy farmers. In this article, we discuss everything around calving and how you can reduce the risk of uterine problems and thus improve the chances of a successful next pregnancy.
Reduced milk production biggest signal of dirty uterus
A recently published survey by a student at the Aeres Hogeschool in The Netherlands shows that dairy farmers indicate that in cows, where the uterus has not been cleaned properly, this can often be seen on the outside. The data below shows that 63% of 164 dairy farmers note that the cow is struggling, and that milk production lags because of this. This is followed by a large gap and 15% of dairy farmers indicate that they see that uterine health is not as it should be. Other issues mentioned are deteriorated condition, reduced appetite, sluggish behaviour and dull hair coat.
What does a dairy farmer see if the uterus of the cow does not clean up? (n=164)
- Milk production drops (63%)
- Sickness (3%)
- Bad condition (7%)
- Whites (15%)
- Other (12%)
Why is a clean uterus so important?
When the cow has uterine problems (e.g. retained placenta), there remains an open connection between the uterus and the outside world. As a result, unwanted invaders enter the uterus, 80-90% of cows have a uterus invaded with harmful bacteria after calving (Depreester, 2014). This disrupts the environment. As a result, the cow does not feel fit and fertility problems lurk. This disturbance can occur as early as ten days after calving. In fresh cows (<3 weeks after calving), there may still be contents in the uterus. However, it should not stink or be white. If it does or the uterus does not clean up quickly enough, there is a disturbance.
The longer the dirt remains in the uterus, the worse the negative effects become for the cow’s fertility. Resistance and the cow’s energy balance have a lot of influence on this process. Cows with a prolonged contaminated uterus usually still show heat, but there is a high probability of failure to conceive after insemination. If a cow does not show heat, the uterus may be filled with dirt without any effusion, this phenomenon blocks the fertility cycle.
What is the perfect calving interval?
According to Henk Hogeveen, researcher at Wageningen University (NL), the perfect calving interval is 365 days. Although, of course, this depends heavily on the overall health of your herd. In fact, he indicates that the loss of having a high interval can be as much as €27,000 per year (Veeteelt, 2015). This huge loss is mainly due to the reduced life production of a cow. Not surprisingly, calving is in the top 3 improvement goals of livestock farmers. CRV reported in 2016 that the average calving interval in The Netherlands was 413 days (409 in heifers).
A high interval affects both the cow and your return on investment. Among other things, it becomes increasingly difficult to get her pregnant. So, she will have to be inseminated more often and while milk production per cow per day decreases more and more. This has a negative impact on your wallet. The cow is also fed too much feed in relation to her milk production. A cow of three lactations in four years, will generally produce less than a cow that calves four times in those four years.
Benefits AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program
- 8% increase in conception rate
- 9 days reduction in days open
- Up to +0.24 litres daily milk yield across lactation
Contact your AHV Farm Advisor for more information
Problems with afterbirth reflected in high interval and increased number of inseminations
The responses (see data below) show that when there have been problems with the afterbirth, most dairy farmers see that the interval increases and the first insemination takes longer. 13% of dairy farmers also indicate that more inseminations are needed before the cow is pregnant again. As a result, the dirty uterus causes more inseminations which increases costs and results in disappointing conception rates. Only 22% of the dairy farmers state that they see little to nothing and experience no problems from it at farm level.
What does a dairy farmer see in his herd’s data if the release of the placenta is problematic? (n=164)
- Longer calving interval, delayed insemination (65%)
- More inseminations (13%)
- Few abnormalities (22%)
How to get the cow pregnant again after calving?
In line with the increasing need for pre-calving nutrients, AHV has developed Booster Tablet, which can be administered about two weeks before, and one week after calving. Booster Tablet makes the cow want to eat more, and it makes the rumen more efficient so the cow can absorb the extra energy requirements through the ration. Using Booster Tablet proactively has delivered impressive results in trials, learn more here .
To ensure the right mineral and energy support after calving, we advise to use StartLac Paste or StartLac Tablet. This product makes the cow want to eat again quickly and provides her with rapidly available calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Thanks to the calcium pidolate and active vitamin D3 in the StartLac products, the minerals are also better absorbed from the ration. This reduces the risk of milk fever and subclinical calcium deficiency, among other things. The energy-rich paste can be administered once immediately after calving. The Tablet is given immediately after calving and repeated after 12 to 24 hours. To give the cow even more support immediately after calving, we advise to use the Aspi Tablet and the Metri Tablet immediately after calving. The Aspi helps a cow feel better and boosts the immune system. The Metri stimulates the contraction of the uterus, which makes the placenta come off easier and the cow cleans up better.
Our proactive advice
| TRANSITION + UTERINE HEALTH & FERTILITY PROGRAM |
1x AHV Booster Tablet
1x AHV StartLac Paste of Tablet
(repeat tablet after 12- 24 hours)
1x AHV Aspi Tablet
1x AHV Metri Tablet
1x AHV Booster Tablet
Have a question?
Our experienced Farm Consultants and Technical Veterinary Experts are here to address any queries you have regarding your herd health.
Fill out our brief contact form to receive a call from our friendly team.
EN – Get in touch
"*" indicates required fields
Sources
Verhaert, F., Depreester, E., & Opsomer, G. (2014). RISICOFACTOREN VOOR KLINISCHE VERSUS SUBKLINISCHE ENDOMETRITIS BIJ HOOGPRODUCTIEF MELKVEE door Fien VERHAERT. https://libstore.ugent.be/fulltxt/RUG01/002/216/052/RUG01-002216052_2015_0001_AC.pdf
