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A dirty uterus causes a 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 pregnancy rates.
Reduced milk production biggest signal of dirty uterus
A recently published survey by a student at the Aeres University of Applied Science 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 an additional energy demand for maintenance.
The longer the pus 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 pus 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 29,560 dollar ( €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.
Reproduction has huge impacts on profitability. An appropriate calving interval will keep more cows in peak milk production, more calves being born each month, less replacements needed and ultimately increase longevity and production of your herd.
Benefits AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program
- 8% increase in conception rate
- 9 days reduction in days open
- Up to +0.528 lbs daily milk yield across lactation
Contact your AHV Farm Advisor for more information
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 the Booster Bolus, which can be administered about two weeks before, and one week after calving. The Booster Bolus drives intakes and improves rumen efficiency, so the cow can absorb the extra energy requirements through the ration. Using Booster Bolus proactively has delivered impressive results in trials, learn more here.
To ensure the right mineral and energy support after calving, we advise using the Conception Plus HR Programs (Milk Start Paste or Milk Start Bolus ). The Milk Start Products drive intakes, make the cow want to eat again quickly and provide her with rapidly available calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Thanks to the calcium pidolate and active vitamin D3 in the Milk Start 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 Bolus is given immediately after calving and repeated after 12 to 24 hours. To give the cow even more support immediately after calving, we advise using the Aspi Bolus and the Metri Bolus immediately after calving. The Aspi helps a cow feel better and boosts the immune system. The Metri stimulates the contraction of the uterus, which releases the placenta and cleans the uterus quicker.
Proactive: For optimal results and herd success
| TRANSITION + UTERINE HEALTH & FERTILITY PROGRAM |
1x AHV Booster Bolus
1x AHV Milk Start Paste or 2x Bolus
(repeat bolus after 12- 24 hours)
1x AHV Aspi Bolus
1x AHV Metri Bolus
1x AHV Booster Bolus
Get in touch!
Would you like to be visited by an advisor to discuss the health challenges on your farm together? Our AHV Farm Advisor will be happy to visit you to jointly assess the health of your cows and come up with appropriate cow-specific advice.
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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
