Causes and Effect of Endocervical Inflammation on Calving to Conception in Holstein Friesian Cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the causes and the effect of endocervical inflammation on calving to conception interval in subsequent lactation of Holstein Friesian cows. A total of 162 cows (58; 35.8% primiparous and 104; 64.2% multiparous) were sampled at 29-35 days postpartum (mean 32.5 ± 0.14 days) for diagnosis of endocervical inflammation using and adapted cytobrush technique. A total of 162 slides were obtained and were evaluated for the presence of neutrophil cells. A threshold of ≥ 5% neutrophils was used to select cows as positive for endocervical inflammation. The main events recorded at calving and in early part of postpartum period were assisted calvings, retained foetal membranes (RFM) within 12 hours post calving and puerperal metritis within 18 days postpartum (pp). The overall incidence of endocervical inflammation was 11.1% (n 18/162) and was higher in cows with puerperal metritis (29.41%) and in cows with RFMs (28.12%). The probability (odds) of developing a endocervical inflammation at 29-35 days in milk (DIM) was higher in cows with puerperal metritis (odds ratio 6.25, 95% CI 2.23-17.46; p value 0.0002) and in cows with RFMs (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.88-14.67, p value 0.0007). Endocervical inflammation with more or equal to 5% neutrophils at 29-35 days pp was associated with decreased hazard of pregnancy within 140 DIM (hazard ratio 0.38 95% CI 0.29-0.53).  The mean days from calving to conception for all artificial insemination until 140 DIM was 106.6 ± 20.9 days in cows without endocervical inflammation and 122 ± 17.9 days in cows with endocervical inflammation. Days open was increased with 15.4 days (SE 5.1, 95% CI 5.15-25.57, p value 0.0034). The findings of this study indicate which causal factors of endocervical inflammation should be monitored in pp dairy cows to limit the effects on consecutive reproductive performance.