Evaluation of the best time for manual removal of retained fetal membranes in the cow
Subject Areas : Veterinary Clinical Pathology
1 - Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
2 - Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Keywords: Cow, retained placenta, Manual removal,
Abstract :
The syndrome of retained fetal membranes (RFM) is an important problem in dairy cattle industry in Iran and most other countries. However, the syndrome has not been defined precisely nor specific recommendations have been suggested for its management. Most scientists believe that if the fetal membranes are not expelled spontaneously within 12 hours after parturition, the term RFM could be used. To determine the best time for manual removed of fetal membranes, a total of 200 cows affected by this syndrome were identified in the farms of Tabriz area and randomly allocated into four groups of 50 animals each (A, B, C and D). In groups A, B and C the fetal membranes were removed manually at days 6, 7 and 8 postpartum respectively. Complete or incomplete removal of fetal membranes was recorded in each animal. In group D, the membranes were not removed manually and allowed to be expelled spontaneously without any external intervention. The results indicated that meanplacental expulsioningroup D was10.8 days. In group A, the fetal membranes of 26 cows (52%) were removed completely while those of 24 cows (49%) were incompletely removed. These figures for group B were 38 cows (76%) and 12 cows (24%) respectively. The fetal membranes of all animals in group C were completely removed manually. Based on chi square test, significant statistical difference was observed between all experimental groups (P<0.05). The results of this study indicated that the 8th postpartum day is the best time for manual removed of fetal membranes in cows affected by this syndrome and manual removal before this time can be very dangerous due to incomplete removal and risk of septicemia. These conclusions are confirmed by histologic characteristics and anatomic changes of the fetal membranes and uterus.
- Archbald, L.E., Schultz, R.F., Fahning, M.L., et al. (1972): A sequential histological study of the post-partum bovine uterus. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. 29, pp: 133-136.
- Arthur, G.H. (1979): Retention of the after birth in cattle: A review and commentary. Veterinary Annual. 19, pp: 26-30.
- Bartlett, P.C., Kirk, J.H., Wilke, M.A., et al. (1986): Metritis complex in Michigan Holstein-Friesian cattle: Incidence, descriptive epidemiology and estimated economic impact. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 4, pp: 235-238.
- Eiler, H. and Hopkins, F.M. (1993). Successful treatment of retained placenta with umbilical cord injections of collangenase in cows. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. 203, pp: 436-439.
- Gier, H.T. and Marion, G.B. (1968): Uterus of the cow after parturition: Involutional changes. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 29, pp: 83-86.
- Joosten, I., Stelwagen, J. and Dijkhuizen, A.A. (1988): Economic and reproductive consequences of retained placenta in dairy cattle. Veterinary Record. 123, pp: 53-57.
- Marion, G.B., Norwood, J.S. and Gier, H.T. ( 1968): Uterus of the cow after parturition: Factors affecting regression. American Journal of Veterinary Research. 29, pp: 71-75.
- Paisley, L.G., Mickelsen, W.D. and Anderson, P.B. (1986): Mechanisms and therapy for retained fetal membranes and uterine infections of cows (A review). Theriogenology. 25: 353.
- Palmer, C.C. (1982): Clinical studies on retained placenta in the cow. Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association. 80, pp: 59-64.
- Van werven, T., Schukken, Y.H., Loyd, J., et al. (1992): The effects of duration of retained placenta on reproduction, milk production, postpartum disease and calling rate. Theriogenology. 37, pp: 1191-1193.
- Youngquist, R.S. (1997): Current Therapy in Large Animal Theriogenology. 1st ed. W.B. Saunders Company, London, pp: 340-348.
