Evaluation of Rectal Temperature and Calving Related Factors on the Incidence of Metritis in Postpartum Dairy Cows

Authors

  • M. E. Benzaquen Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • C. Risco Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • L. F. Archbald Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • M. J. Thatcher Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
  • W. W. Thatcher Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20044950

Keywords:

Metritis, calving status, rectal temperature, reproductive performance

Abstract

Metritis is a serious condition in dairy cows since it affects production, fertility and can be life-threatening. A better understanding of calving-related factors that predispose cows to metritis would aid in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the association of calving status, parity and season on the incidence of postpartum metritis in lactating dairy cows; 2) examine the role of rectal temperature as a predictor of this condition; and 3) document the effect of metritis on subsequent reproductive performance.

Cover image of the 37th Conference Proceedings: Cattle in pens that stretch to the horizon. Yellow background.

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Published

2004-09-23

Issue

2004

Section

Research Summaries - Dairy II