Etiology and prevention of retained placenta in dairy cows

• Grant number: 12/21066-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2013
• End date: November 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Reproduction
• Principal Investigator: Roberto Sartori Filho
• Grantee: Roberto Sartori Filho
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

There are many challenges faced by vets and farmers to produce milk efficiently. Among these, reduction in fertility is related with the increase in milk production and increased dry matter intake over the years. In addition, metabolic and hormonal changes suffered by the cows during the transition period are important disturbances that occur during this phase. Pre-partum, there is a decrease in dry matter intake, increased mobilization of body reserves and reduction in immune status of the cows, which lead to higher incidences of disorders such as hypocalcemia, ketosis, displaced abomasum, retained placenta and uterine infection after delivery. Among the metabolic disorders, retention of the placenta is considered a major cause of loss of productive and reproductive efficiency in dairy production systems. The incidence of retained placenta varies widely depending on the farm, season and other factors, ranging from 8 to 30% and results in large losses to the milk producer. Some studies have suggested that the treatment with vitamin E in dairy cows during the pre-partum, has reduced the incidence of non-expulsion of fetal membranes, especially in cows with lack of this nutrient. The objective of this project is to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin E supplementation in cows during the pre-calving on the incidence of retained placenta and its impact on the productive and reproductive performance of cows. Furthermore, it will investigate endocrine and metabolic periparturient variables potentially associated with retained placenta. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PONTES, G. C. S.; MONTEIRO, JR., P. L. J.; PRATA, A. B.; GUARDIEIRO, M. M.; PINTO, D. A. M.; FERNANDES, G. O.; WILTBANK, M. C.; SANTOS, J. E. P.; SARTORI, R.. Effect of injectable vitamin E on incidence of retained fetal membranes and reproductive performance of dairy cows. JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE, v. 98, n. 4, p. 2437-2449, APR 2015. (12/21066-7)