Evaluation of prostaglandin F2alpha treatment in dairy cows at risk for low fertility after parturition.

摘要

In a prospective study, 291 cows with, and 271 cows without, risk factors for low fertility were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups. Group-1 cows received 3 i.m. injections of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) at weekly intervals after parturition, and group-2 cows received an i.m. injection of PGF2alpha 17 to 24 days after parturition. Compared with a single PGF2alpha treatment 17 to 24 days after parturition, there was no added benefit of 3 treatments with PGF2alpha 3 to 10, 10 to 17 and 17to 24 days after parturition in cows at risk for low fertility. Cows without risk factors for low fertility had 20% higher pregnancy rates, compared with cows with risk factors for low fertility. Twinning had a negative effect on future fertility. It issuggested that further consideration should be given to the timing and intervals of PGF2alpha administration after parturition. It is concluded that risk factors for low fertility, such as retained placenta, twins and assisted calvings, are valid criteria to evaluate different treatment options to improve fertility in dairy cows.