Uterine Health in Dairy Cows

Uterine Health in Dairy Cows
by Marnie Mellencamp, Ph.D., Director of Immunology, Ralco Nutrition, Inc.

Uterine infections are a major problem in dairy cows. Following calving, the uterus of over 90% of all dairy cows becomes contaminated with bacteria. Some of these bacteria are harmful and may cause an active infection. Bacterial infections have a negative impact on fertility, milk production, dry matter intake and the overall health of the cow.

The herdsman’s goal is to maintain the highest level of reproductive health in the herd.

The uterus of a cow is sterile during her pregnancy. The cervix provides a strong barrier against bacteria, viruses and fungi. However, at calving the cervix is dilated and the uterus is exposed to the variety of infectious agents in the environment. In addition to uterine exposure to pathogens, infections occur at calving because of the decreased immune function that occurs at this time. A highly contaminated maternity pen is an ideal environment for infection of the reproductive tract. Older cows tend to have more infections.

Many bacteria have been isolated from uterine infections. Some of these include Arcanobacterium (formerly Corynebacterium) spp, Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Escherchia coli and Klebsiella spp.

Most cows will eliminate contaminating pathogens from their uterus within four to six weeks of parturition and resume their normal reproductive function, including normal estrus. However, approximately 20% remain infected and this results in persistent infection and development of endometritis.

Uterine Balance™ Capsules

Veterinarians and dairy producers are increasingly interested in finding effective and economical alternatives to antibiotic treatment for metritis. The dilemma is that there are very few drugs cleared by the FDA for the treatment of metritis, either by intra-uterine or intra-muscular administration. Extra-label use of antibiotics requires veterinary involvement and a withholding period. When the uterus has sustained injury or damage from an infection, it needs time to heal the injury. Antibiotic infusions tend to be harsh. The ideal solution is a localized protocol that soothes already inflamed tissues, reduces the impact of the infecting bacteria and allows the healthy vaginal bacteria to return to a proper balance.

The normal bacterial flora that colonizes the cow’s vaginal tract includes predominantly the lactic acid producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus. A “healthy” and balanced microbial flora can reduce the impact of opportunistic pathogens, such as E. coli and Klebsiella from infecting the cow at parturition. Providing nutrients that support the growth of these favorable bacteria is important for overall uterine health.

What can you do to reduce the effects of uterine infections?

• Prevention is essential!
• Keep the maternity area clean, dry and well bedded. Larger dairies will require several clean pens.
• Limit the impact of infection on delicate uterine tissues. Using Uterine Balance™ Capsules for two days post-calving will:
o Help reduce inflammation
o Help control pathogenic bacteria
o Help restore balance of the healthy bacteria
• Provide balanced rations without protein or energy deficiencies.
• Assure that rations provide adequate levels of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium to assure highest immune function. Oral administration of Bovine Plus™ Capsules at this time boosts levels of these key nutrients that support the immune system.
• Make sure that cows are not over-conditioned at the time of calving

A herd health program is essential for maintaining reproductive health on a dairy. Sanitation of maternity pens is key for preventing infections. Protocols for identification of cows with postpartum infections will identify problems early and allow the producer to get effective treatment started quickly. Using two Uterine Balance Capsules 12 to 24 hours after calving and two additional capsules 12 to 24 hours later as needed will help restore a normal uterine environment.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Antibiotic intra-uterine therapy has not been effective in restoring normal reproductive performance of cows with metritis. Such antibiotic use can result in costly milk discard, and risk of antibiotic residue in milk.

Uterine disorders negatively impact dry matter intake and milk production. Treating uterine infection with penicillin and ampicillin can result in dumping milk for 7-10 days.

The estimated cost of uterine infection in a dairy cow ranges from $161 - $206 per cow

The cost of using two Uterine Balance™ Capsules to help prevent uterine infection for each cow is $4.27.

The cost of using two Uterine Balance™ Capsules and two Bovine Plus™ Capsules to help reduce the symptoms of a uterine infection is $9.