Impact of postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance and prevention of specific uterine disorders in dairy cows

Hadj Omar, Karima; Nabi, Mustapha; Kalem, Amar; Boucif, Ahmed; Salhi, Omar; Ouchene, Nassim; KHELIFI TOUHAMI, Nadjet Amina

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.368596.3542

Impact of postpartum PGF2α treatment on reproductive performance and prevention of specific uterine disorders in dairy cows

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Blida 1 University, BP 270, 09000, Blida, Algeria

² University Blida 1

³ Institute of Veterinary Sciences, Blida 1 University, BP 270, 09000, Blida, Algeria.

⁴ Institute of veterinary sciences, Ibn Kheldoun University, Tiaret, Algeria.

10.22092/ari.2025.368596.3542

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PGF2α treatment administered after parturition on key reproductive parameters, the incidence of postpartum pathologies, and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows. The study involved two groups of dairy cows: a control group (C, n=20) and an experimental group (E, n=20) that received the PGF2α treatment. Postpartum pathologies, ovarian cyclicity, and reproductive performance indicators were compared between the groups. Postpartum pathologies were observed at a higher rate in the control group, with a 30% prevalence of retained placenta, 20% for both delayed uterine involution and clinical endometritis, and 5% for pyometra. In contrast, the experimental group exhibited a lower incidence, with 10% for retained placenta, 5% for delayed uterine involution, 5% for clinical endometritis, and 0% for pyometra. Although these results suggest a trend toward lower pathology incidence in treated cows, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regarding the resumption of ovarian cyclicity, the control group showed a resumption rate of only 15%, whereas 65% of the experimental group resumed cyclicity. This yielded an odds ratio of 10.52 and a highly significant p-value (< 0.01), indicating that PGF2α treatment effectively hastened the return to normal ovarian function. Reproductive performance also improved in the experimental group, with first insemination (AI1) success rates of 45% compared to 30% in the control group (OR = 1.93). The waiting period was significantly shorter in the experimental group (73 vs. 98 days, p < 0.001), and calving-to-fertilization and calving-to-calving intervals were reduced by approximately 31 days (p < 0.001). However, the overall reduction in the breeding period remained inconclusive. While PGF2α treatment did not significantly reduce postpartum pathologies, it markedly enhanced the resumption of ovarian cyclicity and improved reproductive intervals in dairy cows, leading to enhanced reproductive efficiency.

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