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

摘要

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.