Screening the Health Status of Postpartum Anoestrus Cows of Biratnagar of Nepal

Abstract

High yielding dairy cattle are often prone to postpartum anestrus that retards both production and reproductive performances. To investigate the postpartum anestrus, 21 nondescript dairy cows raised in and around Biratnagar have been included in this study. The basic information regarding the breeding history, nutritional status, milk yield, suckling and frequency of milking were obtained on request from the owners. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of all cows to diagnose the parasitic infestations. Rectal palpation was performed to explore the status of the ovary and other reproductive tracts. Blood samples were collected through jugular vein puncture in vials with and without anticoagulant for hematological and serobiochemical analysis. Rectal palpation revealed inactive ovaries in most of the dairy cows. The fecal and blood samples had been forwarded to Regional Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Biratnagar for further analysis. Fecal examination resulted in severe parasitic infestations in 90.47% of dairy cows. The predominantly observed parasites were Paramphistomum (38%) followed by Paramphistomum + Nematodes (19%), Nematodes (9%), Liver fluke + Nematodes (9%), Liver fluke (5%), Liver fluke + Paramphistomum (5%) and Nematodes + Moniezia expansa (5%). Among all, 47.61%, 42.85%, 28.57%, 23.80% and 4.76% of cows revealed lower values for total protein (TP), hemoglobin (Hb), calcium (Ca), packed cell volume (PCV), glucose (Glc) and inorganic phosphorus (P), respectively. However, 23.80% and 9.52% of cows showed higher values of inorganic P and Glc. It was concluded that lower values of TP, Hb, Ca, PCV, Glc and inorganic P rightly held responsible for the condition of postpartum anoestrus in cows. An improved managemental practices and nutritional status of cows is suggested for the management of postpartum anoestrus in cows.