POST-PARTUM SUB-CLINICAL ENDOMETRITIS- ALTERATION IN UTERINE HAEMODYNAMICS, INFLAMMATORY MARKERS ON TREATMENT WITH MODIFIED ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOLS IN DAIRY COWS

Abstract

Forty-one dairy cows (n=41) were enrolled to envisage the changes in uterine haemodynamics during sub-clinical endometritis (SCE) and its treatment with modified estrus synchronization protocols at 8 weeks post-partum. Trans-rectal Doppler sonography of both the middle uterine arteries (MUAs) was carried out for assessment of uterine perfusion whereas serum inflammatory markers i.e. IL-6 and C-RP were measured at 8 weeks post-partum and estrus (induced or spontaneous). Modified estrus synchronization protocols (MG6G and MG6GP) were used to adjudge their efficacy in post-partum dairy cows diagnosed with SCE and reproductive parameters were recorded. As a part of result, Doppler indices of both the MUAs at estrus i.e. TAMEAN, TAMAX, Blood flow volume-TAMEAN and TAMAX and diameter of MUA, were significantly lower (P<0.05) after application of MG6G and MG6GP protocols in SCEP as compared to SCEP control cows. Similarly, the IL-6, C-RP concentrations and PMNCs proportion (%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in SCEP control as compared to cows treated with MG6G and MG6GP protocols. Moreover, on the day of estrus, the uterine haemodynamics, concentration of serum inflammatory markers and PMNCs proportion (%) in treated cows was at par with SCE negative control (SCEN) cows. In terms of reproductive performance, days open were recorded to be significantly lower (P<0.01) in treated and SCEN group as compared to SCEP control cows. In conclusion, sub-clinical endometritis led higher uterine perfusion, release of proinflammatory cytokines and PMNCs proportion which happened to plummet the post-partum reproductive performance was successfully managed with modified estrus synchronization protocols.