Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

The Effects of Prostaglandin F2α on Reproductive Performance in the Postpartum Dairy Cow and the Mechanism Behind its Benefits

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/gq67jw603

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  • During the beginning of the postpartum period, 80 to 100% of lactating dairy cows have bacterial contamination within their uteri. Presence of uterine bacteria may contribute to increased number of days open and services per conception within these cows. Expulsion of uterine contamination is crucial for uterine involution and reproductive health. Susceptibility to bacterial infection within the uterus can be attributed to a decrease in neutrophil function during the first two weeks of the postpartum period. Prostaglandin F₂α (PGF₂α) has been found to induce uterine contractility, increase neutrophil propagation and affect the uterine environment. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a single injection of prostaglandin F₂α (Lutalyse, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY) on uterine health and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Holstein cows from a commercial dairy were randomly assigned to receive an intramuscular injection of either Lutalyse or saline on Day 7 or 14 postpartum (Day 0= day of parturition). Services per conception and days open were evaluated to determine the effects on reproductive performance due to treatment. Cytobrush and uterine swabs were performed on a subset of Day 14 postpartum cows at 0 and 24 h after injection to evaluate changes in uterine neutrophil and bacterial populations. The pro-inflammatory cytokines known to induce mobilization of neutrophils, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also measured at 0, 3, 6 and 12 h after injection of Lutalyse or saline on Day 14 postpartum to determine if PGF₂α induced an increase in cytokines similar to initial pathogen detection. No significant differences were seen in days open, services per conception, interleukin-1β or tumor necrosis factor-α concentrations. Interleukin-6 concentration was greater in saline cows at 12 h compared to Lutalyse treated cows at 3, 6 and 12 h after injection. Additionally, an increase in uterine neutrophils (P=0.05) and a decrease in bacteria (P=0.05) in response to Lutalyse were observed. Although PGF₂α has been shown to have beneficial effects on the postpartum uterus, a single injection protocol may simply not be adequate to induce significant improvement in reproductive performance.
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