Prevalence of Endometritis in Crossbred cows at District Lahore, Pakistan

Ammara Shakeel, Farah Akram, Muhammad Amjad Khan, Asmara Imtiaz

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Endometritis is causing great economic losses every year not only because of medication but also because of prolonged and increased calving period. The studies on prevalence / incidence are scarce which otherwise are essentially required to develop different control and treatment strategies. The objectives of this study was to determine incidence / prevalence of endometritis with regards to milking status and Month / Season wise in crossbred cows. The study was conducted on the crossbred cows belonging to four dairy farms located at Lahore and surrounding areas. Young stock cows fit for breeding (2-4 years old), adult milking cows and adult non milking (dry) cows were three understudy groups. Four hundred animals of each group were examined every month for a period of one year. Endometritis cases were identified through clinical signs (Less pregnancy rate / infertility, loss of appetite, depression, dehydration, vaginal discharge and dullness), Vaginal/uterine swab, colour and odour of vaginal discharge and measurement of cervical diameter. Overall Endometritis incidence was found highest (1.72 %) in Milking cows followed by Dry Cows (1.00 %) and lowest in Young Stock Cows (0.94 %). The highest incidence was observed during summer season in all three classes of cows whereas the lowest was during winter with the exception of in Milk group where the lowest incidence was observed during spring season. The study may provide useful information to evolve effective control measures and treatment of endometritis in crossbred cows.