Comparison of three management programs for control of chronic endometritis in a dairy herd

Three management programs to improve reproductive efficiency were compared in 542 dairy cows. The voluntary wait period was set at 60 days. Cows were examined for endometritis 22 to 28 days postpartum (pp) and assigned to thr ee treatment groups: In group 1, cows with abnormal vaginal discharge were treated with an uterine infusion of 100 ml of a 2 per cent polycondensated m-cresolsulfuric acid-formaldehyde solution (14:1) (Lotagen(R), Essex Tiera rznei, Munchen). In group 2, cows with abnormal vaginal discharge tc ere tr eated with an uterine infusion of 125 mi of 20 per cent herbal extract solu tion (Eucacomp(R), PlantaVet, Bad Waldsee). in group 3, all cows were injec ted intramuscularly with 0,75 mg Tiaprost (5 mi Iliren(R)C, Hoechst Roussel Vet GmbH, Wiesbaden) in 14 day intervals, starting on day 42 pp until inse mination. A total of 34 per cent of the cows showed symptoms of chronic end ometritis. Compared to group 1 and 2 service rate was significantly higher in group 3 (p < 0,05). Days to first service and days open were shorter in group 3 than in group 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0,05). Results indicate th at management programms based on strategic application of PGF(2)alpha prese nt an alternative to traditional programs based on uterine infusions.